Wan (Van, Turkey) is among the cities where poverty and unemployment linked to the economic crisis are felt most deeply. It is also one of the cities where special war policies such as drug trafficking, prostitution and recruitment as informants are said to be widespread.

 

All these factors have pushed the city into a serious wave of violence. Almost every week, reports emerge from different parts of the city of armed clashes and deaths. Even the smallest disputes can escalate and turn into deadly armed confrontations between parties. While easy access to licensed and unlicensed firearms plays a role in this, it is notable that many of the clashes arise from “land conflicts.”

 

WHAT DO THE FIGURES SHOW?

 

Across Turkey and Kurdistan, 3,682 armed incidents took place in 2020. A total of 2,040 people were killed and 3,688 injured in those incidents. In 2021, there were 3,801 armed incidents, leaving 2,145 dead and 3,896 wounded. In 2022, 2,278 people were killed and 4,231 injured in 3,984 armed clashes.

 

In 2023, 2,318 people lost their lives and 3,820 were injured in 3,773 armed clashes. In 2024, 23,804 people were killed and 35,036 injured in 37,998 recorded incidents. In 2025, 3,422 armed violence incidents occurred, leaving 2,225 dead and 3,167 injured.

 

Over the last six years, a total of 56,660 armed clashes have taken place, resulting in 34,810 deaths and 53,838 injuries.

 

The figures demonstrate the extent to which the wave of violence has intensified and the impact that access to licensed and unlicensed firearms has had on fatalities.

 

ARMED CLASHES IN WAN

 

Wan is among the leading cities in Kurdistan where armed clashes are most frequent. In 2021, 12 people were killed and four injured in 13 incidents. In 2020, 13 people lost their lives and 23 were injured. In 2023, 14 people were killed and 31 injured in 16 armed clashes. In 2024, 16 armed clashes were recorded in the city.

 

The year 2025 marked the period with the highest level of armed violence. A total of 26 armed clashes took place, leaving 30 people dead and 49 injured. Wan ranked among the top three cities in Kurdistan with the highest number of armed clashes. It is also believed that, contrary to official figures, additional incidents and deaths have occurred. The real number is said to be far higher.

 

In the first five months of 2026, 26 armed incidents were recorded. Eighteen people were injured and two lost their lives.

 

Many of the incidents reportedly stem from “land conflicts” and financial issues. This highlights the impact of poverty and unemployment on such violence.

 

MA / Zeynep Durgut