Renowned novelist Elif Shafak has been elected as the new president of Britain’s Royal Society of Literature (RSL), marking a significant and inspiring moment for the global literary community.

The decision was made through a vote at the society’s Annual General Meeting, as reported by The Guardian. She succeeds celebrated author Bernadine Evaristo, who completed her four-year term and praised Shafak as a “terrifically inspired choice.”

Evaristo highlighted Elif Shafak’s extraordinary journey, describing her as a global bestselling author with a powerful voice as a writer, thinker, and public speaker, as well as a lifelong advocate for literature and the power of storytelling to honour diverse perspectives and foster understanding.

Deeply moved by the responsibility, Shafak said she was “very touched and humbled” by the trust placed in her. She shared that while she carries many hopes for her tenure, her first priority is to listen to the thoughts, concerns, and dreams of fellow writers and poets.

In a heartfelt Instagram message, she expressed feeling “deeply honoured and excited,” adding that the Royal Society of Literature must remain a sanctuary an oasis of empathy, creativity, and togetherness especially in an increasingly turbulent and difficult world.

Speaking to The Guardian, Shafak emphasized the deeper meaning of fellowship, calling it not only an honour within a historic institution but also a symbol of companionship, solidarity, and shared humanity.

She reflected on the growing loneliness many artists face today and stressed the need for stronger bonds within the creative community.

Elif Shafak also acknowledged the many challenges confronting writers, librarians, and all those who dedicate their lives to the love of literature, particularly in a time of social and cultural uncertainty.

Having served as the society’s vice-president since 2020, Elif Shafak brings with her decades of literary excellence and advocacy.

She is the author of 21 books, including 13 novels, and writes in both Turkish and English. Her celebrated works, such as The Forty Rules of Love and The Bastard of Istanbul, have touched readers in 58 languages.

Two of her books were shortlisted for the RSL Ondaatje Prize, while her novel 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2019.

Her appointment stands as a hopeful reminder of the power of literature to unite hearts, amplify voices, and nurture compassion in an ever-changing world.