Damla has the most unique and special place I have ever encountered in my many trips with Airbnb and it is hard to describe in words the experience and feeling we had staying in her home for 6 days.
The place is so warm and stylish thanks to the many books and furniture pieces, so alive thanks to the many flowers and so bright thanks to the awesome living with many windows, that one might not want to leave it anymore. It has that personal touch of a true artist (since she is a film director) and because she also travels a lot, you can see the different accents in her place (Turkish but also western-European) which I found simply unique.
We also appreciated how functional the place is as it has absolutely everything a family could want or need (cutlery, plates, spices, wine glasses and even a stair for short people to reach higher places) and how comfortable the couches and beds were.
The apartment is located in the modern part of Istanbul and we had the opportunity to "get lost" on the many streets around her flat and around Taksim square where you can find great boutiques of artisans, amazing places to eat (that she recommended also) and breathtaking views. From it, we were able to access easily the Grand Bazar, Sultanahmet district and the ferries to visit the Asian side.
Damla was at home to welcome us, answered any of our questions always, helped us with the car from and to the airport, she even recommended a clinic to go to as we had a health problem with my father. Altogether, she was so available and so kind that I can't stop thanking her. :)
THIS IS THE PLACE YOU WANT TO STAY IN, IF COMING TO ISTANBUL AND SHE IS THE TYPE OF HOST YOU WANT TO HAVE ANYWHERE! I absolutely recommend her home and her hospitality.