Security cameras planned at Mohamed Salah's "rock" after bench and sign vanish

A rock in Turkey has transformed into an unexpected tourist hotspot after football star Mohamed Salah turned it into a viral sensation. The Trabzonspor player shared photos of himself lounging on the rock at Kurtdere Plateau, near Trabzon, on Instagram, which quickly went viral. The images sparked a surge in visitors flocking to the plateau to recreate Salah's pose. The rock has since earned the nickname "Salahtası," meaning "Salah's rock."

To accommodate the popularity, the Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality installed a bench near the rock and placed a sign reading "Salah Plateau." However, locals are now expressing concern over the disappearance of both the bench and a sign inscribed with "Mohamed Salah's rock." According to Turkiye Today, unidentified individuals removed the items during the evening. In response, residents have erected their own sign with the same inscription.

Residents plan to install a security camera at the site and replace the missing sign soon, aiming to deter any further incidents. The unusual story unfolds amidst a strong start to Salah's career with Trabzonspor. The Egyptian joined the Turkish club from Liverpool and has already scored seven goals in six Super Lig matches this season.

Salah's exploits have recently been in the news again, this time with Egypt. He was substituted after an hour during a 0-0 draw against Angola in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier and will be absent from the next match against South Sudan due to playing on artificial turf. The Egyptian Football Association cited the decision as a measure to shield Salah from the playing surface.