How did you decide to make Istanbul your home?

My SO is Turkish and I am American. He wants to live in Istanbul for the rest of our lives. I believe this is what I want and I believe I am prepared but I have only spent roughly 2 1/2 months in Istanbul over last couple years so I've never lived here.. Month and a half a bit back, 3 wks now and few other times. Living here temporarily before we marry is not an option.

So my questions are:

How did you make this decision to settle permanently or even temporarily here?
Is your spouse Turkish?
What do you miss most and do those things you miss make it almost unbearable to live here?

I've always believed you can live anywhere as long as you are willing to be open to making it your home.. If you have good friends and have love and support, no matter how big or small, lots of stuff or nothing at all to do, you should be able to love and enjoy everywhere you live. Is this just the dreamer in me talking though?

Thank you for your comments.