Luljeta Lleshanaku has been designated as “Poet Laureate” for the two-year term spanning 2023-2025. This marks the second time the title of “poet laureate” has been awarded. The initial recipient was the poet Rudolf Marku, who held the title during the pandemic period for the years 2020-2022.

The announcement of the “Poet Laureate” took place during a ceremony hosted by the National Book and Reading Center (NBRC). Alda Bardhyli, the director of NBRC, expressed her gratitude to the selection committee, with special recognition given to the committee chairwoman, Sibel Halimi, a poet from Kosovo. Bardhyli pointed out that Sibel Halimi faced a series of prejudices, which, in her opinion, underscored the limited recognition of the accomplishments of Albanians beyond their borders.

“I hope that this wonderful initiative initiated by NBRC will endure,” expressed Alda Bardhyli. The other members of the jury included Arta Marku, Ylljet Aliçkaj, Arlinda Dudaj, and Professor Dhurata Shehri.

The title “Poet Laureate” was bestowed upon the poet Luljeta Lleshanaku, in recognition of her modern verse, which departs from conventional metaphors and constructs the meaning of poetic phrases through rhythm and comparisons. She is also honored for her role in inspiring a new generation of poets. Luljeta Lleshanaku, born in Elbasan, was raised in an exiled family. She is a prominent figure among contemporary Albanian poets and pursued her studies in literature at the University of Tirana.

There were 9 other poets competing for this 2-year “mandate”: Ervin Hatibi, Natasha Lako, Flutura Açka, Sadik Bejko, Rita Petro, Arian Leka, Preç Zogaj, Ilirian Zhupa and Entela Tabaku.

/m.ll/