What a fantastic area. A short walk up the incline, and you're in the thick of Taksim and on the pedestrian mile. In the opposite direction, you're in the heart of residential Istanbul, with cafés, bakeries, and a gorgeous produce market (Sundays) that few visitors of the city saunter through. The bus stop that takes you down to the fish markets/golden horn is a few minutes' walk.

Volkan (thank you so much!! Hopefully see you next year!) is a gracious and flexible host. He was available *all the time*. The apartment was small, but had everything we needed for a few-day visit. The apartment was spotless. Bright. Airy. The blanket was warm. Wanted for nothing, really.