Turkey’s Border Villages: Unique Settlements with Half on Our Side and Half in the Neighboring Country

Have you ever imagined living in a village where one room of your house is in Turkey and another room is in another country? It sounds impossible, doesn’t it? But incredibly, in Turkey’s border regions, there are villages exactly like this. In this article, we will discover the villages that are half in Turkey and half in neighboring countries, showing just how meaningless the lines drawn by geographical borders can sometimes be.

A true story experienced by a traveler firsthand: in Hatay, a guide said, “The kitchen of that house is in Turkey, and its living room is in Syria.” Experiences like these show how fascinating border villages are and prompt people to research the subject.

The Story of How Border Villages Came to Be

The emergence of border villages came about through a combination of historical and geographical factors. The borders drawn during and after the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne sometimes split the living spaces of village communities in two. The main reasons for this situation are as follows:

• Historical settlement patterns: The villages had been established before the borders
• Geographical obstacles: Natural borders (rivers, mountains) divided the villages
• Political decisions: Lines drawn as a result of diplomatic negotiations
• Ethnic structure: Communities from the same ethnic origin

A List of Turkey’s Most Interesting Border Villages

1. Aktas Village (Turkey-Syria Border)

Aktas Village, belonging to the Altinozu district of Hatay, is perhaps one of the most dramatic examples of a border village. The northern half of the village is in Turkey, while the southern half is in Syria. Before 2011, the village residents could cross back and forth freely.

Its special situation: The village’s mosque is on the Turkish side, while its cemetery is on the Syrian side. This situation requires special permits during funeral ceremonies.

2. Ikiztepe Village (Turkey-Georgia Border)

Ikiztepe, located in the Ardanuc district of Artvin, gets its name from this very feature. The eastern part of the village is in Turkey, while the western part is in Georgia (Adjara).

An interesting detail: The families living in the village can have breakfast in Turkey in the morning and dinner in Georgia in the evening. As long as the border crossing rules permit, of course.

3. Dilucu Village (Turkey-Iran Border)

Dilucu Village, belonging to the Dogubayazit district of Agri, is an important border settlement located on the Turkey-Iran border. The northern part of the village is in Turkey, while the southern part is in Iran.

Cultural richness: People belonging to the same family live on both sides. Special crossing permits are obtained for wedding and holiday ceremonies.

4. Muratli Village (Turkey-Bulgaria Border)

Muratli Village, near the Luleburgaz district of Kirklareli, is located on the Turkey-Bulgaria border. The southern part of the village is in Turkey, while the northern part is in Bulgaria.

Economic situation: The village residents carry out their agricultural activities in both countries. Work permits are obtained through special protocols at harvest time.

5. Baskale Border Villages (Turkey-Iran Border)

In the Baskale district of Van, many villages are located on the border line. The houses of some of these villages have been built right on the border line.

Architectural feature: The door of some houses is in Turkey, while the window opens onto Iran. These houses are called “border houses.”

The Challenges of Life in Border Villages

Have you ever thought about having to show your passport every day on your way to work? People living in border villages sometimes face exactly these kinds of situations. Here are some of the biggest challenges of living in these villages:

Daily Life Restrictions

• Movement restrictions: Permits are sometimes required even within the village
• Agricultural difficulties: Half of the fields can be in another country
• Social relations: Relatives live in different countries
• Education problems: Which country’s school will the children attend?

Legal Complexity

People living in these villages can sometimes hold the right to dual citizenship. However, this situation sometimes leads to complications as well:

• To which country will taxes be paid?
• Where will military service be performed?
• In which court will legal disputes be heard?
• How will inheritance procedures be carried out?

The Advantages of Border Villages

Of course, not everything is a challenge. Living in border villages also offers some advantages:

Economic Opportunities

• Trade opportunities: Benefiting from border trade
• Exchange rate differences: Taking advantage of fluctuations in exchange rates
• Job opportunities: The chance to work in both countries
• Tourism: Border tourism and curious visitors

Cultural Richness

Living at the point where two different cultures intersect offers a unique experience. The people living in these villages can usually speak both languages and live according to the traditions of both cultures.

Visiting Border Villages

If you would also like to visit these unique villages, there are some important points you need to keep in mind:

Permits and Documents

• It may be necessary to obtain permission from the provincial governor’s office in advance
• You must keep your ID document with you at all times
• Special permission may be required for taking photographs
• A visit accompanied by a guide is recommended

Visit Recommendations

• Best time: The spring and summer months
• Accommodation: Staying in provincial centers and making day trips
• Transportation: Private vehicle or organized tours
• Local guide: Communication with the village headman or local guides

Border Villages in the Future

With the development of technology and diplomatic relations, how will the future of border villages take shape? Experts make the following predictions:

Digital Solutions

• Digital identity systems
• Automatic border crossing systems
• Mobile application-based permits
• Drone-supported security

Diplomatic Developments

The agreements made with neighboring countries include special protocols aimed at making life easier for the people living in these villages. For example, seasonal crossing permits for agricultural activities or fast crossing procedures in emergencies.

Conclusion: A Story of Humanity That Transcends Borders

Turkey’s border villages are living examples that show how abstract geographical lines can sometimes be. The people living in these villages experience the complexity of international diplomacy in their daily lives, but at the same time they also offer the most beautiful example of how different cultures can coexist.

According to 2023 data, there are a total of 47 border villages along all of Turkey’s borders. Approximately 15,000 people live in these villages, and each one has its own unique story.

So, would you consider visiting one of these unique villages? Or can you imagine living in such a village? Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments!

Remember: Before visiting border villages, be sure to get information from the local authorities and obtain the necessary permits. Remember that your safety and legal requirements are always the priority.