After having stayed in Istanbul multiple times over the years in neighborhoods on both the European and Asian sides, I can say that Abdu's place is the only place I want to stay in future trips to Istanbul (which there will be since I have family there). All of the pictures show the apartment exactly as it is. It is also a transportation hub but the neighborhood doesn't feel as chaotic as others - part of that is because of the quietness of the apartment...but you can open that beautiful window in the living room and sit and listen and watch Istanbul move. Even with Mihrimah Mosque just down the block - we rarely heard it. Easy access to historical sites and easy access to good food nearby and great tourist finds that you won't realize exist unless you decide to stay outside of the 'usual' neighborhoods. Id recommend on your first morning taking a quick 10min taxi to Beylerbeyi Palace and having breakfast at Beylerbeyi Van Kahvaltesi (you've probably heard of the Van breakfast on the other side of the Bosphorous...this one is excellent, cheaper, and still has a view of the Bosphorous. Then walk back to your apt by going through Kuzguncuk neighborhood to see the beauty of the old Ottoman wood houses. Another day go get lunch or dinner at Gusef Manti Evi in Uskudar. It's a special thing to still find handmade manti (ravioli) and you can find it in Abdu's neighborhood. Really, truly there is so much beauty and peace to be found in Abdu's place - you won't regret staying there. Just don't stay there when I want to! The stairs to get there are worth it. Abdu was very responsive and helpful and his father who greeted us at the apartment was such a nice guy and offered to help us, if needed, during our stay but none was needed because everything was ready for us.