LONDON
- British Muslim poet and filmmaker Hanan Issa succeeded in obtaining the title "National Poet of Wales", a title that makes her the poetic and cultural front of Wales for 3 years, becoming the first veiled Muslim woman to hold this title, which represents its owner - for 3 years - cultures and languages The diverse people of Wales who number over 3 million.
Hanan - of Iraqi and Welsh origin - won this title with great interest in literary circles to get to know the works of this young poet, who drew attention to her, knowing that she entered the world of writing as a way to rehabilitate women after offensive political statements against Muslim women, so Hanan took the pen to defend. About women who look like her and are subjected to injustice and racism.
In this dialogue with Al Jazeera, Hanan, who published her book "My Body Can Hold Two Hearts", reveals how she made her way in literary circles to become the poetic face of Wales, which is part of the United Kingdom to the west of England.
Can you tell us more about Hanan Issa?
I am a British Muslim citizen, living in Cardiff - the capital of Wales - with my husband, son and cat, and although I am a poet I enjoy discovering other forms of creative expression such as directing, acting and painting.
When did your interest in poetry and writing begin?
I always wrote poems, and in the beginning I wrote a lot about dragons, and although it's a strange choice, writing about it gives me a sense of comfort and that's why I kept writing.
But the event that made me decide to publish what I write was a political event par excellence, when former British Prime Minister David Cameron decided to make ridiculous and offensive comments about Muslim women in Britain.
I felt great anger when I heard him talk about Muslim women saying that they do not integrate into society and do not affect or benefit the environment in which they live, while through my experience and the experiences of the Muslim women around me, Muslim women are doctors, nurses, and scientists who work in the finest laboratories And women workers in government departments, lawyers, professors, and artists, and they contribute to society in every possible way, so I was fed up with these offensive statements.
That is why I decided to write an angry text expressing what I think, and I published it on my Facebook page, and it was widely accepted and accepted by the pioneers of social networking sites, and after that I published with I write, and turned my page into a page to publish my poetic works as well as literary texts and short stories and gradually my name became known In literary circles in Wales.
What is the main theme of your poetic writings and what is the message from them?
I love writing about everything and everything, but the important thing is that I found some themes that move me as well as become a source of inspiration for me, and they are related to the themes of identity, language, nature, as well as belonging, history and myth, which are the themes that I focus on in my poetry writing.
Tell us more about the title "National Poet of Wales"?
There is an institution in Wales called "Literature Wales", which is the national institution concerned with development and culture, which chooses the poet who will be the face of the country and gives him the title "National Poet of Wales", and the purpose of this title is to give a strong impetus to literature in Wales, and to improve Life and its illumination with culture and poetry.
The project was launched in 2005 and bears the title of well-known literary names in Wales and the United Kingdom, such as "Gwyneth Lewis", "Gwyn Thomas" and "Gillian Clarke".
🌟📣 National Poet of Wales 📣🌟
Literature Wales is thrilled to announce that Hanan Issa, a poet whose “words are like ribbons weaving languages ​​and cultures together” will be taking on the role for 2022-25: https://t.co/k3ckcPJmN4@hanan_issa_ pic.twitter. com/PgEZiMp9kX
— Literature Wales (@LitWales) July 6, 2022
This title remains with its owner for a period of 3 years, and he is the poetic representative of Wales, both inside and outside the country, and in major festivals and recipients.
It is up to the title holder to bring poetry to a new audience, encourage others to use their voices to communicate all their creative work, and motivate those with real talent to polish it and give them the opportunity to show it.
Thanks for this lovely spread Jenny White – Western Mail about my @LitWales appointment as National Poet of Wales!
pic.twitter.com/AZgIkoThsU
— Hanan Issa (@hanan_issa_) July 16, 2022
How do you feel after learning about winning this title?
I am very excited about this new challenge, and I am still currently working on developing a clear plan to fulfill this role to the fullest, but in my own way so as not to be a duplicate of the previous names.
How do you feel as the first veiled Muslim woman to win this title?
I am grateful for this opportunity to show the greatness of Muslim women, change so many stereotypes about Muslim women at home and abroad, and I hope to inspire other women, to recognize their strengths and abilities and show them to the world.