Gateway to the East
Van is a strategic province linking Türkiye to Asia via Iran, at the crossroads of the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia. A large part of the Türkiye–Iran border lies within Van, and the Kapıköy border crossing is about an hour from the city centre.
Districts
Central Van is made up of İpekyolu, Tuşba and Edremit districts. The other districts are Erciş, Gevaş, Çaldıran, Muradiye, Özalp, Saray, Başkale, Gürpınar, Çatak and Bahçesaray.
Natural assets
- Lake Van: Türkiye's largest lake; much of its long shoreline is suitable for beaches.
- The lake basin is an important wetland, home to many bird species.
- High mountains such as Erek, Artos and Süphan, plus waterfalls and highland pastures.
Economy
- Livestock: Van is one of Türkiye's leading provinces for sheep and goats.
- Crops: Fodder crops, walnuts and local produce.
- Beekeeping: Van honey, known for its quality.
- Industry: Textiles and apparel, cement, food processing and marble; a sugar factory in Erciş.
- Technology: The Teknokent at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University.
Transport links
- Airport: 8 km from the centre, with regular flights to major cities.
- Rail and ferry: A ferry link across Lake Van between Tatvan and Van, and a railway line extending to Iran.
- Roads: Close to several border crossings into Iran.
Cultural heritage
Van's history goes back thousands of years, and the province has hundreds of registered cultural sites. The Van breakfast, the Van cat, kilims and silverwork are among the city's cultural signatures.