Renting flat prior to residence (Istanbul)

Hi everybody
We are a couple from Denmark currently moving to Istanbul. ETA September first. We have found an apartment while visiting this June, and we would like to rent it. Here is the question: is it at all possible to rent an apartment in our own name, when we have not yet received a resident permit? Does anyone in this forum have some advice on how we go about renting? I have a Turkish friend here in Denmark, who is trying to call the real estate company, to make the first contact. We are unfortunately not Turkish speaking yet, so we hope it will be possible to go through the process on e-mail.
Any advice or knowledge in this field will be received with gratitude.
Looking forward to meeting with the international community in Istanbul later this summer.
Best regards Lone Poulsen