Life World of Border Settlers and Customs Policies: The Case of Porters (Koolbars) in Marivan City

The present study seeks to identify the conditions and possibilities for intervention in changing customs policies to recognize and highlight the role of the Porters (Koolbars) in Boarder areas.  Customs policies have affected the life-world of the inhabitants of borderline areas. The basic assumption is that the customs policies have marginalized the inhabitants of borderline areas and Porters (Koolbars). The method used in this research is institutional ethnography. In this regard, we have used purposeful and theoretical sampling for selecting the two kind of data based on individuals and customs documents.
The findings suggest that the borderline Koolbars' (porters) role, position, community, culture and actions should be taken into account in customs policies and practices. Although the formal policies sought to eliminate illegal transformation of goods by Koolbars, they acted in many ways, including the formation of a border council, unofficial and local groups, border guards and civil protests to maintain their way of breadwinning. Therefore, inclusion of their role in customs laws and regulations, the formation of special committees, financial investment, and the provision of welfare services for them could be more beneficial and sustainable.