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Ambassador
Abdel Aziz Al-Khoja |
On the cold evening
of November 23, 2005, poetry lovers gathered in West Hall to enjoy the warm
verses of Abdel Aziz Al-Khoja, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Lebanon, invited
by the Anis K. Makdisi Program in Literature. Professor Maher Jarrar, head
of the program, introduced Al-Khoja, giving a summary of his accomplishments
in the poetic, academic, and diplomatic fields. “There seems to be a secret
tie between poetry and diplomacy, a sort of chemistry that is only revealed
to the greats such as [Syrian poet] Nizar Qabbani…and Al-Khoja’s name could
be added to this list,” said Jarrar, in welcoming the poet.
“When I was invited to give this poetry reading,” said the Saudi diplomat,
“I was pleased for two reasons: because it was in Beirut, where poetry has a
special flavor, and because it was at AUB, whose light has been shining in
the region for decades.”
Addressing a packed room, Al-Khoja began his reading by describing his love
for Beirut: “I am in love, yes, I am in love/But this love is only a
destiny.” The audience interacted with the poetry with enthusiasm, as Dr.
Al-Khoja eloquently recited his reflections on love, life, and nature. “I
have come as I am, a sad child…I hold in my hands the dreams and nostalgia
of childhood…Can you see what time has done to me?”
The audience occasionally called out “Once again” or “One more time” to Al-Khoja,
and he would repeat the verse, much to the enjoyment of the crowd. Bringing
the reading to a close, the poet reminded the listeners that he is also an
ambassador, saying: “I have traveled all seaports, and pierced the curtains
of cities, invaded them and unveiled their secrets, and yet I have not found
a place where I could settle.”
Al-Khoja earned his BSc in chemistry and geology from Riyadh University,
Saudi Arabia, and his PhD from the University of Birmingham in 1970. He
taught at the King Abdel Aziz University, and held the post of
undersecretary for the Saudi Information Ministry. He has been his country’s
ambassador since 1986, posted to Turkey, Russia, Morocco, and now to
Lebanon. He has published works on chemistry and science.
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