Van Beşyol school project faces local opposition

A controversial school construction project in Van’s Beşyol Square has sparked local opposition regarding urban planning and pedestrian safety. Following the demolition of the former Public Education Center building, a contract has been signed to build a 16-classroom middle school, with completion expected in 2027.

Local residents report that police barriers installed around the site have completely blocked sidewalks and enclosed public minibus stops. This has forced commuters, including the elderly and those with children, to wait on the edge of the road amidst heavy traffic, leading to fears of imminent accidents. Residents are calling for immediate adjustments to ensure safe pedestrian access and functional transit stops.

Political figures, including Saadet Party Van Provincial Chairman Özay İlhan, have also voiced opposition. İlhan argues that the high traffic and pedestrian density in Beşyol makes it unsuitable for a school, warning that student and shuttle bus traffic could exacerbate existing congestion. He has proposed that the site be repurposed as a cultural center or a new Public Education Center to better serve the community’s social and vocational needs.