10.03.2026 13:50
Due to the ongoing war in Iran, many Iranians crossed into Turkey through the Kapıköy Border Gate in Van after the bombs started falling, while some preferred to go to Iran to be able to return to their families.
The effects of the ongoing war between the USA and Israel and Iran have started to be felt in the border regions. A large number of Iranians fleeing the bombardment entered Turkey through the Kapıköy Border Gate in the Saray district of Van.
INTENSE ACTIVITY AT THE BORDER
With the spread of the war to the region, hundreds of people have crossed into Turkey using the Kapıköy Border Gate in recent days. According to Reuters, there is movement in both directions at the border gate. Some Iranians stated that they left their country because bombs started to fall on their cities, while others expressed that they took to the road by land due to canceled flights and losing contact with their relatives. It was noted that many people crossed the border with only a small suitcase and a phone without a SIM card. The majority of Iranians who crossed the border tried to figure out how to get to Van, which is about two hours away, and how to communicate with the outside world.
"PEOPLE ARE WAITING"
61-year-old Ibrahim Eydi, who said he was recently in Tehran, stated that many Iranians are closely following the political developments in the country. Eydi mentioned that some people are waiting to see whether the government will weaken, and there are those who believe that if large protests begin, the exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi could become a focal point.
THERE ARE THOSE RETURNING TO IRAN FOR THEIR FAMILIES
Not only those entering Turkey at the border gate but also those returning to Iran drew attention. 45-year-old Leyla stated that she decided to return to Iran after losing contact with her family in Shiraz while she was in Istanbul. Leyla said, "How can I be safe while my family is in danger? I can't protect them from bombs, but at least if I'm with them, we can be together."
"BOMBS STARTED TO FALL"
35-year-old Hamid Shirmohammadzadeh stated that he returned to Iran shortly before the war started and mentioned that they fled to Turkey with his wife and children when the attacks on Tehran began. Shirmohammadzadeh said, "I was in Tehran a day before the war started. Then the bombs started to fall. We saw that the war had started and we came to Turkey."
"I WILL RETURN IF THERE IS PEACE"
63-year-old Jalileh Jabari stated that the reason for leaving Tehran was the bombardment and said she went to her daughter who is studying in Istanbul.
Jabari said, "If things get better there, if Iran gets better, I will return. I will return if there is peace."