Turkey town to name street after Trabzonspor star Mohamed Salah

Yomra Municipality in Trabzon is to name one of its streets after Mohamed Salah after completing the required official procedures and receiving approval from Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The municipality is now preparing the street signs and expects the road to be officially opened within the next 20 days.

Mustafa Bıyık, mayor of Yomra Municipality, said the decision recognised Salah’s importance to local residents and the significance of his presence at Trabzonspor. He told On Sport that the player’s arrival had been met with widespread excitement because of the quality of his performances and the enjoyment he provides supporters on the pitch.

Bıyık said the municipality wanted to turn the community’s pride and happiness into a formal tribute. Salah’s residence within Yomra’s administrative area was also a factor in the decision, allowing local people to celebrate a player they regard as one of the club’s leading figures.

Unanimous support for the proposal

The proposal was put before Yomra’s local council, where it received the backing of every member. No objections were recorded before the municipality began completing the legal requirements needed to implement the decision.

Turkish regulations require permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when a street is named after a foreign national. Yomra Municipality therefore submitted an official request for approval to use Mohamed Salah’s name.

Bıyık said the ministry responded within one week, although such applications normally take longer because the authorities review information about the proposed individual, including their history and background, before reaching a final decision.

The mayor said the speed of the approval reflected the exceptional nature of the tribute. The decision has now been formally approved, and the municipality is preparing to order the signs bearing the name of the Trabzonspor star.

Salah welcomes the honour

The Trabzonspor board informed Salah of the decision, according to Bıyık, who said the player was very happy to receive the honour.

The chosen street has particular significance because it is on the route Salah takes by car when returning home. He is therefore expected to pass the road almost every day and will be able to see the signs carrying his name.

Bıyık said the decision was unprecedented in the history of both Yomra and Trabzon. It is the first time a street in the area has been named after a foreign football player, giving the tribute added importance for local officials.

The municipality plans to contact Salah and formally invite him to the opening ceremony. Bıyık said he hoped the player would be able to attend.

Work will now focus on manufacturing and installing the signs, as well as completing the organisational arrangements. The municipality received official approval for the name last Friday, while the opening is expected to take place within 20 days.