Iran scored an own goal at Nevruz

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani was bragging on March 13, saying the Turkish government was making "inappropriate statements" and advising it to "be wise." He even called on Iranian citizens to boycott Turkey. 

"There is terror in Turkey. It is not safe. Do not go there for the two-week Nevruz holiday," Larijani said.

 Before that, the Iranian Foreign Ministry also issued a travel warning and told its citizens not to go to Turkey. 

Still, people disregarded these warnings. As soon as the Nevruz holiday began, many Iranians were in Van. The rush started on March 18. There were queues at the Kapıköy Border Post. On that day alone, more than 7,000 Iranian tourists entered Turkey for the Nevruz holiday. "Iranians swarmed in. All the hotels were full.

 There were no vacancies left," reported local newspapers. They had headlines praising the "Nevruz boost" in the economy. There were street interviews with shopkeepers in Van about how happy they were because of the influx.

Larijani and his team must have been biting their lips nervously as they watched what was happening.  
Van was prepared from days before. The streets were illuminated and decorated with "Welcome" signs in Persian. The number of active desks at the border post was increased from two to four. The staff number was doubled. They were waiting with flowers for the guests. 

All this could have gone into the waste basket. But despite their government's warnings, Iranians did not disappoint us. They packed their suitcases and hit the road for Van.  

The convoys were greeted with celebrations at the gate. Tourists were given a microphone to enthusiastically explain why Van was an indispensable destination for their Nevruz holidays. They...