Nihat was a great host: he communicates well, he coordinated with my arrival and walked me to his place. I came from Tanzania during the winter and was not prepared for the cold in Istanbul: Nihat helped by loaning me a jacket and providing extra blankets. I enjoyed my room: it was comfortable and cozy. Plenty of space for my things. The location near Taksim Square is convenient. Be sure to plan to spend part of your trip just exploring Taksim area. There's a delicious and reasonably priced Vegan Restaurant nearby. I would definitely stay again at Nihat's place.