Arda Turan's bench in Barcelona will disappear
The works in the Jardinets de Gràcia will eliminate the "Arda Turan bench"
BarcelonaIf you search for the Jardinets de Gràcia on Google Maps, there is one detail that catches your eye. At number 119, opposite the Japanese restaurant Parco, a symbol of a small tree bears the legend "Arda Turan Bench". Unnoticed by the vast majority of the city's residents, this bench is the most popular unintentional monument in Barcelona. At least among the Turks.
A little reminder of who Arda Turan is. Football player. Star in Turkey. He came to Barça after shining at Atlético de Madrid. In Barcelona he played a discreet role. On the pitch he didn't leave much for posterity. However, he did have time to leave his mark on the city: a bench on Passeig de Gràcia that bears his name.
But how did this sober brown bench – one of many in the city – come to be considered a must-see for many of the Turks living in the city? It all goes back to one of the countless evenings when Turan would go out to dinner at the Parco with his numerous retinue of friends. While his entourage smoked, he decided to go out and have a coffee sitting on a bench in front of the restaurant. Someone took a photo of him. His immense popularity in Turkey did the rest.
The networks were then filled with Turks who made the pilgrimage to the bench to take the same photo as Turan. Many also left their signature. That bench, spotless when the footballer took his photo there, was soon full of scribbles. Even now – years after that photo – a quick search on TikTok or Instagram offers images of the player's compatriots who take advantage of their stay in Barcelona to take photos.
Turan himself has echoed this phenomenon. In fact, on the occasion of the recording of the documentary about him that was released last August on Amazon Prime under the name Face to face, The Ottoman star – now coach of Eyüpspor in the Turkish First Division – was photographed again on that same bench.
Last days to take the photo
However, the possibility of taking a photo on Arda Turan's bench is numbered. The City Council plans to start work this month to remodel the Jardinets de Gràcia. An intervention that will turn the Llobregat corner into a unique platform and will also involve a change in the urban furniture in the area.
According to information provided by the City Council a year ago, to separate the space for vehicle passage and the areas for staying, flowerbeds delimited with granite pieces and bushes will be installed. New prefabricated concrete benches will also be placed, as well as 10 benches and 17 chairs made of wooden slats similar to those currently in place.
If there is no change of script or the Turkish community does not mobilize to prevent it, the most visited involuntary monument in the city will say goodbye to Barcelona. The original Arda Turan bench is about to become history.