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Journals / Turkish Journal of Diaspora Studies / 2026 / Cilt: 6 Sayı: 2

The Cross-Border Networks of Iranian Migrants in Van and the Role of These Networks in the Migration Process

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

Cihat Uğurlu(VAN YÜZÜNCÜ YIL ÜNİVERSİTESİ, EDEBİYAT FAKÜLTESİ)0000-0001-7980-9141
Orhan Deniz(VAN YÜZÜNCÜ YIL ÜNİVERSİTESİ)
Pages
140–162
Publication Date
2026-09-29
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

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.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis: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.
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Key Findings & Data: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.
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Conclusion & Impact: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.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:İran’dan göç · Van · Van’ın konumu

Abstract

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.

Özet

Dünya üzerinde artan savaşlar, iç çatışmalar, ekonomik yıkımlar, iklimle ilişkili afetler ve can güvenliği tehlikesinin neden olduğu diğer tehditler, her yıl binlerce insanın yerinden olmasına neden olmaktadır. İnsan hakkı ihlallerinin en fazla yaşandığı yerlerden biri olan İran’da da her yıl çok sayıda kişi, yaşadığı ülkeyi terk ederek başka yerlerde yeni bir yaşam arayışına yönelmektedir. 40 yılı aşkın bir süredir yoğun bir şekilde göç veren İran, bu vesileyle önemli bir diaspora topluluğunun oluşmasına neden olmuş ve yaşanan göç eylemlerinde insanların çok önemli bir kısmının sosyal ağlardan destek alarak hareket etmesine yol açmıştır. Bu hareketliliklerde Van, yakın ve ulaşımın nispeten kolay olmasından dolayı İranlı göçmenlerin en fazla tercih ettiği yerlerin başında gelmektedir. İran’dan Van’a gelen göçmenlerin çoğunluğunun göç sürecinin tüm aşamalarında bu ağlardan destek alarak göç ettikleri belirlenmiştir. Nitel araştırma yönteminin kullanıldığı bu çalışmada derinlemesine görüşmelerle elde edilen verilerde katılımcıların İran’dan çıkmadan önce finansman ve göç sürecine ilişkin bilgi edinerek ağlardan yararlandıkları tespit edilmişken, transit kent olan Van’a ulaştıklarında barınma, iş ve bürokratik sürece dair bilgi edindikleri ve nihai hedef olan üçüncü ülkelere yerleşme konusunda ise süreci ağlar üzerinden hızlandırmaya çalıştıkları, maddi destek aldıkları, gerektiğinde gayri resmi kanallara yönlendirildikleri tespit edilmiştir.

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Cite This Article

Uğurlu, C., Deniz, O. (2026). The Cross-Border Networks of Iranian Migrants in Van and the Role of These Networks in the Migration Process. Turkish Journal of Diaspora Studies, Cilt: 6 Sayı: 2, 140–162. https://doi.org/10.52241/tjds.1943850

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