From a mountain rock to the presidential palace: The Mohamed Salah hysteria sweeping Turkey

Trabzonspor forward Mohamed Salah has inspired a unique fan phenomenon in his new city, with supporters transforming a mountain rock he recently sat on into a celebrated local landmark.

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A new phenomenon in Trabzon

Following his dominant four-goal contribution in a recent derby victory over Galatasaray, Salah’s influence in Turkey has extended well beyond the pitch.

According to local media, a specific rock where the 34 year old was photographed sitting during a mountain excursion has become a viral sensation.

Turkish outlets report that the location, now colloquially dubbed "Salah's Hill" has been added to digital mapping applications as an unofficial tourist attraction. Photographs circulating on social media show fans wearing Trabzonspor shirts visiting the site, with some even kissing the stone to pay tribute to the former Liverpool star.

Presidential attention and club pride

The Egyptian’s impact has resonated in political circles. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan whose daughter Esra celebrated Salah's hat-trick from the stands at Papara Park, has reportedly extended an invitation to meet the player.

According to the Turkish news site 61saat, Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan confirmed that while a scheduling conflict with an away match against Konyaspor delayed the initial meeting, Salah is expected to visit the Presidential Palace in the near future.

Addressing the media, Doğan praised his star signing's integration into the community. The club president noted that Salah's personal initiatives, such as exploring the local mountains, have significantly boosted the city's promotional profile, adding that the player's humility and respect have more than repaid the fans' immense support.

A transformative signing

Salah’s arrival in Trabzon is proving to be a masterstroke that transcends traditional sporting metrics. While his early goalscoring form has immediately elevated the team's tactical ceiling, his off-pitch presence has generated unprecedented global visibility and local commercial engagement for the Black Sea club.

The organic fan culture forming around him suggests that Trabzonspor has secured not just a marquee forward but a genuine cultural icon capable of elevating the entire profile of the Turkish top flight.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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