Yazidis

Yazidis are a distinct ethnoreligious group indigenous to the historical region of Mesopotamia, primarily concentrated in northern Iraq. Their unique syncretic faith, Yazidism, combines elements of pre-Islamic Mesopotamian religions with influences from Christianity, Islam, and Zoroastrianism. The community has historically faced severe persecution due to their beliefs, most recently during the ISIL genocide in 2014, leading to a significant global diaspora.

History

The origins are deeply rooted in the ancient cultures of Upper Mesopotamia, with scholarly links to the beliefs of the Assyrians and the Mithraism of the Roman Empire. The faith was systematized in the 12th century by Sheikh Adi ibn Musafir, a Sufi figure from the Umayyad Caliphate who settled in the Lalish valley. Throughout the Ottoman Empire, they faced numerous campaigns of oppression, notably under the governors of Mosul and during the events of the Hamidian massacres. In the 20th century, their existence within the newly formed Kingdom of Iraq was marked by marginalization, and they suffered catastrophic losses during the Al-Anfal Campaign orchestrated by the regime of Saddam Hussein.

Religion

Yazidism is a monotheistic faith centered on the worship of God (Xwedê) and the central divine figure, the Peacock Angel (Tawûsî Melek). The sacred texts, the Yazidi Black Book and the Yazidi Book of Revelation, are complemented by a strong oral tradition. Religious authority rests with a hereditary priestly caste, including the Mir (prince), the Baba Sheikh, and the Pîrs. The holiest site is the temple of Lalish in Nineveh Governorate, which houses the tomb of Sheikh Adi. Key rituals include the annual Feast of the Assembly (Cejna Cemaiya) and the practice of Baptism (Mor kirin).

Demographics

The largest population resides in the Sinjar District of Iraq and the Shekhan District near Duhok Governorate. Significant communities are also found in the Transcaucasia region, particularly in Armenia (in towns like Vagharshapat and Aparan), and in Georgia, notably in Tbilisi. Due to persecution, a major diaspora has formed in Europe, with Germany hosting the largest number, followed by communities in Sweden, France, and Belgium. Other historical populations exist in Syria (primarily in Afrin and Al-Hasakah) and Turkey (though greatly diminished).

Culture

Society is organized into a strict caste system comprising the Murid (laypeople), the Sheikh, and the Pîr. They speak a dialect of Kurmanji, and their rich oral tradition includes a corpus of sacred hymns known as Qewls and folk stories. Music, especially the playing of the daf and shibab, and sacred dance are integral to religious ceremonies. Traditional clothing is distinctive, with men often wearing a white undergarment and a black coat, while women wear brightly colored dresses. Cuisine shares similarities with other regional traditions, featuring dishes like pacha and kutilk.

Persecution and genocide

Historically labeled as "devil-worshippers" by outsiders, they have endured repeated attempts at forced conversion and extermination. Major atrocities occurred under the Ottoman Empire, culminating in the massacres of the 1890s. In 2007, communities in Sinjar were targeted in the deadliest car bomb attacks of the Iraq War. The most devastating modern persecution was the 2014 Sinjar massacre by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, which the United Nations and governments like the United States recognized as a genocide. Thousands were killed or enslaved, leading to a massive humanitarian crisis and international military intervention, including by the Kurdistan Regional Government and the People's Protection Units.

Category:Ethnic groups in Iraq Category:Ethnoreligious groups