Turku resident of the year 2025: Is private chef Aram Behbodi
In this year's traditional Turku Resident of the Year public vote, there were seven candidates. Voting was open from January 7 to January 23, and a total of 13,447 votes were cast.
Photos: Turun Kaupunki / Turku City
Private chef Aram Behbodi was selected as Turku Resident of the Year 2025 with a large number of votes. The Aikamatka 20360 community art project working group placed second, and journalist Kalle Talonen was selected third.
In this year’s traditional Turku Resident of the Year public vote, there were seven candidates. Voting was open from January 7 to January 23, and a total of 13,447 votes were cast.
The winner, with 4,492 votes—representing roughly one third of all votes—was private chef Aram Behbodi, who has become one of the most recognizable figures in Turku on social media over the past year.
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In voters’ justifications, Behbodi’s inspiring influence and captivating personality were frequently highlighted.
"Aram inspires people on social media in a way that also gets them moving—seeking authentic flavors at the Market Hall, the market square, restaurants, or events," one voter explained.
Everything began when Behbodi, who had worked in the restaurant industry for many years, wanted to host dinner parties at his home for complete strangers. At first, people in Southwest Finland warmed to the idea slowly.
"I knew that a larger city might offer better opportunities for success, but moving away from here was not an option. I have always said that Turku is the greatest love of my life. In Turku, I can be exactly who I am. I don’t have to pretend," says Behbodi, who was also crowned Snow Queen of 2024.
Second place in the vote went to the Aikamatka 20360 community art project working group, which received 2,501 votes. The project filled a former library and youth center in Runosmäki, Turku, that was awaiting demolition. Between March and August 2025, the artwork attracted over 52,000 visitors. The project was also awarded the Turku Medal on Turku Day 2025.
Third place went to journalist Kalle Talonen, who received 1,634 votes. Talonen hosted Turku broadcasts on Yle Radio Suomi for many years, covering local news topics with his distinctive sense of humor.
An Inspiring and Courageous Turku Resident of the Year
The top three candidates were honored and presented with flowers at an event held at the Turku City Theatre on Friday, January 30. As a memento of his victory, Aram Behbodi received a piece of Kakola granite, quarried from the stones of Turku’s Market Square, presented by Mayor Piia Elo.
Mayor Elo thanked Behbodi during the award ceremony, among other things, for his outstanding work in highlighting Turku.
"Aram’s story is an example of how passion, authenticity, and courage can transform both one’s own life and the everyday life of an entire community. The dinner parties he has organized for complete strangers, the way he has given a face to Turku’s food culture, and his active presence on social media have brought Turku into the spotlight in a wonderful way."
The Turku Resident of the Year has been selected and honored annually since 1985. In 2024, the title was awarded to endurance runner Mustafe Muuse.
The Turku Resident of the Year vote is jointly organized by Turun Sanomat, Auran Aallot, and the City of Turku.