Augustine Al-Benoka

Augustine Al-Benoka was a Chaldean-Assyrian Christian author and poet from Erbil-Ankawa, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Over a span of four years, he authored four books of spiritual literature, poetry, and social commentary — all published in Erbil with print runs of 1,000 copies each. His writing is deeply rooted in Christian faith, particularly Marian devotion, while also weaving in the rich traditions of Arabic literary heritage, drawing inspiration from masters such as Mustafa Lutfi Al-Manfaluti and Gibran Khalil Gibran. He proudly identified as Babylonian Iraqi, declaring "I am Babylonian Iraqi, and my identity is Baghdadi" — a sentiment that echoes throughout his poetry, where love for homeland and the pain of diaspora are recurring themes. His poems traverse the cities that shaped him — Baghdad, Damascus, Beirut, Cairo, and beyond — each described as a mother who "birthed me from her womb, fed me bread from her earth, and I drank water from her rivers." In his book "Spiritual Treasures & Reflections" (2007), he mourned the loss of his son Dr. Ra'ad — a university professor and board-certified specialist — who was killed while serving his community, describing him as "a piece of my liver," the most tender Arabic expression for a beloved child. His writings reveal a man who, after finding his children sleeping, would kneel before an icon of the Virgin Mary in prayer — a father of deep compassion who dedicated his works to the poor, orphans, and all who serve humanity. His books were published with the generous support of the office of Mr. Sarkis Aghajan, a prominent Assyrian community leader. Augustine's legacy lives on through his words — a bridge between the ancient wisdom of Mesopotamia and the eternal truths of faith, family, and love.