I had the pleasure of growing up in the mesmerizing city of İstanbul, before I went to college for a year in London and three in New York, acquiring an Environmental Studies degree from NYU. I enjoy cooking, eating and conversing with friends around good food. Although for me there is no comparison to the variety and quality of available food options in İstanbul, one thing I missed the most about New York eating scene was Mexican cuisine. That’s why I partnered up with two friends to open, first Taco Department, our Mexican food delivery restaurant and later Bowl Department for salad and rice bowl options as healthier considerations. I reside in the Bebek area of this beautiful city, in the same building I used to live as a kid, now with my wife Melis. Apart from everything, I enjoy the nature and try to put together camping trips whenever I get a chance. I play basketball with my friends and I like music, particularly electronic/house/dance, but will listen to anything. I consider myself as a great ambassador of famous Turkish hospitality. I love experiencing İstanbul and try to do the best I can for my guests to be able to take pleasure in my city as much as I do.

Situated right on the Bosporus, this building boasts apartments with spectacular views of the city worthy of Sultans. It’s truly breathtaking to enjoy your morning coffee on a comfortable sofa while gazing at iconic monuments and the ferries cruising along. When you’re ready to head out to explore, the touristic epicenter of Taksim Square, posh streets of Nişantaşı district or the recently modernized hip Karaköy neighborhood are all awaiting to entertain you. The building is named Samibey, built by and named after my late grandfather Dr. Zülfü Sami Özgen and served as the family’s main residence for over 30 years. It has recently been renovated and refurbished with new furniture and equipment for the comfort and pleasure of our guests. All apartments have been refurbished to include a full kitchen, bathrooms and a living room along with a dining area with brand new appliances. All rooms including the living room have A/C units. All bedrooms have new beds as well as enough pillows and blankets for a comfortable nights sleep. A large communal garden located on the ground floor of the building is available for the pleasure of our guests along with other residents.

Samibey is located in Kabataş, across from the Dolmabahçe Palace, where the Ottoman Empire was run in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The neighborhood is along the coastline towards the historic peninsula, just below Beyoğlu, which emerged as the cultural epicenter of the city. As you exit the building, if you take a right and walk 30 min you will be on Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn, about to set foot on the historic peninsula. You'll find yourself in Eminönü, and be surrounded among prominent historic landmarks of the city; The Spice Bazaar, The Covered Bazaar, Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, The Blue Mosque, Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Çemberlitaş Turkish Bathhouse and countless more to explore. Alternatively, if you take a left a 45 min. stroll along the coast will lead you to the historic neighborhood of Ortaköy, which used to be a hodgepodge of Muslims, Jews, Greeks and Armenians together. Taksim Square, accessible with a 15 min. climb up the hill behind the building, is considered as one of the main touristic hubs of the city. Nişantaşı, considered as the most Europeanized neighborhood of İstanbul, is accessible with a 25 min. moderate northwardly walk.