World Poetry Day

World Poetry Day is an international observance held annually on 21 March to emphasize the universal value of poetry and the contributions of poets, and to highlight poetry’s impact on cultural identities. Established by UNESCO in 1999, World Poetry Day was created to draw attention to the social, artistic, and aesthetic dimensions of poetry and to promote mutual understanding among different cultures through poetic expression.

In 1999, during its 30th session in Paris, UNESCO’s General Conference adopted Decision 30 C/82, proclaiming 21 March as World Poetry Day. This decision was grounded in the recognition of poetry as an art form that supports literary diversity and fosters cultural exchange. In this context, UNESCO has undertaken various initiatives, including the inclusion of certain oral traditions as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.^【1】

The selection of 21 March coincides with Nowruz, the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere. This date carries symbolic associations with renewal and cultural revitalization.

According to UNESCO, the purpose of World Poetry Day is to underscore poetry’s role in preserving cultural diversity, to honor local and national poetic traditions, to support their recognition at the international level, to strengthen understanding and peace among societies through poetry, and to reveal how different forms and genres of poetry contribute to ways of perceiving the world. UNESCO also emphasizes that poetry empowers individuals with diverse perspectives and strengthens cultural communication.

World Poetry Day draws attention to poetry’s influence on language, culture, and society. As an element of cultural identity, poetry contributes to the preservation of collective memory and facilitates communication across languages and cultures. The observance, initiated by UNESCO, aims to raise awareness about keeping poetry alive in contemporary society and transmitting it to future generations. In her message for World Poetry Day on 21 March 2025, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay stated that poetry serves as a tool that encourages intellectual inquiry, supports the understanding of cultural diversity, and transmits the historical heritage of societies.

In Türkiye, World Poetry Day is celebrated through events organized by various public institutions, literary associations, and cultural organizations. These events include poetry readings, panels, conferences, and gatherings with poets.

On a global scale, activities under UNESCO’s auspices encompass poetry reading days, literary conferences, poetry competitions, and exhibitions. These initiatives aim to strengthen poetry’s position in cultural life and to increase young people’s interest in poetry.