The Yazidis are an ethno-religious minority predominantly residing in northern Iraq (Kurdistan), with
smaller communities in Turkey, Syria, Armenia, and Georgia. Their ancient monotheistic faith,
Yazidism, is a unique blend of pre-Islamic traditions, Zoroastrianism, Sufism, and elements of
Christianity and Judaism. Despite its deep historical roots, Yazidism has been misunderstood, leading
to centuries of persecution, most notably the 2014 genocide by ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).
Yazidi Beliefs and Traditions
Yazidism centres around the worship of a single God, known by names such as Xwedê and Êzdan.
The Peacock Angel, Tawûsî Melek, is considered God’s chief representative and a benevolent guide
for humanity. However, due to misconceptions, Yazidis have often been wrongly accused of “devil
worship.”
The continued persecution of Yazidis, particularly in the Mt. Sinjar region west of Mosul, stems from a misunderstanding of their name. Extremist groups such as ISIS falsely link it to Yazid ibn Muawiya (647-683 CE), an unpopular Umayyad caliph. However, modern research has clarified that the name originates from the Persian word “ized,” meaning angel or deity. The name “Izidis” simply translates to “worshippers of God,” which aligns with Yazidis’ own description of their faith.
Yazidis refer to themselves as Daasin (plural: Dawaaseen), a name derived from an old Nestorian* diocese, reflecting their historical ties to Christianity. They hold both the Bible and the Quran in high
regard, but much of their religious tradition is preserved orally rather than in written scripture
{*“Nestorianism is the Christian doctrine that Jesus existed as two persons, the man Jesus and the
divine Son of God, or Logos, rather than as a unified person. This doctrine is identified with Nestorius (386–451 CE), patriarch of Constantinople. This view of Christ was condemned at the
Council of Ephesus in 431 CE, and the conflict over this view led to the Nestorian schism, separating
the Assyrian Church of the East from the Byzantine Church” – New World Encyclopaedia}.
Their creation narrative diverges significantly from Abrahamic traditions (Judaism/Christianity/Islam). According to Yazidi cosmogony, the universe originated from a divine white pearl that existed before time. God created the material world through Tawûsî Melek and six other celestial beings. Unlike linear creation stories in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Yazidi cosmology shares closer links with Ancient Mesopotamian, Indo-Iranian, and Zoroastrian beliefs.
Yazidi society is structured into three main castes: Murids (laypeople), Sheikhs (leaders of the
people), and Pirs (spiritual leaders). Endogamy is strictly practiced, meaning Yazidis must marry
within their own caste and religious community. Marrying outside the faith results in excommunication, as Yazidism does not permit conversions or reintegration. Yazidis who marry non-Yazidis are deemed to have converted to the religion of their spouse. In the long term, endogamy may lead to genetic disorders.
Lalish: The Yazidi Spiritual Centre
Lalish, located in Iraq’s Nineveh Governorate, is the holiest site in Yazidism. This sacred valley is
home to the tomb of Sheikh Adi ibn Musafir, a 12th-century religious reformer who played a key role
in shaping the Yazidi faith.
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Why Lalish is Sacred
- Pilgrimage Site: Every Yazidi is expected to undertake a pilgrimage to Lalish at least once in
their lifetime as an act of spiritual renewal. - Sacred Rituals: Pilgrims walk barefoot within the holy grounds, light oil lamps, and perform
purification ceremonies. - Symbol of Identity: Lalish is believed to be the site where Tawûsî Melek descended to bless
the earth. It remains the religious heart of Yazidi life.
Notable features of Lalish include Kaniya Spî (the White Spring), a purification site, and the conical domes of Yazidi shrines, symbolizing the spiritual connection between the earthly and the divine.
The annual autumn festival at Lalish draws Yazidis from around the world for prayers, music, and
communal celebrations.
The Yazidi Genocide
The Yazidis have endured relentless persecution, culminating in the 2014 genocide perpetrated by
ISIS. On 3rd August 2014, ISIS militants launched a brutal attack on the Sinjar region, home to a large
Yazidi population.
- Mass Executions: Thousands of Yazidi men and boys were murdered for refusing to convert to Islam.
- Sexual Slavery: More than 7,000 Yazidi women and girls were abducted, trafficked, and subjected to systematic sexual violence.
- Humanitarian Crisis: Tens of thousands fled to Mount Sinjar, where many perished from starvation and dehydration before international forces intervened.
- Cultural Erasure: ISIS destroyed Yazidi shrines, villages, and religious texts in an attempt to erase their cultural identity.
The genocide displaced over 400,000 Yazidis, creating an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Despite international recognition of the atrocities as genocide, efforts to achieve justice and rebuild Yazidi
communities remain slow and challenging.
Preserving the Yazidi Heritage
Despite these hardships, the Yazidis continue to rebuild and safeguard their unique religious and cultural identity. Lalish stands as a beacon of resilience, offering a spiritual foundation for a community that has faced relentless persecution. Yazidi beliefs, distinct from those of neighbouring religions, highlight their rich and ancient spiritual heritage. The Yazidi story is one of perseverance and faith, ensuring that their traditions will endure for generations to come.
YPT Tours to Iraq/Kurdistan
Other articles by the author:
Baghdad
Karbala and Najaf, Iraq
Ziggurat of Ur, Iraq
Basra, Iraq
Adams Tree, Garden of Eden, Al-Qurna, Iraq
Malwiya Minaret, Samarra
Babylon
Mesopotamian Marshes
Iran: Step into a Living Tapestry
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