Turkish convoy enters Iran in rare solidarity display
Hundreds of activists cross border as calls grow for a transnational “resistance media” network linking Turkey and Iran
By Abdullahi Yusuf
A convoy of several hundred Turkish citizens has travelled to the Gurbulak border crossing on the Turkish-Iranian frontier in what participants described as a public display of solidarity with Iran amid ongoing regional tensions.
The convoy, made up of more than 500 vehicles, set out from the Turkish city of Igdir and moved towards the Bazargan border crossing, with participants waving flags and chanting slogans emphasising political and cultural alignment between the two countries.
According to Iranian state media reports, 72 Turkish nationals crossed into Iran at the conclusion of the procession, while the remaining participants gathered at the border before dispersing. Similar demonstrations have reportedly taken place in eastern Turkish provinces in recent days.
In a parallel gathering in the Iranian city of Tabriz, Turkish media figures and civil society activists expressed support for Iran and called for the creation of what they described as a cross-border “resistance media” network.
Participants said the proposed network would link media organisations and activists across Turkey and Iran, framing it as a coordinated platform reflecting shared political positions.
“We are not Iranian, but we are all from one nation,” said Nurettin Sirin, head of the Turkey-based Quds TV network.
He described the conflict in the region as part of a broader struggle involving Muslim populations and said media outlets should reflect what he termed a unified front.
Sirin also claimed he had met Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on several occasions and said leadership had since passed to Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei.
Separately, Mehmet Demirdag, head of the Vali Asr institution, said the Turkish participants who entered Iran represented a range of cities and backgrounds, and had originally intended to arrive during the recent conflict but were delayed due to logistical coordination.
He said the group’s arrival had taken place after a ceasefire had come into effect.
Speaking at the gathering, Mr Demirdag praised Iran’s resilience during the conflict, describing it as a “dignified nation” and saying it had withstood pressure from what he characterised as major military powers.
He also claimed that some Iranian nationals living in Turkey had returned home during the period of hostilities.
“Iran is a powerful country that did not bow to the great power of America for 45 days,” he said, adding that he believed “victory will ultimately be theirs.”
The gatherings underline the growing role of cross-border political activism in the region, as networks of civil society actors increasingly position themselves within wider geopolitical tensions.
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