The port lies more than 2,000 miles from Liverpool, but there are similarities, particularly in the identity and pride people attach to coming from here.
Salah delivered a great deal of joy at Liverpool. The intention in Trabzon is the same.
Money was not the only draw. One of the key aspects of coming to Trabzon was the chance to focus entirely on his football.
On matchday, a walk through the city finds his face on almost everything. Even the walls inside the fishmongers carry pictures of him.
The commercial effect has been swift. The club have surpassed last year's merchandise revenue in the three months since his arrival.
Season-ticket sales rocketed after he joined, and his face is now hard to miss in the city.
The financial terms were important. He is earning about £14.6 million a year, as well as 20% of official merchandise sold with his name on it.
Trabzonspor trail leaders Galatasaray by three points. They have won seven of their first 10 games, including victories against the table-toppers and Besiktas.