Van’daki İranlı Göçmenlerin Sınır Aşan Ağları ve Ağın Göç Sürecindeki Rolü

Turkish Journal of Diaspora Studies, cilt.6, sa.2, ss.140-162, 2026 (Hakemli Dergi)

The increasing number of wars, internal conflicts, economic devastation, climate-related disasters

and other threats caused by risks to personal safety around the world result in the displacement

of thousands of people every year. In Iran, one of the places where human rights violations are

most prevalent, a large number of people also leave their country each year in search of a new life

elsewhere. Having been a major source of migration for over 40 years, Iran has consequently

given rise to a significant diaspora community and has led to a significant proportion of people

relying on social networks for support during their migration journeys. Due to its proximity and

relatively easy access, Van ranks among the top destinations preferred by Iranian migrants. It has

been established that the majority of migrants arriving in Van from Iran take action with the

support of these networks at every stage of the migration process. In this study, which employed

qualitative research methods, the data obtained from in-depth interviews revealed that participants

utilised networks to gather information on financing and the migration process before leaving

Iran; upon reaching Van, a transit city, they obtained information regarding accommodation,

employment and bureaucratic procedures; and regarding their ultimate goal of settling in third

countries, it was found that they attempted to expedite the process through networks, received

financial support, and were directed to informal channels when necessary.

Keywords: Migration from Iran, Van, Van’s location, Migrant networks