Other meanings of Yazidis
Ethnoreligious Groups
The Yazidis are an ethnoreligious group primarily in Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, with a distinct religion that blends elements of Zoroastrianism, Islam, and ancient Mesopotamian traditions. Their central figure is the Peacock Angel, Melek Taus, whom they revere as a benevolent deity, a belief that has historically led to their persecution by some Muslim and Christian communities who misinterpret it as devil worship. The Yazidi homeland is the Sinjar Mountains in northern Iraq, and their largest community today lives in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
The Yazidi religion is a syncretic faith with roots in ancient Iranian and Mesopotamian traditions, incorporating elements of Zoroastrianism, Sufi Islam, and Christian and Jewish folklore. Its central deity is Melek Taus, the Peacock Angel, who is believed to have refused to bow to Adam, a story that echoes the Islamic and Christian narratives of Iblis and Lucifer. Yazidis believe that Melek Taus is the leader of seven holy beings (angels) created by God, and that he is a benevolent figure who atones for his disobedience through suffering. The religion is strictly endogamous, with a caste system comprising the Sheikh, Pir, and Murid classes, and it is transmitted orally, with no written scripture. The Yazidi holy book, the Kitêba Cilwe (Book of Revelation), is a collection of hymns and prayers, but its authenticity is debated among scholars.1
Yazidis have faced persecution for centuries, often being labeled as "devil worshippers" by outsiders due to their veneration of Melek Taus. Under the Ottoman Empire, they were subjected to forced conversions and massacres, and in the 20th century, they faced discrimination under successive Iraqi regimes. The most severe persecution occurred in August 2014, when the Islamic State (ISIS) attacked the Sinjar region, killing thousands, enslaving women and girls, and displacing over 100,000 people. The United Nations and many governments recognized these acts as genocide. The Yazidi community has since struggled with trauma, displacement, and the ongoing search for missing persons, while also facing pressure to assimilate or convert.
Yazidi culture is rich with unique rituals, festivals, and social norms. The most important religious festival is the Cejna Cemaiya, an annual pilgrimage to the tomb of Sheikh Adi in Lalish, Iraq, where devotees gather to pray, fast, and perform ritual dances. The Yazidi New Year, Serê Salê, is celebrated in April with colorful eggs and flowers. Socially, the caste system is strictly maintained, and marriage outside the community is forbidden, with severe penalties for those who violate this rule. Yazidis also practice a form of reincarnation, believing that souls are reborn in a cycle until they achieve purification. Women traditionally wear white clothing and head coverings, and they play a central role in preserving oral traditions and songs.2
Beyond the headlines, several lesser-known aspects of Yazidi life are notable. The Yazidi diaspora, particularly in Germany, has grown significantly since the 2014 genocide, with an estimated 200,000 Yazidis now living there, making it the largest community outside Iraq. Yazidi women who escaped captivity have become vocal advocates for survivors, such as Nadia Murad, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 for her efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. The Yazidi religion has no concept of hell or eternal damnation, and they believe that all souls are eventually purified. Additionally, the Yazidi calendar is based on a solar year, and their holy sites include not only Lalish but also numerous shrines and natural features, such as springs and caves, which are considered sacred. The community's oral tradition includes a rich body of poetry and hymns, some of which are believed to date back to the 12th century.3
This article focuses on the Yazidis as an ethnoreligious group, not to be confused with the Yazidi language or other uses of the term.
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