Journey to Van: Iran’s Cultural and Economic Gateway to Turkey
Mehr News Agency,International Desk – Azar Mahdavan: The border city of van in Turkey has played a key role in Tehran-Ankara relations in recent years. Located about 100 kilometers from Khoy in Iran’s West Azerbaijan province, Van has become a hub for cultural and economic exchange between the two countries. Although its status as a border city makes it vital to bilateral trade, Van’s emergence as a tourist destination for Iranian travelers adds another layer of importance to understanding its challenges and positive impacts on people-to-people and governmental ties.
The Mehr media team was invited by Kayhan turkmenoğlu, Van’s representative in the Turkish Parliament and head of the Iran-Turkey Friendship Group. From November 6 to 8, they visited local hotels, media professionals, economic and cultural authorities to assess both challenges and benefits shaping bilateral relations.
The delegation included Hesameddin Heydari, Deputy News Director; Mohammad Reza Moradi, Director General of International and Foreign News; Azar Mahdavan, Secretary of Mehr’s Turkish (Istanbul) site; and Mohammad Sarfi, editor-in-chief of Tehran Times.
Day One
During the visit, Elif Yörük, tourism Manager of Van Municipality, along with Selim Kenan from the Province Cultural & Tourism Department accompanied the Mehr team through key landmarks. Yörük highlighted past PKK attacks that reduced European tourist numbers. She added: “The 2012 earthquake also impeded construction projects causing both traditional and modern sections downtown to remain unfinished. We are striving to complete these plans promptly.”
Iranian Culture at Van’s Historic Bedesten Market
The delegation toured Bedesten Çarşısı market-an authentic traditional bazaar showcasing handmade crafts. Iranian carpets woven by artisans were prominently displayed in several shops. A local merchant remarked on declining carpet exports from Iran despite sustained demand among Turkish buyers who appreciate Persian craftsmanship.
A stall selling calligraphy artworks created by local artists featured verses from Hafez rendered with styles reflecting deep Persian-Turkish cultural ties.
Meeting Local Turkish Journalists Emphasizing Media Cooperation
Aside from their sightseeing on day one, the Mehr team met journalists from Anadolu Agency (Anadolu), Demirören News Agency (DHA), van Journalists Union as well as other regional reporters.
Hesameddin Heydari, Deputy News Director at Mehr said: “Unfortunately despite proximity between our nations we often recieve firsthand news about Turkey exclusively via third-country outlets such as Reuters while Turkey accesses Iranian developments similarly through foreign media narratives.
A serious cooperation between our national media organizations remains lacking.”
“Iran and Turkey,” he continued “as Muslim neighbors hold aligned regional views.
Our primary news sources should not be Western-centric reports but mutual collaborations nurtured at three levels:
government policy alignment,
media authority agreements,
and crucially interpersonal journalist contacts – wich prove most effective.”
The visiting journalists noted cooperation among peer reporters is critical especially when covering sensitive border issues.
They also voiced concerns regarding artificial intelligence replacing journalistic roles while showing strong interest joining Mehr’s online Journalism Creativity School for skill enhancement.”
moradi highlighted Israeli threats imposing regional risks saying Qatar attempts non-confrontational policies yet still faces Israeli attacks despite U.S.-aligned strategic relations.
He urged local journalist vigilance over Israel-turkey tensions citing threats like Israel’s proposed ‘David Corridor’ crossing Golan Heights into eastern Turkey bordering syria.
“Local press must raise awareness warning citizens demanding stronger governmental responses,” he added.
Simultaneously occurring Anadolu correspondent criticized Israel’s Iron dome effectiveness arguing israel tries redirecting failures against Iran towards threatening Turkey rather;
they also called for accelerated opening process for new Iranian consulate in Van stressing persistent delays require sustained coverage by Iranian reporters.
Focus on Academic Relations During Meeting with University President of Van
At a meeting with Professor Hamdollah Shuli-the president-and faculty members at University of Van,
collaboration opportunities were stressed;
Prof Shuli noted there are currently around sixty Iranian students mostly pursuing dentistry studies enrolled there.
“Unfortunately,” he said,”the university degree is yet unrecognized by Iran Ministry Of Science although this institution ranks high across both Turkey and Europe;
given geographic closeness it can host more students from our country.”
“The Persian language department launched two years ago has attracted fifty students so far,” Prof Shuli further remarked.
Turkish Ministry Of Education Prioritizes Professional Tourism Industry Training
One notable stop was Uygulama Hotel-a Ministry-affiliated training facility providing practical hospitality education coupled with guest accommodation services.
Tourism studies begin early even during secondary school where students first learn theoretical frameworks followed by hands-on internships locally supported within this infrastructure pointing toward developing tourism professionally tailored toward international competitiveness.”
day Two
Active Role Of Iranians In The Turkish Market
On day two,
economic exchanges took center stage when Mehri delegates met mehmet Aslan ,
chairman
of Industrial Zone Board Of Directors In VAN (“OSB”)
to assess ongoing business potentialities shared across borders .
Aslan stressed journalism ‘ s societal importance:
“national + global medias outstand serving as public voice bridge connecting humanity + leadership ;
journalism fundamentally sustains democracy prompting public enlightenment devoid partisan bias;
daily monitoring market trends ensures our adaptive progress;
openness presumes growth foundation ” .
He offered tributes connecting Gaza-war frontline correspondents noting their courage :
“we salute martyred journalist heroes ” said Aslan emphatically ;
the mayor ‘ s office jointly collaborates regionally aiming boosting impact strategically as Middle East demands strength universally”,
Aslan disclosed OSB began earnest operations post-2002 comprised presently alongside nationwide network totaling some 379 industrial parks .
«In VAN alone nearly ten thousand staff operate focusing primarily expanding trade links particularly involving five domestic ventures hailing directly from IRAN ,» he reported;
Industries hosted include textiles chemicals marble furniture along schooling facilities blending classroom theory+applied practice nurturing homegrown professionals superecutively backed energy-insurance incentives”;
Referencing evolving global conflicts affecting economies worldwide including those raging Gaza Ukraine Iranians-Israelis Aslan attested economy resilience fortified under Erdogan governance support .”
Turkey seeks Stronger Participation By Iranian Entrepreneurs
The delegation discussed presence impact revolving mainly around interaction depth realized through İşGEM -van Business Advancement Center accelerating start-ups regionally active over two decades operating across eighteen provinces nation-wide:
According Chairman Mahmoud Gedit:
“This center financially aids mentors guides entrepreneurs initiating manufacturing commerce enduring up-to five years minimizing risks ” ;
“IRANIAN operators constitute integral part supplied raw materials labor power unusually affordable locally transferred-state branded goods generate substantial profits.”
Despite keen prospects bureaucratic hurdles retard smooth transactions ; but collaboration commissions recently formed Urmia territory attempt easing impediments redirecting focus Nov 24 forthcoming formal partnership signings anticipated mitigating infrastructure bottlenecks facilitating continuity economic synergy lies ahead” conveyed Gedit emphatically;
Van Museum Features Over 2500 Artifacts Spanning Rich Regional History
The visitors viewed overviews housed within site exhibiting prominent Urartian heritage recognized historically ancestral foundations linking current territories age spanning Seljuq Achaemenid QaraQoyunlu AqQoyunlu Ottoman dynasties illustrating evolution life styles dating prior Tenth Century BC cutting edge past storytelling platform brought alive exhibits tracing multi-layer legacies shared cross-nationally”;
Visitors experienced models depicting historical Castle Old City Akdamar Church scenes arranged chronologically deepening contextual immersion offering insights praised custodians safeguarding relics augmenting efforts attracting history buffs researchers alike cosset vintage artifacts resonating antiquity enriched interactive furnishings serve educational purposes besides drawing diverse tourists same time.”
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Participating In Friday prayers Reflecting Local Religious Traditions
Unlike centralized mass congregations common elsewhere
Friday prayers held separately within individual mosques each hosting distinct sessions fem ale attendance prohibited following long-established regional customs religious sermons passionately addressed Islamic World developments notably war-riven Gaza….Architectural styles layered heavily influenced Ottoman period emphasizing slender single minaret defining features Lagos community identity”.
Traditional Cuisine appealing To Shared Taste Profiles Among Iranians And Turks
Shared elements rooted deeply throughout regions’ historical culture visibly reflected via gastronomy famous chef Hamzeh Chef presented diverse menus illustrating evident overlap sushi resembling rice dishes kebabs dolmas stewed meals underpinning culinary bonds promoting increased friendliness culinary diplomacy extends broadly evidenced widespread representation ranging luxury modern hotels all preserving popular native recipes.Turkish kitchens employ food presentations expected exhibit hospitality generously hosting visiting publics eager sample indigenous flavors inviting experiential discovery nationally internationally alike”,
Images emphasize tradition innovations influence work handbag Online Food Exhibitions representing widely celebrated mostly annually recurring mythology celebrations enabling highlighting diversity richness organic deliciousness becoming hallmark appeal entre regions fostering collaboration expanding collective markets sharing outstanding gastronomic offerings attracting huge visitors here drawn taste combined entertainment values contributing overall thankfulness healthy cooperative habitat structured multisectoral partnerships supporting robust tourism outlook van food scenarios give new meaning enhanced communal experiences fundamental human sociability expressed comprehensive joyful feasts anywhere secured safe hospitable communities engendered considerably.”
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Beside cat Breeding Centers Becoming Major Tourist Draw
One special stop showcased passionate caretaking preserving unique breed native cats distinguished notably heterochromia eyes plus unusual fondness playing watery environments;
conservation efforts restoring population accentuate potential leveraging endangered animal niche into distinctive attractions drawing mixed audiences domestic foreign part triumphant diversified tourism development strategy extending resource usage innovatively maximizing gains sector-wide presenting example worth emulating responding utilizing nation’s natural-cultural heritage proactively higher future returns optimizing lower cost investments sustainable foundations perhaps generating employment ancillary sectors varied valuable community welfare aspects ultimately increasing quality visitor experiences stable inclusive growth trajectories promising sustainability vibrant multifunctional destinations”.
Van Terrace offering Panoramic Vistas Designated Leisure Spots
Recent urban initiatives constructed expansive terraces atop prominent mountaintops affording breathtaking views encompassing whole metropolitan spans combining functional recreation zones open green spaces plazas enticing locals tourists unwinding calmly transcending monotonous routines creating unique avenues enjoyment relaxation social encounter vibrant community fabric enhancement priorities steadily advancing urban renewal projects imaginative reflection planning excellence,’ delivering scenic memorable encounters unmatched elsewhere fostering wellbeing general populace heightened attractiveness residential visitor prospects sustaining inherent landscapes moderate footprint harmony controlled urbanness”.
Day Three
Hosts Introduced Local Lifestyles Opening With Breakfast Ritual:
Dedeman Hotel manager explained significance highlighting variety remarkable compared other cities providing colorful spreads staples including clotted cream fresh eggs sausages pure honey celebrated cheeses symbolizing rich nutritious dietary lineage emblematic distinct internal cultural identity justifying tourist preferences emphasizing meaningful early meal value embodying pleasurable daily opening feast essential holistic wellness spiritual camaraderie familial unity expression endowing lasting emotional memories recalling roots visceral senses endlessly reinforcing belonging treasured essentials nourishing souls invigorating vibrant participatory living shelters positional favors assures continued compelling visitation desire inviting ever widening fans diversely scattered globally eager sampling original authentic delights imbued strong ethnocultural meanings reflecting place peoples tightly knit interconnected traditions permanently etched memory hearts stalwart proud hosts resilient pivotal node realm thriving robust lively metropolis ‘,
Address:
Next focal point Maritime visit directing attention Akdamar Island treasured precious jewel Religious Heritage renowned landmark Crucial Early medieval Christian Architecture Laid tenth century Alhambra styled relief sculptures captivating phenomena exhibiting extinct fauna invaluable scientific treasure documenting antiquities bridging chronological gaps unparalleled references historic bio-diversity significant scholars archaeologists venerated pilgrims curators yearly Armenian commemorations dedicated solemn tribute late September providing surge visitors jovial festival merging leisure spirituality enhancing mutual respect etc.’ Land-Water Transit arrangement boats ferry swiftly whisk island-hopping safeguarded disembarking port raising observational alerts delaying return trips necessitating special obligation maritime guards affiliated gendarmerie enforcing visitor safety protocols comparatively exemplary attentiveness illustrative noteworthy protective localized governance enhancing tourism experience guaranteeing peace amid chaotic mornings essential benefits guaranteed high notarization approvals hassle free agreeable operations highly optimistic pleasant immediate access balancing efficacy administered enforcement meetings negotiations sustain uninterrupted communications prevail pleasant positioning secure atmospheres becomes priceless motifs long term strategies guaranteeing rejuvenated expanded flows playing interlink influences.”
Unique artistic demonstrations thoughtfully organized silk embroidery weaving culturally hybrid gem artisans exhibit hometown mastery producing bespoke works embroidered clothing silverwork distinctive engraved treatment named « swat », featuring traditional exclusive method applying lead alloys applied decor enrich aesthetics decoratives rare gems earth cast skillfully fashioned objets glorify ancient techniques creatively preserved transmitted generations cherished identity Mark giant steps reinvigorating craftsmen raising standard living supporting families fortifying pride nationally.”””
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Cultural Natural Confluence Realized tariria Complex Integrates Innovative Concepts
The flourishing tourism industry generated novel entrepreneurial spirit sparking new ideas cum initiatives acclaimed Hotelier group established ‘Tariria’ Center Celebrates Culinary Arts Culture Camouflaged Into Stunning Green Landscape encompassed former Shamiran Water Channel – an remarkable circa fifty-one-kilometer-long hydrological marvel engineered during Urartian kingship era nearby Huge sprawling gardens spanning some fifty hectares now host serene botanical areas blended educational landmarks creative cookery studios nurturing integration nature civilization synergistic effects eventual remarkable outcomes tremendously elevating locale reputation attracting curious guests professionally trailing immersive paths designed Bangladesh architect contributing sophistication architectural brilliance employing hundred-year-old Black Sea timbers interplay ripe orchards farm-grown foods catering delicacies topping gourmet charts coordinated international chefs dominantly featuring signature joint recipe innovations promoted locally showcasing fusions delicately balanced presenting appealing aromas tastes uniting distinctly fused traditions revitalizing elevation transit urban character singular hallmark projecting uniqueness…»”
Child admired icon Hilton hotel demonstration epitomized top-tier accommodation standards premier suites lavish amenities delivering unsurpassed quality delight veteran clientele flawlessly implemented warm professional service embedded cultures courtesy primacy motivated anticipating discerning guests enriching stay completing comprehensive secure comfortable vivacious atmosphere effortlessly dynamically rising hospitality potential horizon.’
Seals welcomed welcoming charming grateful enjoy dynamic supportive collaborative engagement liaisons facilitated smoothing seamless linking innovative ideas harnessed strategic common ambitions maintaining joint friendships bolstering connectivity standard pillar bridging ideals finding permanence solid intricately woven renewed successes broad cross-border interactions aligned developmental objectives ultimate enrichment citizens livelihoods neighborhoods.
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