Muslim Woman announced as the National Poet of Wales

Iraqi-Welsh Muslim poet, Hanan Issa has been announced as Literature Wales’ National Poet of Wales!

The National Poet of Wales represents and celebrates writing from Wales both at home and abroad. The project, which is run by Literature Wales, the national company for the development of literature, takes poetry to new audiences and encourages others to use their creative voice to inspire positive change.

Hanan Issa said: “Poetry exists in the bones of this country. I want people to recognise Wales as a country bursting with creativity: a land of poets and singers with so much to offer the arts. I’d like to continue the great work of my predecessors in promoting Wales, Welshness, and the Welsh language outside of its borders. More than anything, I want to capture the interest and inspiration of the public to see themselves in Welsh poetry and encourage a much more open sense of what Welshness is.”

In an announcement post on Instagram, Issa shares photos from her photoshoot – poignantly situated in Cardiff Castle’s “Arab Room” with a cape of locally grown flowers.

Issa holds the title for a 3-year term, we extend our congratulations to her for her inspiring contributions to the creative scene in Wales!

Image source: Hanan Issa