The migrants who entered were mostly from Afghanistan. Local authorities are trying to stem the flow of migrants with a border wall and anti-trafficking centers.
Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reported that 17,847 migrants have entered Turkey through its eastern border with Iran between January 1 and March 29.
The migrants were primarily from Afghanistan, though there were also people from Bangladesh and Pakistan, according to Hurriyet. Local authorities are attempting to curb the influx with a new anti-trafficking center in the eastern province of Erzurum. The Turkish government is constructing a 144 kilometer-long (89 miles) wall along the Turkey-Iran border. The wall is expected to be completed next year.
Turkey has been a key country for migrants and refugees attempting to find a new life in Europe. The country shares a border not just with Iran and the war-torn states of Iraq and Syria, but also with European countries Greece and Bulgaria. Many migrants and refugees attempt to enter Greece from Turkey by boat via the Aegean Sea.