"We have some of the most feared countries in the world right on our doorstep: Iraq, Syria, and Iran," he told AFP. Celiktas is not indifferent to the fate of Iranians who cross to the Turkish side of the border after the ruthless repression of protests in January. Turkey shares a 550-kilometre (342-mile) border with Iran, 300 of which flank Van province, with the main pedestrian border crossing of Kapikoy just a 90-minute drive from the provincial capital, also called Van. Back in Iran, she used to work in insurance, but now has a job at an elegant caf‚ in downtown Van. But you can't do that with countries: you can't replace Iran with Germany, Italy, France, or Russia," he said.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha February 06, 2026 14:34 UTC