Yezidi'ism is a little known syncretic and monotheistic religion practiced by a hyper-minority of Kurds, mainly concentrated in northern Iraq (the semi-autonomous Kurdish Region, and Sinjar area to its west), but with a significant diaspora population in Europe. Other smaller regional populations are in Syria, Armenia, and Georgia. Lalish, in Iraqi Kurdistan, is the holy center of Yezidis - both in their cosmology and history.
Every autumn the Yezidis celebrate Jema'iyye, an 8-day long religious and social gathering. Thousands descend on this compact site, smothering both time and place. This was the third year I have attended. Below is a small portfolio of photographs I assembled for a documentary film being made by non-Yezidi Kurds from Arbil. With one exception,* identifiable faces are not included in these photos out of sensitivity to the Yezidis' precarious position both in Kurdistan Iraq, and the whole of Iraq. (*Sheikh Hadj is an already well-known Yezidi.)
For more information about the Yezidis see earlier posts on this site.
 |
| In the Baba Sheikh's "cupola" |
 |
| In the main assembly hall |
 |
| Leaving the main assembly hall |
 |
| Sinjari Sheikhs |
 |
| Youth next to car advertisement |
Posts
wonderful !!
ReplyDeleteI have been read a lot of stories about Ezidis and a lot of people have written some unright articles. I have travel a lot and by beeing openfully i have learn a lot.
ReplyDeleteI love the Ezidi-people !
They are very kind and helpfull.