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Turkey is Facing Economic Challenges in Van Province Due to Iran’s Economic Crisis and The Resulting Recline in Tourism Which is Hurting The Local Economy and Reducing Visitor Numbers
The economic turmoil in Iran is significantly impacting the bordering regions of Turkey, particularly Van, a province located in eastern Anatolia. Van, a region of 1.1 million people, has traditionally relied on cross-border trade and tourism, especially with Iranian visitors. However, due to Iran’s deteriorating economic conditions, the local economy in Van is feeling the brunt of the crisis, which includes a sharp decline in tourism, as well as difficulties in trade and local businesses.
Impact on Van’s Tourism Industry
The economic hardship in Iran has directly affected the number of Iranian tourists visiting Van. The province, known for its picturesque location by Lake Van and the surrounding snow-capped mountains, has always been a popular destination for Iranian travelers. Iranian visitors typically come to enjoy the local attractions, relax by the lake, shop, and experience the vibrant culture. However, in recent months, tourism has dramatically dropped.
Emre Deger, the head of Van’s tourism professionals association, stated that Iranian tourists have traditionally been a vital part of the region’s tourism sector. In fact, many hotels in the area have relied on this group for a significant portion of their annual revenue. But now, with the ongoing crisis in Iran, the hotels are seeing drastically lower occupancy rates. Even during the typically low season of winter, hotels would usually be at least one-third full, but now most of them are almost empty, struggling to fill even 10% of their rooms.
Deger also mentioned that there was a particularly sharp decline in Iranian tourists following the violent crackdown on protests in January 2026, which led to a complete internet blackout in Iran for several days. During this period, the flow of Iranian visitors to Van dried up entirely. While some Iranians still come to the area for internet access and escape from the digital restrictions at home, the overall number of tourists has fallen significantly.
Local Businesses Feel the Strain
The economic situation in Iran has led to a ripple effect in Van’s local economy. Businesses that once depended on Iranian customers are now facing serious challenges. A clothing store owner, Emre Teker, highlighted how the situation has changed dramatically. Before the crisis, Iranian shoppers would fill suitcases with clothes to take home, boosting local retail sales. However, the decline in tourism has made this a rare occurrence now, and businesses are struggling.
Moreover, as the Iranian rial has lost significant value against foreign currencies, the purchasing power of Iranian tourists has been severely reduced. According to an Iranian woman from Tabriz, two years ago, travelers could bring 5 or 10 million rials (around $4-$8) to Turkey and still have a comfortable stay. Today, that amount is practically worthless, with prices for goods and services in Van rising steeply.
The woman, who works at a café in Van, expressed her frustration, noting that the income she once earned from her job in Iran is now barely enough to cover a few days in Van. The high cost of living in Turkey, coupled with a plummeting currency exchange rate, has placed many Iranians in a difficult situation when visiting Van.
Political and Economic Tensions in the Region
Van, due to its proximity to the Iranian border, is also affected by the broader geopolitical situation. The ongoing sanctions imposed by the United States and Europe on Iran have crippled the country’s economy. These sanctions, which have been in place for years, continue to have a devastating impact, not just on Iran but on its neighboring regions, such as Van.
Fevzi Celiktas, the vice-president of the local chamber of commerce in Van, explained the difficulties posed by the political and economic tensions in the region. Van’s development has long been hindered by these issues. For example, despite being a critical area for trade and transport, the construction of the Van bypass has dragged on for nearly two decades, becoming a symbol of the region’s struggles. “The Van bypass still isn’t finished after 18 years of construction,” Celiktas quipped. “It’s become a joke.”
For regions like Van, the consequences of enduring trade restrictions with a neighboring country like Iran are unavoidable. Unlike individuals who can move away from problematic neighbors, countries are bound by geography and political realities. The only viable solution, according to Celiktas, is finding a way to reach agreements that can ease the economic burden caused by these tensions.
Looking Ahead: Can Van’s Economy Recover?
While Van faces significant challenges due to the ongoing crisis in Iran, the region is not giving up. Local business owners and officials hope that things may improve after March 21, when Iranians celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Historically, this has been a time when Iranian tourists return to Van in greater numbers, and local businesses are hoping for a resurgence of interest.
However, the long-term outlook remains uncertain. The economic fallout from Iran’s crisis is unlikely to resolve quickly, and the region’s reliance on tourism and trade with Iran presents ongoing risks. The residents of Van are now left hoping for stability in the region, along with some improvement in their economic prospects as the situation in Iran evolves.
Conclusion
The economic fallout from Iran’s crisis is creating a difficult situation for the people of Van. With tourism from Iran significantly reduced and businesses facing economic hardship, the region’s economy is in a fragile state. The political and economic instability in Iran, compounded by international sanctions, continues to affect not just Van but other areas along the border. However, local officials and businesses remain hopeful that the situation will improve in time, with the return of tourism and increased stability.
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