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The recent military strikes by Israel and the United States against Iran have caused immediate economic disruption in eastern Türkiye.
The impact is most visible in the province of Van, which serves as the primary gateway for millions of Iranians seeking a reprieve from their country’s strict social codes and economic isolation.
Van shares a 300-kilometer border with Iran and has transformed over the last decade into a vital "safety valve" for the Iranian middle class.
For many in cities like Tabriz—just a four-hour drive away—Van is the nearest destination for Western-style shopping, unconstrained nightlife, and modern healthcare.
While customs gates remain open for commercial cargo and citizens returning home, the flow of daily travelers has stopped, threatening a local economy that generates over $80 million in tourist revenue annually.
Van is the province of Türkiye most affected by the conflict.
For years, the city has functioned as a hub for Iranian tourists who visit for shopping, healthcare, and vacations. Local officials and business leaders previously reported that approximately one million Iranians visit Van annually.
"Van is no longer the same as last week," writes journalist Yavuz Donat. The impact is visible across the city's main corridors, including Cumhuriyet, Iskele, and Kazim Karabekir avenues.
The immediate impact on the local economy includes:
Minister of Trade Omer Bolat stated that there is no "extraordinary situation" at the Gurbulak, Kapikoy, and Esendere border gates.
However, specific restrictions are now in place. "Day-trip passenger crossings have been mutually stopped at all three customs gates," Bolat said.
Currently, Iran allows its citizens to enter Iran via Türkiye. Similarly, Türkiye permits its own citizens and third-country nationals to enter Türkiye from Iran.
Commercial cargo transport continues under controlled conditions to ensure that trade does not stop entirely.
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