29.11.2025 11:20
Due to the Iran-Israel war, the tradespeople of Van, who have been going through tough times this year, have found joy again with the "Black Friday" discounts. In the last three days, 150,000 people have entered the city through the border gate, filling hotels and entertainment centers to capacity.
There is a Black Friday rush at the Kapıköy Customs Gate, which opens to Iran, in the Saray district of Van. Hotels and entertainment centers in the city have started to fill up again.
Shamimgast Nehimzade said, "I came from Tehran for a holiday. There are already discounts here. I came to shop and explore. I will stay for 3-4 days and then return. I love Van very much. I love the cafes, the food, the hookah, everything. The people are very hospitable. I come a few times a year. I love the castle. Akdamar Island is very beautiful, and there are many historical places and sites. We came with 4-5 people. I love Van very much."
"WE LOVE VAN"
Parisa Golriz stated, "We came from Kerec. There is Black Friday in Iran. We also came to Van to explore for 4 days. Van is a very beautiful city. I have been coming for 4-5 times. We love Van very much," she said.
Mahsume Ferzami also mentioned, "We came for Black Friday. We participated in a training here. We are 60 women from Iran. They come to Turkey from all over, especially from Tehran and Tabriz. Since Van is a city close to Iran, we all prefer Van. The people of Van are good people. Since our languages are similar, we understand each other well. We come to shop, eat, drink, and explore. We go to training and beauty centers," she said.
"HOTEL OCCUPANCY RATE REACHED 100%"
Devran Kutaz, a hotel operator in Van, stated, "Iranians have a 3-day Black Friday holiday. That's why they have come to Van. Iranians are indispensable for Van. The Black Friday holiday makes a difference; very few Iranians used to come in the winter months. In the last 3 days, our hotel occupancy rate reached 100%. The tradesmen's faces have brightened, even if a little. The staff's faces have brightened. Iranians generally come, shop, and explore these places. They visit historical cities. They go to entertainment centers at night. Our wish is for them to keep coming," he expressed.
"150 THOUSAND PEOPLE ENTERED"
Mazlum Adıloğlu, the business owner, noted that Iranians come to Van during their holidays, stating, "Without Iranians, Van would be dead." He mentioned that Iranians love entertainment and explained that there was a 70% loss in Van due to the Israel-Iran war at the beginning of the season.
Adıloğlu said, "No matter how many come, it benefits the tradesmen of Van. There has been activity for the last 3 days. According to the information we have obtained, 150 thousand people have entered through the Kapıköy Border Gate. Iranians will be our guests for another week; they will leave in a week. They will return for the New Year," he said.
"1 MILLION 456 THOUSAND 319 PEOPLE ENTERED VAN IN 10 MONTHS"
The Kapıköy Border Gate, which is the most important gate of Van opening to Iran, broke all-time records in the January-October period of this year. According to the Ministry of Trade data, 1 million 456 thousand 319 people entered Turkey, creating significant activity in Van's tourism and economy.