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Image by Darshan Patel

THE YEZIDIS

“After darkness, light comes."
(PiÅŸtî tarîyê, ronahî tê.)

A renowned Yezidi proverb

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Who are the Yezidi's?

Yezidis, also referred to as Ezidis, Yazidis or Êzîdî, are an ancient indigenous religious group from Mesopotamia, particularly in northern Iraq. They practice Yazidism, one of the oldest monothe religions, which has origins that predate both Islam and Christianity., the Yezidis speak Kurdish (Kurmanji) and uphold a rich cultural spiritual identity linked to their ancestral homeland. Throughout history, have endured persecution due to their beliefs.

Facts

  • Ethnicity: Yazidi (indigenous to Mesopotamia)

  • Region: Mainly northern Iraq (Sinjar/Shingal), with communities in Syria, Armenia, and the diaspora

  • Population: Around 500,000–700,000 worldwide (before 2014, majority in Iraq)

  • Religion: Yazidism, an ancient monotheistic faith with pre-Islamic roots

  • Language: Kurdish (mainly Kurmanji)

  • Status: Indigenous religious minority

  • Key events: In 2014, Yazidis were subjected to genocide by ISIS, including mass killings, forced displacement, and enslavement of women and children

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Map: Amnesty International

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