Totally recommend this lovely place and Aykut (who's an academic, btw) who was super helpful and supportive, speaks perfect English as well as Russian (and perhaps other languages). Definitely made my stay in Istambul superbly comfortable. The place is easily accessible by a lift, conveniently only some short walk from the metro and a massive shopping mall Cevahir (a good exchange point right across the road), with lots of small groceries and shops and restaurants close by too, nice neighbourhood. The flat is operation-room-clean, with big windows and a gorgeous open patio roof-level with a fantastic view of the city. The room had all the necessities including a desk. The flat, looks newly renovated, was always warm and clean.