Staying with Özlem and Mehmet did not feel like I was staying at a paid establishment, it was like I was with friends or family. These two are some the friendliest, most accommodating, most helpful people I’ve ever met - the first night I was there we stayed up till 2am just talking about life and drinking tea, it felt like meeting up with long lost friends. They also helped me plan every single trip I had over the 5 days I was there. Their home is impeccably clean and well decorated, it feels so nice to live in! Their two cats are amazing as well, Bovary especially is very entertaining.
They live in a nice safe area which, being on the Asian side, is more relaxed than the European side, but getting to tourist attractions on the European side takes no longer than 30 mins with the nearest train station being only a 10 min walk away.
My only complaint is that I wish I could’ve stayed longer to spend more time with them! Couldn’t recommend them more if you’re visiting Istanbul! Miss you guys, teşekkürler for everything and hopefully see you soon 🙏