Poet laureate

File:Torquato Tasso.jpg

A depiction of Torquato Tasso from a German encyclopedia, 1905. Note the laurel crown.

A poet laureate (plural: poets laureate)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> is a poet officially appointed by a government or conferring institution, typically expected to compose poems for special events and occasions. Albertino Mussato of Padua and Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch) of Arezzo were the first to be crowned poets laureate after the classical age, respectively in 1315 and 1342.<ref>Robert Weiss, The Renaissance Discovery of Classical Antiquity (Oxford, 1973);Ernest Hatch Wilkins, The Making of the Canzoniere and Other Petrarchan Studies 1951:9-69, noted in Weiss 1973:32.</ref> In Britain, the term dates from the appointment of Bernard André by Henry VII of England. The royal office of Poet Laureate in England dates from the appointment of John Dryden in 1668.

In modern times a poet laureate title may be conferred by an organization such as the Poetry Foundation, which designates a Young People's Poet Laureate, unconnected with the National Youth Poet Laureate and the United States Poet Laureate.<ref name=yppl>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The office is also popular with regional and community groups. Examples include the Pikes Peak Poet Laureate,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> which is designated by a "Presenting Partners" group from within the community, the Minnesota poet laureate chosen by the League of Minnesota Poets (est. 1934),<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> the Northampton Poet Laureate<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> chosen by the Northampton Arts Council,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and the Martha's Vineyard Poet Laureate chosen by ten judges representing the Martha's Vineyard Poetry Society.

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Background

In ancient Greece, the laurel was used to form a crown or wreath of honour for poets and heroes. The custom derives from the ancient myth of Daphne and Apollo (Daphne signifying "laurel" in Greek), and was revived in Padua for Albertino Mussato,<ref>Robert Weiss, The Renaissance Discovery of Classical Antiquity (Oxford, 1973) 20.</ref> followed by Petrarch's own crowning ceremony in the audience hall of the medieval senatorial palazzo on the Campidoglio on April 8, 1341.<ref>Ernest Hatch Wilkins, The Making of the Canzoniere and Other Petrarchan Studies 1951:9-69, noted in Weiss 1973:32.</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Because the Renaissance figures who were attempting to revive the Classical tradition lacked detailed knowledge of the Roman precedent they were attempting to emulate, these ceremonies took on the character of doctoral candidatures.<ref>Weiss 1973.</ref> In Persia, the poet laureate (amīr- or malek-al-šoʿarāʾ) carried artistic authority and were provided sources of income.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Since the office of poet laureate has become widely adopted, the term "laureate" has come to signify recognition for preeminence or superlative achievement (cf. Nobel laureate). A royal degree in rhetoric, poet laureate was awarded at European universities in the Middle Ages. The term therefore may refer to the holder of such a degree, which recognized skill in rhetoric, grammar, and language. During England's seventeenth century, the poet laureate served as the "court poet" of royalty, and was often called upon to celebrate state occasions until that role was abolished during the early 1800s.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The skald in ancient Scandinavia often spent their careers too serving as the court poets of Norway's kings.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> Just like the first English poets laureate, ministers during China's feudal era presented "commanded poems" at royal events and were beholden to the ruling class.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In Japan, the poet laureate (keikanshijin) was also imperially appointed and were often called upon to read at the annual Utakai Hajime.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Comparatively, in Africa, kingdoms such as the Kuba in the Belgian Congo (modern day Democratic Republic of the Congo) appointed bards that served as both the royal historian and poet laureate.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In addition to being known as poets laureate, bards were also referred to as "praise-poets" due to their special function of venerating the chief.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

In the Xhosa language, Imbongi YeSizwethe can be translated to mean either "poet laureate" or "national poet".<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Similar to what is expressed in the Xhosa term, some poets have been dually noted as "poet laureate" and "national poet" depending upon the source: Kazi Nazrul Islam (Bangladesh),<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Rabindranath Tagore (India),<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> José Craveirinha (Mozambique),<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Mahmoud Darwish (Palestine),<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Mohamed Ibrahim Warsame 'Hadrawi' (Somalia),<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Edwin Thumboo (Singapore)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> and Taras Shevchenko (Ukraine).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> This contrasts with other figures such as Shamsur Rahman (Bangladesh),<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Thomas Moore (Bermuda),<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Leung Ping-kwan (Hong Kong),<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Francisco Borja da Costa (Timor–Leste)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> and Haji Gora Haji (Zanzibar)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>—who are conferred an "unofficial poet laureate" status due to their poetical works.

As of modern times, over a dozen national governments continue the poet laureate tradition.

By continent

Africa

Algeria

In Algeria, during the 11th century, Ibn Sharaf al-Qayrawani was the court poet of the Zīrids. Al-Thaghri Al-Tilimsani was appointed as a court poet during the Zayyanid dynasty.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Burkina Faso

Boûbacar Tinguidji, a Fula maabo, was appointed as the court poet of the Ruler of Dori.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite book</ref>

Cameroon

Poets laureate of Cameroon include René Philombé.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Cape Verde

Poets laureate of Cape Verde include Eugénio Tavares.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Egypt

Ahmed Shawqi became Egypt's Poet Laureate in 1894.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Eritrea

Poets laureate of Eritrea include Reesom Haile.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Ethiopia

File:Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin.jpg

Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin of Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, the officially designated Laureate includes Tsegaye Gebre-Medhin. Tsegaye's award was granted in 1966 by His Majesty, Haile-Selasie II.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Gambia

Poets laureate of The Gambia include Lenrie Peters.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Ghana

Poets laureate of Ghana include Atukwei Okai.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>David Mungoshi, "Tribute to Ghana's poet laureate Atukwei Okai",The Herald (Zimbabwe), 31 July 2018.</ref>

Kenya

Muyaka bin Haji al-Ghassaniy was the Poet Laureate of Mombasa, Kenya.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Lesotho

Poets laureate of Lesotho include Joshua Pulumo Mohapeloa.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Liberia

Poets laureate for the Republic of Liberia have included Roland T. Dempster, Melvin B. Tolson (1947), and Patricia Jabbeh Wesley.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Libya

Libya-born Callimachus was appointed as an imperial court poet to Ptolemy II Philadelphus.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Madagascar

Poets laureate of Madagascar include Jacques Rabemananjara.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Malawi

Poets laureate of Malawi include Jack Mapanje.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Mali

Poets laureate of Mali include Ban Sumana Sisòkò.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Mauritania

Mohamed Ould Taleb was appointed as the official court poet during Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz's presidency in Mauritania.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Mauritius

Poets laureate of Mauritius include Édouard Maunick.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Morocco

In the 13th century, Abdelaziz al-Malzuzi was the court poet of Abu Yahya ibn Abd al-Haqq. During the 16th-17th centuries in Morocco's history, Abd al-Aziz al-Fishtali was appointed as the poet laureate of the Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Niger

Burkina Faso-born Boûbacar Tinguidji, a Fula maabo, was appointed as the court poet of the Songhai chief Mossi Gaidou in Dargol, Niger.<ref name=":1" />

Nigeria

Poets laureate of Nigeria include Obo Aba Hisanjani and Niyi Osundare.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>FEATURE: Inside Niyi Osundare's book of truth as trouble. (2024, May 30). Premium Times (Abuja, Nigeria). Available from NewsBank: Access World News: https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/1996441716A07330.</ref> Mamman Jiya Vatsa was the inaugural poet laureate of Abuja, Nigeria.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Tanure Ojaide was the Poet Laureate of the Niger Delta.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Rwanda

During the 18th century in Rwanda's history, Semidogoro was the official court poet of Mibambwe III Mutabazi II Sentabyo.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Sekarama was the official court poet during the reigns of Kigeli IV Rwabugiri and Mutara III Rudahigwa.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Poets laureate of Rwanda include Edouard Bamporiki Uwayo.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Senegal

Poets laureate of Senegal include Léopold Sédar Senghor and Robert Hayden (1966).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Citation</ref>

Sierra Leone

Poets laureate of Sierra Leone include the Italian authors Roberto Malini and Dario Picciau.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

South Africa

In the 19th century, Magolwane kaMkhathini Jiyane was the court poet of Shaka Zulu.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> During the 10th century, David Livingstone Phakamile (Yali-Manisi) was the poet laureate of Kaiser Matanzima.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Poets laureate of South Africa include Mazisi Kunene (2005), Keorapetse Kgositsile (2006), and Mongane Wally Serote (2018– ).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Sudan

During the 1800s in Sudan, Al U'aysir was the court poet (inqīb) of the Ja'alin tribe King Mek Nimr.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Tanzania

Poets laureate of Tanzania include Saadani Kandoro (1969).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Tunisia

During the 10th century, Muhammad ibn Hani al-Andalusi al-Azdi was appointed as the chief court poet to the Fatimid Caliph al-Mu'izz.<ref name=":3">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Also, in the 10th century, Ali ibn Muhammad al-Iyadi was the court poet of Fatimid caliphs al-Qa'im, al-Mansur, and al-Mu'izz. Poets laureate of Tunisia include Qasim Shabi.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Uganda

Poets laureate of Uganda include Akena Adoko.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Zimbabwe

Ginyilitshe Hlabangana was the official poet laureate (or Imbongi YeNkosi) for the Ndebele Kingdom (now called Matabeleland, Zimbabwe).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Asia

Afghanistan

During the 10–11th century, Unsuri was made poet laureate by Sultan Maḥmūd of Ghazna.<ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref> Modern poets laureate of Afghanistan include Abdullah "Malik al-Shu'Ara" Qari, Sufi Abdul Bitab, and Ustad Khalilullah Khalili.<ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref><ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref>

Armenia

Poets laureate of Armenia include Avetik Isahakian and Hovhannes Toumanian (1970).<ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref><ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref>

Azerbaijan

In 1502, Azerbaijan-born court poet Habibi earned the title "king of poets" from Safavid king Ismail I. Poets laureate of Azerbaijan include Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh.<ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref><ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref>

Bahrain

Bahrain-born Muḥammad Sharīf al-Shībānī served as the poet laureate of the court of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (c. 1967).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Bangladesh

During the 15th century, Zainuddin was appointed the court poet of Bengal while under the patronage of Prince Yusuf Khan.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Yusuf-Zulekha was the court poet of Sultan of Bengal, Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah. Sometime during the 15th-16th century, Shah Muhammad Saghir was the poet laureate of the Sultan of Bengal Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Daulat Qazi, born in what is now modern day Bangladesh, was officially appointed as the poet for the Arakan court in Myanmar (then ruled by King Thiri Thudhamma).<ref name="sen">Sen, Sukumar (1993). Islami Bangla Sahitya (in Bengali), Kolkata: Ananda Publishers, Template:ISBN, pp.23-33</ref>

Brunei

Poets laureate of Brunei include royal poet Omar Ali Saifuddien III.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Cambodia

Poets laureate of Cambodia include Ind (1907–1924).<ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref><ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref>

China

In Ancient China, Emperor Yuan of Han appointed Shi You as the poet laureate.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> During the Tang dynasty, He Zhichang was appointed as the poet laureate of Emperor Ho Kwei.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Zhou Boqi was a court poet appointed during the Yuan Dynasty.

Cyprus

During the 19th century, after the Turks invaded Cyprus, Mufti Hilmi Efendi was appointed the poet laureate of Sultan Mahmud II.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In 1980, the World Academy of Arts and Culture awarded Cyprus-born Costas Montis the title of Poet Laureate.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Georgia

Heraclius II of Georgia appointed Sayat-Nova as his poet laureate at the court of Tbilisi.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

India

In India, poets laureate were maintained at the royal courts beginning in ancient times.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> For instance, in Ancient India, Harisena was designated poet laureate by Emperor Samudragupta.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> During the 7th century, Emperor Harsha proclaimed Bāṇabhaṭṭa as the poet laureate.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Jayamkondar was made poet laureate by Chola Emperor Kulottunga I.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In the 10th century, Ranna was the poet laureate of Western Chalukya Kings Tailapa II and Satyashraya.<ref name="chav">Kamath (2001), p45</ref><ref name="ran">Sastri (1955), p356</ref> Adikavi Pampa was the court poet of Vemulavada Chalukya king Arikesari II. Also, in the 10th century, Ponna received the title Kavichakravarthi (poet laureate) and Ubhaya-Chakravarthi (imperial poet in two languages) from Rashtrakuta king Krishna III. Padmagupta Parimala was a Paramama court poet.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In the mid-11th century, Nannaya was the poet-laureate of Rajaraja Narendra.

In the 15th century, Cherusseri Namboothiri was the court poet of Udaya Varma. During the 15th-16th centuries, Allasani Peddana was the poet laureate of Emperor Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara. In the 16th century, Shaikh Gadai Kamboh was the poet laureate in the court of Sultan of Sikandar Lodhi. In 1665, Nusrati was made a poet laureate by Sultan ʿAlī II (r. 1656–1672) of the ʿĀdil-Shāhī dynasty.<ref>Template:Harvnb; Template:Harvnb; Template:Harvnb.</ref> During the Mughal Empire, Emperor Akbar made Birbal the poet laureate.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In the aforementioned empire's later history, Taleb Amoli was Emperor Jahangir's poet laureate from 1618 to 1627,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Emperor Shah Jahan appointed Jagannatha Panditaraja as the poet laureate during his reign.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In the 18th century, Bharatchandra Ray was the court poet of Maharaja Krishnachandra.

Mohammad Ibrahim Zauq was the poet laureate of the final Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In the 19th century, Ghalib was appointed as the poet laureate of the Mughal Court.<ref name=":02">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In the Indian subcontinent Kashmir, Mullah Nadiri was the poet laureate during the reign of Sultan Sikandar (1378–1416, reigned 1389–1413).

Andhra Pradesh

Sripada Krishnamurty Sastry was the first poet laureate of Andhra Pradesh, India.<ref>p. 644, Land and people of Indian states and union territories : (in 36 volumes), by Shankarlal C. Bhatt, Gopal K. Bhargava, vol. 2, Kaplaz Publishers, 2006.</ref> Dasarathi served as the court poet (aasthana kavi) for the government of Andhra Pradesh.

Jaisalmer

Alseedan ji Ratnu was the poet laureate (raj-kavi) of Jaisalmer state.

Karnataka

In what was once the Western Chalukya Empire, Nagavarma II was the poet laureate (Katakacharya) by Chalukya King Jagadhekamalla.<ref name="kataka">Narasimhacharya (1988), pp. 64–65, p. 19</ref><ref name="kataka1">Shastri (1955), p. 358</ref><ref name="upa">Kamath (2001), p. 115</ref>

Kerala

K. C. Kesava Pillai was the Poet Laureate of Travancore (located in present-day Kerala state). Vallathol Narayana Menon was the Poet Laureate of Kerala.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Madhya Pradesh

During the 15th century, Raidhu (who was born in Gwalior) was the poet laureate for the court of Dungar Singh and Kirti Singh.

Maharashtra

Bhaskar Ramchandra Tambe was the poet laureate of Maharashtra.<ref name="Jagtik kirtiche 126 sahityik">Template:Cite book</ref>

Tamil Nadu

Kannadasan was the poet laureate of Tamil Nadu at the time of his death.

Telegana

Sripada Krishna Sastry was the poet laureate during the 20th century.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Indonesia

In the 14th century, Mpu Prapanca served as the poet laureate in the royal court of Emperor Hayam Wuruk.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> During the 18th century, Yasadipura I served as the Poet Laureate of Surakarta Sunanate.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Iran

File:Mohammad-Taqi Bahar-Original.jpg

Mohammad-Taqi Bahar poet laureate of Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar.

In the 11th century, Iran-born Abu-al-Faraj Runi became a court poet during the Ghaznavid period. Manuchehri was another court poet during the aforementioned period. Qatran Tabrizi was the court poet of the dynasties of the Rawadids and Shaddadids. During the 13th century, Khwaju Kermani was the official court poet of Il-Khanid rulers Abu Sa'id Bahadur Khan and Arpa Ke'un, the Mozaffarid Mubariz al-Din Muhammad, and Abu Ishaq Inju of the Inju dynasty.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Farid Isfarayini was the court poet of the Salghurids in Shiraz.Template:Sfn In the 14th century, Salman Savaji was the court poet of the Jalayirids.Template:Sfn

During the Safavid era, Vahshi Bafqi was the poet laureate of Ghiyat al-Din Mir Miran.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Sometime during the 15th century, Baba Fighani Shirazi became the court poet of Aq Qoyunlu Ya'qub Beg. In the 17th century, Taleb Amoli was made the poet laureate of the Mughal emperor Jahangir (1618). Also, in the 17th century, during his travels to India, the Persian poet Kalim Kashani was made poet laureate by Mogul emperor Shah Jahan in 1632.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> During the 18th century, Saba (Fath-Ali Khan Kashani) was the poet laureate of Fath-Ali Shah Qajar.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In the 19th century, Prince Gholam-Hossein Mirza was the poet laureate of Mozaffar al-Din Mirza in Tabriz.

Mohammad-Taqi Bahar was the poet laureate of Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar. He was born in Mashhad in 1884 (died 1951) and was a conservative figure among the modernists. He was appointed Poet Laureate by royal decree in 1903.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Iraq

In Iraq's ancient history, Ibn 'Atiyah Jarir was the court poet of Ibn Yusuf al-Hajjaj during the Umayyad period.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Abd al-Malik Burhani was the poet laureate of Sanjar under Malik Shāh I and Sultān Sanjar.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Regarding cities, Aban al-Lahiqi was the court poet of the Barmakids in Baghdad. Poets laureate of Iraq include Muhammed Mahdi al-Jawahiri.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Israel

Poets laureate of Israel include Avigdor Hameiri and Haim Gouri.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Japan

Kakinomoto no Hitomaro serve as the court poet of Empress Jitō. During the Heien period, Ariwara no Yukihira, Murasaki Shikibu, Fujiwara no Kintō and Akazome Emon were court poets.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Poets laureate of Japan include Baron Takasaki Masamitsu. The current Princess of Benin, Damarea Liao was named Japan's first 'National Youth Poet Laureate' in 2024. [1]

Jordan

Poets laureate of Jordan include Haider Mahmoud.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Kazakhstan

Poets laureate of Kazakhstan include Abdilda Tazhibaev.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Korea

During the 12th century, Jeong Ji-sang was appointed as a court poet of King Injong of Goryeo.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> During the reign of Jungjong of Joseon in the 16th century, Yun Kyung was appointed as the court poet to the king.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Beginning around 1994, North Korea had 6 active poets laureate who worked in the epic genre.<ref name="sung">Template:Cite book</ref> Epic poetry was the chief vehicle of political propaganda during the rule of Kim Jong-il, and the poets worked according to the requests and needs of Kim Jong-il.<ref name="sung" /> Some of the poets are Jang Jin-sung (pseudonym), Kim Man-young and Shin Byung-gang.<ref name="sung" />

Kuwait

Poets laureate of Kuwait include Mulla Abdeen.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Kyrgyzstan

Poets laureate of Kyrgyzstan include Chinghiz Aitmatov.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Laos

Poets laureate of Laos include Nhouy Abhay.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Lebanon

During the Shihab dynasty in Lebanon, Nicola al-Turk was officially appointed as a court poet of Bashir Shihab II.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Malaysia

Poets laureate of Malaysia include Muhammad Haji Salleh and Datuk Zurinah Hassan (upon her becoming a Malaysian National Laureate in 2015).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In the 20th century, Raja Haji Yahya was designed by the High Commissioner of the Malay States as the Poet Laureate of Perak.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Maldives

Poets laureate of the Maldives include Sheikh Mohamed Jamaluddin (c. 1890), who also served as a judge.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Mongolia

Poets laureate of Mongolia include Ke Ming.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Saichungga was the Poet Laureate of Inner Mongolia.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Myanmar

In ancient Burma, there were kings who bestowed the title of nawade to the poets laureate. However, according to Kaung (2011), two nawades are often discussed in Burmese literature: Nawadegyi (1498–1588; Prome Nawade) and Dutiya (1756–1840; Wetmasut Nawade).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="ThawKaung">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Toungoo">Template:Cite news</ref>

Other historical figures include U Shun, who was appointed as a court poet to King Bagyidaw during the Konbaung dynasty of Burma.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> During the Konbaung dynasty, Letwe Thondara served as the court poet of Mahadhammaraza Dipadi.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>His specific ministerial title was Away-Yauk-Min, Template:Langx {{#invoke:IPA|main}} (SEAlang Library Burmese Dictionary)</ref> Later, in the country's history, Soe Nyunt was appointed as the Poet Laureate of Burma.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Nepal

Poets laureate of Nepal include Lekhnath Paudyal and Laxmi Prasad Devkota.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Oman

In Oman, Al-Sitali served as the poet laureate during the Nabhani dynasty.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Pakistan

During the 18th century, Jam Durrak was appointed as the poet laureate of the royal court of Mir Nasir Khan I.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Later in Pakistan's history, Poets laureate of Pakistan would include Hafeez Jalandhari.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Philippines

Poet Laureate of the Philippines include Cecilio Apóstol, Alberto Segismundo Cruz (1945), and Amado Yuzon (1959).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> For cities, Abdon Balde Jr. became the Poet Laureate of Albay in 2012.

Saudi Arabia

Poets laureate of Saudi Arabia include Ahmed Ibrahim al-Ghazzawi.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Sri Lanka

Poets laureate of Sri Lanka include Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula Thera, who lived during the 15th century.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Syria

During the 10th century, Al-Mutannabi was the poet laureate at the court of the Hamdanid emir Sayf al-Dawla in Aleppo.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In the 12th century, during the Nizari Ismaili era in Masyaf, Mazyad al-Hilli al-Asadi was the poet laureate of Rashid ad-Din Sinan.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Taiwan

In 1963, Jun-an (Wei Qing-de) was named the poet laureate of Taiwan by the United Poets Laureate International.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The organization was founded by Taiwanese poet Zhong Dingwen and Filipino poet Amado Yuzon.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2004, Taiwanese Yu Hsi was awarded Poet Laureate by the Seoul World Academy of Arts and Culture.<ref name="IE_TaiwanScholarThiruvalluvarAward">Template:Cite news</ref>

Tajikistan

In ancient times, Tajikistan-born Rudaki became the poet laureate in the royal court of Ahmad Samani.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Thailand

Si Prat serve as the court poet of King Narai during the 17th century. Poets laureate of Thailand include Sunthorn Phu.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Turkey

During the 12th century, Nicholas Kallikles was the court poet of the Byzantine court in Constantinople during the reigns of Alexios I Komnenos. In 1302, Safi al-Din al-Hilli served as the court poet in Mardin under the Artuqids. Mehmet Akif Ersoy (b. 1873–d. December 27, 1936), a famous poet, was the Poet-Laureate of Turkey. He composed the poem to be the National Anthem of the Turkish Republic that written in 1921. Original name of the poem is "İstiklal Marşı"

Turkmenistan

In the 12th century, Rashid al-Din Vatvat became the poet laurete of the court in Gurganj under Il-Arslan (in what is now Turkmenistan).Template:Sfn Poets laureate of Turkmenistan include Gozel Shagulyeva.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

United Arab Emirates

Poets laureate of the United Arab Emirates include Ousha bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Uzbekistan

In the 14th century, Uzbekistan-born Abu Sulayman Banakati was appointed poet laureate of Ghazan Khan court. In the 14th-15th centuries, Uzbekistan-born Khoja Fakhriddin Ismatullah ibn Masud Ismat Bukhari was the poet laureate in the royal courts of Jalal-ud-Din Khalji and Ulugh Beg.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In later history, poets laureate of Uzbekistan include Muhammad Ali and Śukrullo.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Vietnam

During the 16th century, Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm became the first Poet Laureate of Vietnam.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Tố Hữu was the poet laureate of North Vietnam and the Communist Party of Vietnam, and remained so even after his political decline.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Yemen

Ibn 'Aliwa-Ibn Hayyan was the court poet of the Banu Hamdan in northern Yemen.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> During the 15th century, Abu Bakr al-Aydarus became the patron saint and Poet Laureate of Aden, Yemen.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Europe

Albania

During the 15th-16th centuries, Albania-born Mesihi of Prishtina was appointed as the court poet of the Grand Vizier Khadim Ali Pasha.<ref name=":3" /> In 2021, Rudolf Marku became the first Poet Laureate of Albania.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He was followed by Luljeta Lleshanaku.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Austria

Poets laureate of Austria include Franz Grillparzer, Kurt Wildgans and Franz Werfel.<ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref><ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref><ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref> For cities, Paulus Melissus was made Poet Laureate of Vienna in 1561.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Belarus

Poets Laureate of Belarus include Maksim Tank and Pimen Panchenko.<ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref><ref>Template:Cite reportTemplate:Page needed</ref>

Belgium

Around 1914, several sources cited Marguerite Coppin as the Poet Laureate of Belgium.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The first Poet Laureate of Belgium, Charles Ducal, was chosen in 2014.<ref name="Belgium2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Belgium1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Dutch-language poet Charles Ducal</ref> He was followed by Laurence Vielle,<ref name="Belgium2" /> Els Moors,<ref name="Belgium2" /> Carl Norac,<ref name="Belgium3">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Mustafa Kör.<ref name="Belgium3" />

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Radovan Karadžić was the Poet Laureate of Yugoslavia (particularly Republika Srpska of Bosnia and Herzegovina).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Bulgaria

Poets laureate of Bulgaria include Venko Markovski.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Croatia

During the 15th-16th century, Elio Lampridio Cerva (Ilija Crijević) was appointed as the Poet Laureate of the Republic of Ragusa.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Poets laureate of Croatia include Vladimir Nazor.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> For cities, Peter Menčetić was the Poet Laureate of Dubrovnik.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Czech Republic

In 1596, Bartholomaeus Bilovius was made Poet Laureate of Prague due in part to his royal connections.<ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref> Johann Christian Alois Mickl was crowned the Poet Laureate of Prague around 1730.<ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref>

Denmark

In the 16th century, Hieronymus Osius was appointed the poet laureate by King Christian III of Denmark.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite book</ref> Poets laureate of Denmark include Christian Winther.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Estonia

Poets laureate of Estonia include Jaan Kaplinski.<ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref>

Finland

Poets laureate of Finland include Zachris Topelius.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

France

Around 1324, Arnaut Vidal de Castelnou d'Ari became the first Poet Laureate of the Consistori del Gay Saber. Poets laureate of France include Publio Fausto Andrelini (1496), Pierre Gringore, Mellin de Saint-Gelais (appointed c. 1523 by Francis I of France), François de Malherbe (c. 1576), Giambattista Marino (1615–1623), Charles Dumas (1903), André Corthis (1906) and Paul Fort (1921).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Germany

The first known Poet Laureate of the German Empire is Conradus Celtes Protuccius (c. 1466). He was succeeded by Matthäus Zuber, Adam Schröter (1560), Johann Heermann (1608), Johannes Paulus Crusius (1616), Johann Rist (1644), Johann Georg Ahle (1680), Apostolo Zeno and Pietro Metastasio (1729) among others.<ref name=":4" /><ref>Template:Cite EB1911</ref><ref name=":0">Template:Cite book</ref> Georg Christian Lehms was the court poet in Darmstadt, and Salomon Franck was a court poet during the 18th century. Regarding other cities, in the 1700s, Sidonia Hedwig Zäunemann was appointed as the Poet Laureate of Göttingen.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Poets laureate of Nazi Germany include Hanns Johst from 1935 to 1946. Template:Interlanguage link was declared the Stadtschreiber of three different cities in Germany: Rheinsberg in 1999,<ref name="businessstandard">Template:Cite news</ref> Remscheid in 2004,<ref name="businessstandard" /> and Trier in 2007.<ref name="businessstandard" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Greece

In the 6th century, Simonides of Ceos was appointed as the poet laureate of the Scopadae and Aleuadae.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In the 12th century, Theodore Prodromos was appointed as the court poet during the reigns of John II Komnenos (1118–1143) and Manuel I Komnenos (1143–1180). Greece's modern poets laureate include Spyros Matsoukas (c. 1909) and Kostis Palamas.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Holy See

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Popes have several times named poets laureate, but the practice has been irregular.

Hungary

Poets laureate of Hungary include János Arany and Zsófia Balla (2018).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Iceland

In the 10th century, Hallfreðr vandræðaskáld was the court poet (skald) first of Hákon Sigurðarson, then of Óláfr Tryggvason and finally of Eiríkr Hákonarson. Eilífr Goðrúnarson was another court poet of Hákon Sigurðarson. Also, in the 10th century, Tindr Hallkelsson was the earl Hákon Sigurðarson. In the 11th century, Sigvatr Þórðarson was the court poet of King Olaf II of Norway, Canute the Great, Magnus the Good and Anund Jacob. Also, in the 11th century, Þórarinn loftunga was the court poet of King Canute and Sveinn Knútsson. Other 11th century court poets include Þjóðólfr Arnórsson and Arnórr jarlaskáld. Poets laureate of Iceland include Einar Benediktsson and Stephan G. Stephansson.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Ireland

The Kingdom of Ireland had a poet laureate; the last holder of the title was Robert Jephson, who died in 1803.<ref>Hugh Montgomery-Massingberd, Burke's Irish Family Records (1976) p. 634 Template:Webarchive.</ref>

The closest modern equivalent in Ireland is the title Saoi ["wise one"] held by up to seven members at a time of Aosdána, an official body of those engaged in fine arts, literature, and music. Poets awarded the title include Máire Mhac an tSaoi, Anthony Cronin, and Seamus Heaney. In terms of districts, Rachael Hegarty is the Poet Laureate of Dublin 1.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Italy

During the 13th century, France-born Raimbaut de Vaqueiras served as the court poet of Boniface I of Montferrat. Poets laureate of Italy include Albertino Mussato, Petrarch (1341), Camillo Querno (1514), Torquato Tasso (1595), Maria Maddalena Morelli Fernandez (1776) and Giovanni Prati (1849).<ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Lindon 2005, n.p.</ref> In 1452, Niccolò Perotti was made Poet Laureate of Bologna.<ref>Egmont Lee, Sixtus IV and men of letters (Ed. di Storia e Letteratura, 1970), page 88.</ref> In the 16th century, Bernardo Bellincioni was appointed as the court poet for Lorenzo the Magnificent in Florence and Ludovico Sforza.

Latvia

Jānis Sudrabkalns was the Poet Laureate of Latvian SSR.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Lithuania

Poets laureate of Lithuania include Bernardas Brazdzionis and Kornelijus Platelis.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Luxembourg

In 1555, Luxembourg-born Nicolaus Mameranus was crowned poet laureate by Charles V.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Malta

In 2023, Maria Grech Ganado became the inaugural Poet Laureate of Malta.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Moldova

Moldova-born Adrian Păunescu was the poet laureate of Romanian politician Nicolae Ceaușescu.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Montenegro

Poets laureate of Montenegro include Tomo Joshov Vulkichevich.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Netherlands

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The unofficial Poet Laureate of Netherlands is Tsead Bruinja as Dichter des Vaderlands (Poet of the Fatherland). The previous laureate was Ester Naomi Perquin. Gerrit Komrij was the first Dichter des Vaderlands. The title was created by Dutch media.Template:Citation needed In terms of cities, Hester Knibbe served as the Poet Laureate of Rotterdam.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Norway

During the 9th century, Þorbjǫrn hornklofi was appointed as a court poet (skald) of King Harald Fairhair. In the 11th century, Valgarðr á Velli was the court poet of King Harald Hardrada of Norway. Poets laureate of Norway include Arnold Eidslott (1986–2018).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Poland

Poets laureate of Poland were appointed so by Popes: Klemens Janicki (Pope Paul III; 1540), Adam Schröter (Pope Pius IV; 1564), and Maciej Kazimierz Sarbiewski (Pope Urban VIII, 1622).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Italy-born Carlo Sigismondo Capece was the court poet of Queen Maria Casimira of Poland.

Portugal

In 1769, Italy-born Gaetano Martinelli was appointed as the court poet of Joseph I of Portugal and his daughter Maria I. Poets laureate of Portugal include Gil Vicente and Garcia de Resende.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Romania

Poets laureate of Romania include Vasile Alecsandri (1848–1881) and Octavian Goga.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Russia

In the 18th century, Vasily Zhukovsky was a court poet during the Russian Empire. Poets laureate of Russia include Gavrila Derzhavin and Mikhail Sholokhov.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In 1923, Mӓjit Nurghӓniulї Ghafuri was appointed the Poet Laureate of Bashkir Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

San Marino

Poets laureate of San Marino include Valery Larbaud.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Serbia

Poets laureate of Serbia include the following:

• Matija Bećković<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
• Charles Simić<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
• Slobodan Selenić<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
• Jovan Dučić<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Slovakia

Poets laureate of Slovakia include Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Slovenia

Poets laureate of Slovenia include France Prešeren.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Spain

Mu'min ibn Said was the court poet of Córdoba under Muhammad I (d. 886) [an amir of the Emirate of Córdoba].<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In the 11th century in Spain, Ibn Darraj al-Qastalli was appointed as the court poet of Almanzor.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> During the 13th century, Cerverí de Girona was appointed as the court poet of James the Conqueror and Peter the Great. Poets Laureate of Spain include Juan Eugenio Hartzenbusch (1869), José Zorrilla y Moral (1889), and Carolina Coronado.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> José María Pemán was designated as the Poet Laureate of the Franco regime.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Sweden

Poets laureate of Sweden include Pehr Henrik Ling and Verner von Heidenstam (1916).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Switzerland

In 1512, Switzerland-born Heinrich Glarean was appointed a poet laureate by Emperor Maximilian I.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Ukraine

Stanisław Trembecki was the poet laureate in the court of Tulchyn (a region now located in modern-day Ukraine).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In the 1940s, Oleksandr Korniychuk was the Poet Laureate of Soviet-controlled Ukraine.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> For cities, Sofia Vladimirovna was the Poet Laureate of Henichesk.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

United Kingdom

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England

File:Portrait of Geoffrey Chaucer (4671380) (cropped) 02.jpg

Portrait of Geoffrey Chaucer of England

In England, the term "poet laureate" is restricted to the official office of Poet Laureate, attached to the royal household. However, no authoritative historical record exists of the office of Poet Laureate of England.

The office developed from earlier practice when minstrels and versifiers were members of the king's retinue. Richard Cœur-de-Lion had a versificator regis (English: king's poet), Gulielmus Peregrinus (William the Pilgrim), and Henry III had a versificator named Master Henry. In the fifteenth century, John Kay, a versifier, described himself as Edward IV's "humble poet laureate". According to Notes and Queries (1876), King Henry I paid 10 shillings a year to a versificator regis.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Geoffrey Chaucer (1340–1400) was called Poet Laureate, being granted in 1389 an annual allowance of wine. W. Hamilton describes Chaucer, Gower, Kay, Andrew Bernard, John Skelton, Robert Whittington, Richard Edwards and Samuel Daniel as "volunteer Laureates".

John Skelton studied at the University of Oxford in the early 1480s and was advanced to the degree of "poet laureate" in 1488, when he joined the court of King Henry VII to tutor the future Henry VIII. The title of laureate was also conferred on him by the University of Louvain in 1492 and by the University of Cambridge in 1492–3.Template:Citation needed He soon became famous for his rhetoric, satire and translations and was held in high esteem by the printer William Caxton, who wrote, in the preface to {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (Modern English: The Book of the Aeneid, compiled by Virgil) (1490):

But I pray mayster John Skelton, late created poete laureate in the unyversite of Oxenforde, to oversee and correct this sayd booke.

The academic use of the term laureate became associated again with royalty when King James I created a pension for Ben Jonson in 1617, although there is no formal record extant. He was succeeded by William Davenant.

The royal office Poet Laureate was officially conferred by letters patent on John Dryden in 1668, after Davenant's death, and the post became a regular institution. There are other, non-official, laureate titles, such as the commercially sponsored "Children's Laureate" for an "eminent writer or illustrator of children's books to celebrate outstanding achievement in their field",<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and the Poetry Foundation's Young People's Poet Laureate.<ref name="yppl" />

Scotland

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File:Edwin Morgan by Alex Boyd.jpg

Edwin Morgan, first Makar or National Poet for Scotland

Scotland has a long tradition of makars and poetry. Iain Lom, the Scottish Gaelic bard, was appointed poet laureate in Scotland by King Charles II of England, Scotland and Ireland on his restoration in 1660.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In 2004 the Scottish Parliament appointed Professor Edwin Morgan as the first Makar or National Poet for Scotland. On his death in January 2011 he was succeeded by Liz Lochhead.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Jackie Kay followed Lochhead as Makar in 2016,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and was then herself succeeded by Kathleen Jamie, who became Scotland's fourth Makar in 2021.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2024, Pàdraig MacAoidh (Peter Mackay) became the fifth Makar.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> For cities, in 2014, Jim Carruth was appointed as the Poet Laureate of Glasgow.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Wales

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Wales has had a long tradition of poets and bards under royal patronage, with extant writing from medieval royal poets and earlier. Gwalchmai ap Meilyr was the court poet of Owain Gwynedd during the 12th century. Y Prydydd Bychan was a medieval Welsh court poet in the 13th century.

The office of National Poet for Wales was established in April 2005. The first holder, Gwyneth Lewis, was followed by Gwyn Thomas. The role of Bardd Plant Cymru, the Welsh-language children's poet laureate was established in 2000.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A corresponding English-language role, Children's Laureate Wales was established in 2019.<ref name="Libraries Wales">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Territories

British Virgin Islands

Dr. Richard Georges became the inaugural Poet Laureate of the British Virgin Islands in 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Cayman Islands

Poets laureate of the Cayman Islands include Roy Bodden.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Falkland Islands

Poets laureate of the Falkland Islands include Ron Reeves.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Isle of Man

Referred to as the Manx Bard, the individuals that have served in the position include Zoe Cannell, Michael Manning, Jordanne Kennaugh and Boakesey Closs.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

North America

Bahamas

Poets laureate of The Bahamas include Henry Christopher Christie.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Barbados

The first Poet Laureate of Barbados was chosen in 2018. Her name is Esther Phillips.<ref name="EstherPhillips1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="EstherPhillips2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Canada

File:Toronto's Poet Laureate (19570043996).jpg

Toronto's Poet Laureate George Elliott Clarke who later became Parliamentary Poet Laureate of Canada

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The Canadian Parliamentary Poet Laureate is appointed as an officer of the Library of Parliament. The position alternates between an English and French speaking laureate. Candidates must be able to write in both English and French, have a substantial publication history (including poetry) displaying literary excellence and have written work reflecting Canada, among other criteria.<ref name="CPPL">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Provincial and municipal poets laureate

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Currently, only the provinces of Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Yukon have appointed a poet laureate.

Alberta

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British Columbia

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Manitoba cities

• Poets laureate of Winnipeg include Di Brandt (2018–2019), Duncan Mercredi (2020–2022), and Chimwemwe Undi (2023-2024).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

New Brunswick cities

• Poets laureate of Fredericton include Ian Letourneau (2016–2018), Jenna Lyn Albert (2019–2021) and Jordan Trethewey (2021–present).
• Poets flyé-es (poets laureate) of Moncton include Kayla Geitzler (English) and Jean-Philippe Raîche (French) (2019–present) <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Poets laureate of Sackville include Douglas Lochhead (2002–2011), Marilyn Lerch (2013–2017), Shoshanna Wingate (2019–2021) and Laura K. Watson (2021–present).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Newfoundland and Labrador cities

• Poets laureate of St. John's include Agnes Walsh (2006–2009), Tom Dawe (2010–2013), George Murray (2014–2017), and Mary Dalton (2019–2022).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Nova Scotia cities

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• Rita Joe (1932 – 2007) was appointed Lifetime "Poet Laureate of the Mi'kmaq people" in Cape Breton.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Ontario

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} {{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island appointed its first poet laureate, John Smith, in 2003.<ref name="PEISmith">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="PEISmith2">CBC.ca Arts - P.E.I. appoints poet laureate</ref><ref name="PEI">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Julie Pellissier-Lush (2019–present)
• Deirdre Kessler (2016–2019)
• Diane Hicks Morrow (2013–2016)
• Hugh MacDonald (2009–2013)
• David Helwig (2008–2009)
• Frank Ledwell (2004–2007)
• John Smith (2002–2004)

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan appointed its first poet laureate, Glen Sorestad, in 2000.<ref name="LCP">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Carol Rose GoldenEagle (2021–present)
• Bruce Rice (2019 - 2021)
• Brenda Schmidt (2017 - 2018)
• Gerry Hill (2016 - 2017)
• Judith Krause (2014 - 2015)
• Don Kerr (2011 - 2013)
• Robert Currie (2007 - 2010)
• Louise B. Halfe (Sky Dancer) (2005 - 2006)
• Glen Sorestad (2000 - 2004)

Yukon

Inaugural Yukon Provincial Poet Laureate PJ Yukon has held the office since 1994.<ref name="YPL">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="LCP" />

The Commissioner of Yukon established the Story Laureate of Yukon role in 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The inaugural position was held by Michael Gates.

Costa Rica

Poets laureate of Costa Rica include Laureano Albán.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Cuba

National poets are mainly celebrated in Cuba, but there are poets laureate in the country's history. In 1860, Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda was made the Poet Laureate of Havana.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Nicolás Guillén, who is mainly considered a national poet, became the Poet Laureate of Havana in 1913.<ref>Template:Cite thesisTemplate:Page needed</ref><ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref>

Dominican Republic

Poets laureate of Dominican Republic include Pedro Mir (1984).

El Salvador

Poets laureate of El Salvador include Alberto Rivas Bonilla.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Guatemala

Poets laureate of Guatemala include Osmundo Arriola and Máximo Soto Hall.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Haiti

Poets laureate of Haiti include Jean-Fernand Brierre.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Honduras

In 1846, José Trinidad Reyes was appointed the Poet Laureate of Honduras.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> His successors include Froylán Turcios (c. 1922).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Jamaica

Thomas MacDermot was the first poet laureate of Jamaica during colonial times, followed by J. E. Clare McFarlane.<ref name="Jamaica">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Mervyn Morris was the first poet laureate of Jamaica upon its independence (2014–2017), followed by Lorna Goodison (2017–2020)<ref name="Jamaica" /> and Olive Senior (2021–2024).<ref name="Jamaica2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The current poet laureate is Kwame Dawes (2024–2027).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Martinique

Poets laureate of Martinique include Daniel Thaly.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Mexico

In the 15th century, Nezahualcoyotl was the Poet Laureate of the Aztecs.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Poets laureate of Mexico include Guillermo Prieto (1890), Juan de Dios Peza, and Rafael de Zayas Enriquez.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Ramón Modesto López Velarde Berumen was the Poet Laureate of Jerez de García Salinas, Zacatecas.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Enrique González Martínez was the Poet Laureate of Mexico City.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Félix Martínez Dolz was the Poet Laureate of Oaxaca.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In 2019, Gerardo de Jesús Monroy became the Poet Laureate of Torreón, Coahuila.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Nicaragua

Poets laureate of Nicaragua include Agenor Argüello and Juan de Dios Vanegas.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Panama

Poets laureate of Panama include Enrique Geenzier.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Saint Lucia

File:Derek Walcott.jpg

Derek Walcott of Saint Lucia

Poets laureate of Saint Lucia include Derek Walcott.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Trinidad and Tobago

Paul-Keens Douglas became the inaugural Poet Laureate of Trinidad and Tobago in 2017.<ref name=":2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2002, Eintou Pearl Springer was named the Poet Laureate of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.<ref>Emrit, Ronald C., "Pearl Eintou Springer", Best of Trinidad.</ref> The inaugural Poet Laureate of the Port of Spain was Anson Gonzalez.<ref name=":2" />

United States

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Joy Harjo, Poet Laureate of the United States

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Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith, and National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman.

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The United States Library of Congress appointed a Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 1937 to 1984. An Act of Congress changed the name in 1985 to Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress.

Poets laureate receive a US$35,000 stipend and are given the responsibility of overseeing an ongoing series of poetry readings and lectures at the library, and a charge to promote poetry. No other duties are specified, and laureates are not required to compose for government events or in praise of government officials. However, after the September 11 terrorist attacks, then poet laureate Billy Collins was asked to write a poem to be read in front of a special joint session of Congress. Collins wrote "The Names", which he read on September 6, 2002, and which is available in streaming audio and video.<ref name="pbs">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The original intent of the stipend was to provide poets laureate with a full income, so that they could devote their time entirely to writing poetry. The amount has not been adjusted for inflation and is now considered a moderate bonus intended to supplement a poet's already existing income.

Poets laureate of the United States include Ada Limón, Joy Harjo, Tracy K. Smith and Juan Felipe Herrera. Amanda Gorman was the United States's first National Youth Poet Laureate appointed in 2017.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

A number of American state legislatures have also created an office of poet laureate. The holders may be locally or nationally prominent. The U.S. states of New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania do not have positions, while South Dakota and South Carolina's positions are currently vacant.<ref name="usstateplrgloc">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Oceania

Australia

On January 30, 2023, at the launch of 'Revive', Australia's new cultural policy, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced "the establishment of a poet laureate for Australia".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Before 2023, Australia had not had an official poet laureate scheme, despite past suggestions.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 1818, former convict Michael Massey Robinson was paid by colony governor Lachlan Macquarie for services as poet laureate.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Over the years, other poets have been nominated as worthy of such a title, including James Brunton Stephens (1835–1902),<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Andrew Barton 'Banjo' Paterson (1864–1941),<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and Les Murray (1938–2019).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Fiji

Poets laureate of Fiji include Kamla Prasad Mishra.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Kiribati

Poets laureate of Kiribati include Danny Wilson.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

New Zealand

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} New Zealand has had an official poet laureate since 1998. Originally sponsored by Te Mata vineyards and known as the Te Mata Estate Poet Laureate, the award is now administered by the National Library of New Zealand and the holder is called New Zealand Poet Laureate. The term of office is two years. The symbol of office is a Tokotoko, a carved wooden ceremonial orator's staff.

The first holder was Bill Manhire, in 1998–99, then Hone Tuwhare (2000–01), Elizabeth Smither (2002–03), Brian Turner (2004–05), Jenny Bornholdt (2006–07), Michele Leggott (2008–09), Cilla McQueen (2009–11), Ian Wedde (2011–13), Vincent O'Sullivan (2013–15), C. K. Stead (2015–2017), Selina Tusitala Marsh (2017–2019), David Eggleton (2019–2021) and Chris Tse (2022–2024).<ref name="NZ_Herald_10480540">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Papua New Guinea

Allan Natachee was proclaimed the Poet Laureate of Papua New Guinea by the United Poets Laureate International.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Tonga

Poets laureate of Tonga include Noble Tu'ivakanō (Siaosi Kiu Ngalumoetutulu KiutauTemplate:Fakau'aivailahi Kao).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

South America

Argentina

Poets laureate of Argentina include Olegario Victor Andrade and Carlos Guido y Spano.<ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Bolivia

Poets laureate of Bolivia include Javier del Granado.<ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref>

Brazil

Poets laureate of Brazil include Guilherme de Almeida.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Chile

Poets laureate of Chile include Galvarino Merino Duarte (c. 1983).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Colombia

Poets laureate of Colombia include Antonio José Restrepo.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Ecuador

Poets laureate of Ecuador include Remigio Crespo Toral (1917), Pablo Hannibal Vela (1951), and José María Egas (1976).<ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Guyana

Poets laureate of Guyana include A.J. Seymour.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Paraguay

Poets laureate of Paraguay include Alejandro Guanes.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Peru

Poets laureate of Peru include Pedro Peralta y Barnuevo, José Santos Chocano (1922), and Dennis Siluk.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Suriname

Poets laureate of Suriname include Robin "Dobru" Ravales.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Uruguay

In 1929, the Palacio Legislativo of Montevideo consecrated Juana de Ibarbourou as the "Poet Laureate of Spanish America".<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Venezuela

Poets laureate of Venezuela include Heraclio Martín de la Guardia (c. 1878).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

See also

• National poet
• Griot
• Imbongi
• Skald

External links

• Poet Laureate of Canada Template:Webarchive
• Map of Canadian Poets Laureate
• Poets Laureate of South Africa
• List of U.S. Poets Laureate at the Library of Congress
• Poets Laureate for the Commonwealth (state) of VIRGINIA, United States of America via The Poetry Society of Virginia
• Poet Laureate of Winona, Minnesota (2009 -)