Archive · 9 Dec 2025
Elif Shafak Becomes New RSL President
Elif Shafak, a famous writer, has been chosen as the new leader of the Royal Society of Literature.
This group, which has been around for over 200 years, helps people enjoy and talk about books.
Shafak is excited to work with others to make literature more popular.
The society has had some problems recently, like arguments about what to write and who should be in charge.
But Shafak hopes to make things better and bring people together through books.
Elif Shafak, a well-known British-Turkish novelist, is the new president of the Royal Society of Literature (RSL).
She succeeds Bernardine Evaristo, whose term ended at the Society’s Annual General Meeting.
Shafak expressed excitement about building bridges and promoting literature.
The RSL, founded in 1820, is a learned society for literature based in London’s Somerset House.
The RSL has recently faced controversies, including censorship allegations and leadership changes.
- Who
- Elif Shafak, British-Turkish novelist, appointed as new president of the Royal Society of Literature (RSL).
- What
- Shafak succeeds Bernardine Evaristo, whose term concluded at the Society’s Annual General Meeting.
- When
- The appointment occurred after the conclusion of Evaristo's four-year term.
- Where
- The RSL is based at Somerset House in London.
- Why
- Shafak aims to build bridges and spread the love of literature, following a turbulent period in the RSL's history.
- New President
- Elif Shafak
- Previous President
- Bernardine Evaristo
- RSL Founded
- 1820
- RSL Location
- Somerset House, London
- RSL Purpose
- Promotes literature, debate, and free expression
- Recent Controversy
- Censorship allegations and leadership changes
- Shafak's Reaction
- Honored and excited to build bridges