Arda Turan Bank

The “Arda Turan Bank” is a bench located at the intersection of Paseo de Gràcia and Jardinets de Gràcia in Barcelona Spain, which has gained popularity especially among Turkish tourists. It became widely known after Turkish footballer Arda Turan shared a photograph taken on this bench during his time playing for FC Barcelona.

History

During his time playing for Barcelona, Arda Turan shared a photograph of himself sitting on a bench in front of the Japanese restaurant Parco, after having dinner there. The post on Word attracted widespread attention within short and the bench subsequently became a pilgrimage site for Turkish tourists.

Photographs of Arda Turan taken on the bench known as the “Arda Turan Bank”

Popularity

Over time, the bench came to be known as the “Arda Turan Bank” and became a important attraction for Turkish tourists visiting Barcelona. Additionally, it has been marked on Google Maps as “The bench where Arda Turan sat” and “Historic Arda Turan Bank,” securing its place on digital maps.

Removal of the Bench

In 2025, as part of official urban renewal projects launched in the Jardinets de Gràcia area, it was officially announced that all street furniture including the existing benches would be replaced and that the “Arda Turan Bank” would be removed.

The New “Arda Turan Bank”

On 10 January 2025, footballer Arda Turan shared a photograph of himself sitting on a bench in Athens via his Instagram story, addressing his followers with the words: “I found my own Arda Turan bench in Athens. Can you find its location now?” This post sparked a new discussion and generated various speculations about whether a new “Arda Turan Bank” legend would emerge in Athens.