A small rock on the Kurtderi plateau in the Machka district of Trabzon, northeastern Turkey, has become a point of attraction for tourists and fans. This transformation occurred after Egyptian soccer star Muhammad Salah visited the site and took a photo next to it. The rock, situated on a plateau over 2,000 meters above sea level, has gained widespread fame and turned from a passing part of the natural landscape into a landmark associated with the player's name.
The Kurtderi plateau, within the surrounding highlands of the Chakirgol region, is approximately 2,250 meters above sea level. It features an open, mountainous nature with natural pastures and an alpine plant cover. Historically, this environment has been linked to rural lifestyles, cattle breeding, and the "Yayla" season in northern Turkey. Turkish highlands, locally known as "Yayla," hold significance beyond being natural areas, representing a part of rural memory and local culture in the Black Sea region.
The Yayla tradition involves residents moving to these highlands during summer months to utilize pastures and enjoy a milder climate, a practice tied to agricultural life, livestock, and a direct human-nature connection. The cultural and historical importance of these areas is highlighted by the inclusion of the Kotor natural, cultural, and historical region as one of four UNESCO World Heritage sites in Montenegro, listed in 1979.
Prior to Muhammad Salah's visit, Kurtderi was a quiet area mainly visited by locals and nature enthusiasts. However, after the Egyptian soccer star's visit to Trabzon, a photo of him casually sitting on one of the plateau's rocks amidst green pastures went viral. Following the photo's spread, fans and tourists began flocking to the site to recreate the image.
The rock has been dubbed "Selahtaşı" by fans and Turkish media, referencing Muhammad Salah. Signposts have been put up, naming the area "Salah Yaylası" or "Salah Plateau," to guide visitors to the site. This has added a new layer of cultural and tourist significance to Kurtderi, turning it into a place associated not only with the natural beauty of the Black Sea mountains and the culture of the highlands but also with a recent memory linked to the Egyptian soccer star.
As a result, the location has started to attract a broader audience interested in combining their appreciation of natural landscapes with fandom for Muhammad Salah. The transformation of the rock into a tourist attraction demonstrates the impact of celebrity visits on local sites and their potential to boost regional tourism.
The phenomenon surrounding the rock in Trabzon underscores the intersection of sports, culture, and tourism, highlighting how a single image can redefine a location's appeal. Muhammad Salah's visit has not only drawn attention to his own global fanbase but also to the natural and cultural richness of the Trabzon region.
Key points
- Muhammad Salah's visit to a rock in Trabzon, Turkey, has turned it into a tourist attraction.
- The rock, located on the Kurtderi plateau, has been named "Selahtaşı" or "Salah Plateau" by fans and local media.
- The transformation of the rock into a tourist site highlights the impact of celebrity visits on local tourism and regional promotion.
