If you asked me to pick a street in İstanbul as my favourite, I would definitely pick Şifa Street in Moda. It is a cosy street few people know except for the locals. It is a street that opens to the sea, surrounded with old İstanbul apartment buildings with large gardens and balconies and definitely with a character!
When I was walking down Şifa Street, I noticed an exceptionally beautiful mansion with an incredible view. When I approached it, I realised that this is an old İstanbul Mansion which is one of the few remaining mansions across İstanbul. Then I realised a nameplate on it which said ‘Kolektif House’.
I later learnt that this Mansion was built by a doctor named Dr. Mahmut Ata Bayata as his home in 1933 in art deco style. Mr. Bayata did not only use this mansion as his home but also spared a floor to his medical practise. As someone who enjoyed the fine things in life, he had legendary receptions at his home , enjoyed summer days swimming in the water in front of his home and traveled with his speed boat in Moda bay. He observed the stars in the small observatory he established in the upper floor of his mansion. He even had a legendary guest named Trotsky who was the Russian revolutionary finding a safe haven in İstanbul after he ran away from the dread of Stalin. The gentleman sold the house in 1963 and passed away in 1967.
The house was in dire conditions for years but is well and alive again with all its glory and is serving digital nomads as a coworking space.
If you are a digital nomad and are looking for a special place to work, here is a wonderful option for you! The interior is spacious and full of light, the ceilings are high and the view is amazing! There is a terrace in front of the mansion in which you can spend time in spring and summer.
Here is a trailer from the new years eve party from two years ago in Kolektif House Moda that can give you a glimpse of the place!
