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Conflict · Iran · Migration · Turkey
The Kapikoy land crossing between Iran and Turkey remains open, serving as a critical route for Iranians to access the outside world following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Tehran and an airspace shutdown, yet a mass exodus has not materialized, with only 2,032 travelers entering Turkey on Wednesday.
This border is one of the few operational routes connecting Iranians to other countries amidst a declared war in the Middle East. Most individuals crossing have pre-existing connections to Turkey through work, family, or friends, or are dual nationals transiting to third countries.
Only a small fraction of travelers interviewed by The Associated Press at Kapikoy indicated plans to stay in Turkey indefinitely to escape the conflict. Poverty is cited by Fariba as a primary reason preventing a larger outflow, as many Iranians lack the financial means to leave.
While Turkey's Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi confirmed 2,032 entries and 1,966 departures on Wednesday, more recent figures are unavailable. Turkey has implemented contingency plans, including tent camps and buffer zones, to manage a potential influx, but these have not yet been activated.
Local businesses in Van, such as hotels owned by Resat Yeşilağaç, anticipate significant losses during the upcoming Nowruz holidays due to reduced travel.
