Iran War Exodus: Refugees Flee to Turkey Amidst Bombings

Exodus to Turkey Amidst War in Iran

VAN, Turkey – A train arriving in the eastern Turkish city of Van carries a heavy burden of fear and uncertainty. On a recent Monday afternoon, around 250 passengers disembarked, many fleeing a nation gripped by war. “Iran is completely shut down. The airports are closed. They’re bombing continuously, and it’s getting worse,” one passenger shared, describing a nation facing economic collapse and widespread shortages.

Daily Bombings Grip Tehran

For the past four weeks, Iran’s capital, Tehran, has been hit almost daily. While the United States and Israel state their targets are military and government sites, the reality on the ground is devastating for millions of civilians. The fear of reprisal from Iranian authorities runs deep, making many refugees hesitant to speak publicly or show their faces.

Student Flees War and Internet Blackouts

One 21-year-old student and her family decided to leave Tehran when the bombings intensified and internet blackouts made communication impossible. “To communicate with my families, with my friends in Iran, there is no connection with that, and that’s too hard,” she explained. “Now we are safe, but we are worried about our families, our friends, what happened to them.” She had participated in nationwide anti-regime protests earlier in the year, witnessing a brutal government crackdown.

“When would you go back? I don’t know. When the wars and this regime go forever… Like, you have hope this time? Yes. All of your own people have hopes for that. Anything we have is hope, nothing more.”

She and her family are now heading to Istanbul, seeking refuge for the time being. Their hope for a return home is tied to the end of the conflict and the current regime.

Border Crossings Show Little Change, High Anxiety

A 90-minute drive through snow-covered mountains leads to the Kapikoy land border crossing, one of three between Turkey and Iran. Officials report no unusual increase in arrivals, despite fears that an attack on Iran could destabilize the region and cause a large refugee influx. However, many who cross express deep anxiety.

“They’re threatening to even attack power plants, and we’re afraid of that. My family lives in Tehran, so I’m really worried and don’t know what to do,” said one individual. “No one can leave Iran by air because the flights have been cancelled. We only managed to cross the border by land. We want peace. We want stability so we can build a future for ourselves and our children.”

Mixed Feelings: Fear and National Pride

Not everyone fleeing perceives the situation as solely threatening. Some seek a brief respite from the war. “The fact that this bombardment is happening right now is bad. But at the same time, there’s a genuine sense of pride among people,” one person stated. “We are certain that Iran will win this war. That victory will be ours. We hope truth will triumph over falsehood. Iran over America.”

Returning Home Amidst Conflict

Interestingly, some individuals are heading in the opposite direction, returning to Iran. “I’ve been in Turkey for 3 months. My family and children are in Iran now. There’s a war, so I’m returning to be with my family. I’m worried about them. My wife is pregnant,” one man explained, choosing to be with his family despite the dangers.

Economic Impact Felt in Turkey

In Van, Iranian citizens have historically been a common sight, with signs in both Turkish and Persian reflecting a strong tourist presence. However, the ongoing war has deterred holidaymakers, impacting local businesses. Turkish officials also worry about the broader economic fallout. “Whatever happens to our neighbor, we are inevitably affected. Hopefully, this war will end as soon as possible. Everything will return to normal and the bloodshed will stop,” a local resident commented.

Several Iranian ballistic missiles have already neared Turkish airspace, prompting interception by NATO defenses. This has put pressure on Turkish President Erdogan, who has sought to remain neutral and offered mediation. The conflict’s impact on global energy prices, particularly oil and gas, is also being felt in Turkey. “At the gas stations here, prices have gone up by around 20%,” a Turkish citizen noted. “The war in Iran has really hurt gas prices. They’re way too high. All the materials coming in are expensive because of the fuel. If this keeps up, we’ll end up having to shut down our business.”

Uncertain Future for Train Passengers

As evening falls, the train that brought new arrivals from Tehran prepares for its 23-hour journey back. For its passengers, the trip is filled with a mix of fear, hope, and countless unanswered questions about what lies ahead.

Source: One month of war: Voices from the Turkey-Iran border | DW News (YouTube)