Welsh-Iraqi Hanan Issa becomes Wales' first Muslim national poet

Welsh-Iraqi Hanan Issa becomes Wales' first Muslim national poet
Wales has appointed its first Muslim national poet, Hanan Issa, who says receiving the prestigious title feels 'like a really positive step forward for representation'.
2 min read
08 July, 2022
Welsh-Iraqi poet Hanan Issa is also a film-maker and artist [Camera Sioned]

Wales has appointed its first Muslim national poet, who is set to serve in the new role until 2025.

Welsh-Iraqi poet Hanan Issa - who is also a film-maker and artist - shared the news on Wednesday, stating she was “relieved” to finally tell the world about her new title.

Issa’s new high-profile role is intended to represent the nation’s “diverse cultures and languages… and [celebrate] writing from Wales both at home and abroad”, according to Literature Wales, a national company for literature development.

"It feels wonderful [to be the first Muslim in this role], like a really positive step forward for representation," Issa told The New Arab.

"Poetry really has enriched my journey to build my connection with both my cultures," she said, adding that "words and phrases and ideas from both languages [Welsh and Arabic] creep into my work very often".

Issa believes her colourful cultural background will strengthen her in her new role, saying that her experiences have kept her curious and open minded.

"I think those things are helpful as a creative when you're looking for inspiration, I hope it will be a strength in this role where i'm trying to capture the interest of the public... and build bridges between people," she said.

Issa stated that despite her Muslim background being important to her, it is only "one facet of who I am", as she shared her hope that "people from all backgrounds and demographics can see me in this role and think that it's something that's potentially achievable for them".

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The poet’s recent works include her anthology My Body Can House Two Hearts and her contributions to the book Welsh (Plural): Essays on the Future of Wales .

Issa also received a 2020 Ffilm Cymru/ BBC Wales commission for her short film The Golden Apple, alongside having her work performed and published on various platforms, including ITV Wales and Huffington Post.