Iranian War Veteran CEO Finds Expression Through Poetry in Finland

Siamäk Naghian, the CEO of loudspeaker manufacturer Genelec, has discovered poetry as a powerful outlet for expressing experiences that are difficult to articulate. An Iranian war veteran who relocated to Finland, Naghian channels his past into verse, writing in both Finnish and Persian.

He finds a particular resonance in the lilac flower, a symbol that appears in his multilingual poetry. Naghian notes that the lilac grows in both Finland and Iran, serving as a bridge between his current home and his country of origin. For him, the lilac embodies poetry and beauty, connecting his personal journey with the natural world.

Naghian's journey to Finland began in 1986. During his early years in the country, he lived in the vicinity of Lapinlahti, a place he revisited for this story. It was in these landscapes that he also connected with a friend who was receiving treatment at the Lapinlahti hospital, adding another layer of personal history to the region.

Through his poetry, Naghian transforms complex experiences into a more accessible form. The act of writing allows him to process his past, particularly the traumas associated with war, and find a unique way to communicate these profound feelings. His work serves as a testament to the healing power of art and the enduring human need for expression, transcending borders and languages.