Ilkay is a very nice host, friendly and helpful. The apartment is in a quiet place (one evening there was a big wedding happening on the street nearby, it was a bit busier, but on the other hane it was interesting to see). It is in an older house without an elevator, thick walls - you do not know about the neighbors. The apartment has a good location, within walking distance to Istiklal street (8 minutes), Taksim square (12-15 minutes), Sishane metro (15 minutes) or to Omer Hayyam bus stop (5 minutes). The apartment was tidy (things could be arranged more logically in the kitchen, but it is a "boy's" apartment), but it is true that the furnishings are older (they will surely be improved over time). The bed is big and comfortable, the bathroom is clean, the hot water is no problem (the apartment has its own gas boiler for hot water and heating), the internet connection works at high speed with no problems. Small balcony overlooking the street is nice for morning sitting. Small issues - do not count on the washing machine too much, it has some bugs (it could even run with the door open - watch out for that). Workplace / sitting area is for one person only (will surely be improved). And cats living in the neighborhood (the street cats) have fleas; it is Istanbul and it is everywhere the same.
For me - the apartment provided everything I needed, Ilkay is a nice host and I recommend staying with him. I will gladly stay with him again myself.