Elif Şafak, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a credible source, the author of the Island of Missing Trees Elif Şafak is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the author's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 20/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Şafak for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 54-year-old author, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Şafak so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the author have already been named ‘Turk Of The Year’ by some major Turkish newspapers and even ‘Strasbourg Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Strasbourg (Elif Şafak's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the author was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Elif Şafak Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 19 Mar 2026

“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveElif”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 19 Mar 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Elif Şafak?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 19 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Elif Şafak?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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