Sema's apartment is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a truly authentic Turkish experience. From the large Sunday market outside the door to the ease of walking everywhere - Istiklal Street, Taksim Square, Galata Tower, Chihangir, over Galata Bridge to the spice market, the Egyptian market, the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Eminonu, Balat - Sema's place is unbeatable. The ferries to Kadakoy, Sultanahmet, and a trip up the Bosphorus are within a 30-minute walk. Everything is as described; the room is charming and while the chaos that is Istanbul is within steps, the apartment is quiet. Sema is extraordinarily kind and goes out of her way to make your stay comfortable, always willing to share her knowledge of the city. She is helpful and responsive and is easy to communicate with. I consider myself very fortunate to have stayed with Sema; my visit to Turkey would not have been the same had I made another choice. I hope to return and again enjoy the privilege of staying in the cozy Beyoglu room.