It is a public university located in the eastern Turkish city of Van. The university was founded on July 20, 1982. The idea of implementing the university in eastern Turkey began during the presidency of Atatürk, who in 1927 sent the Minister of Higher Education, Mr. Mustafa Necati. After his visit to Van, he emphasized the need to establish a university there. In 1951, a 15-person committee was formed, headed by Professor Dr. Ifet Inan, to determine the location of the university and begin undergraduate studies. The university was officially established on July 20, 1982.