Administration
Previously a nahiye of the kaza Gevaş (Vostan) and until 1884 a nahiye in the province of Bitlis, Gardjgan/Karçikan was returned to the Van province in 1888.
Toponym
It is known under a multitude of toponymic varities: Kirtvan, Kırdivan, Garcgan, Gardjgan, Kerdigan, Kercigan, Karçikanare, Karçikan, Karcikan, Karçigan, Karçıkan, Kardigan, Gentrants, Kindiranıs, Kindirans, Kindartz, Kinderantz.