Türkiye, Iran Open Fourth Border Crossing to Boost Tourism, Trade
Türkiye and Iran are set to open a fourth border crossing, boosting tourism and trade between the two nations. The new crossing, Koozeh Rash-Gelincik, will serve between Iran's Salmas district and Türkiye's Van province, following the success of existing crossings like Gurbulak and Kapikoy.
The new border crossing is part of Türkiye's ongoing efforts to control its borders and curb illegal activities. A 305-kilometer wall, completed and under construction in Van province, aids in this endeavor. The wall, built in 2021, has been equipped with motion-activated camera traps for real-time monitoring.
The project has received support from both countries. Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Hasan Habibullahzade and Turkish lawmaker Kayhan Turkmenoglu have attended discussions. The Turkish State Railways (TCDD) is also involved, though specifics about their role are not yet available.
The opening of the Koozeh Rash-Gelincik border crossing is expected to further boost tourism news from Iran to Türkiye. In 2024, Iranian visitors rose by 30.9 percent, surpassing 3.2 million. This new crossing will provide another route for these visitors, potentially increasing tourism revenue for the local economy.