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The Yezidis: The History of a Community, Culture and Religion
Yezidism is a fascinating part of the rich cultural mosaic of the Middle East. Yezidis emerged for the first time in the 12th century in the Kurdish mountains of northern Iraq. Their religion, which has become notorious for its associations with "devil worship," is in fact an intricate syncretic system of belief, incorporating elements from proto-Indo-European religions, early Persian faiths like Zoroastrianism and Manichaeism, Sufism and regional paganism like Mithraism.
Birgul Acikyildiz offers a comprehensive appraisal of Yezidi religion, society and culture. Written without presupposing any prior knowledge about Yezidism, and in an accessible and readable style, her book examines Yezidis not only from a religious point of view but as a historical and social phenomenon. She throws light on the origins of Yezidism, and charts its historical development -- from its beginnings to the present -- as part of the general history of the Kurds. The author describes the Yezidi belief system (which considers Melek Taus -- the "Peacock Angel" -- to be ruler of the earth) and its religious practices and observances, analyzing the most important facets of Yezidi religious art and architecture and their relationship to their neighbours throughout the Middle East.
Richly illustrated, with accompanying maps, photographs and illustrations, the book will have strong appeal to all those with an interest in the culture of the Kurds, as well as the wider region.
Birgul Acikyildiz offers a comprehensive appraisal of Yezidi religion, society and culture. Written without presupposing any prior knowledge about Yezidism, and in an accessible and readable style, her book examines Yezidis not only from a religious point of view but as a historical and social phenomenon. She throws light on the origins of Yezidism, and charts its historical development -- from its beginnings to the present -- as part of the general history of the Kurds. The author describes the Yezidi belief system (which considers Melek Taus -- the "Peacock Angel" -- to be ruler of the earth) and its religious practices and observances, analyzing the most important facets of Yezidi religious art and architecture and their relationship to their neighbours throughout the Middle East.
Richly illustrated, with accompanying maps, photographs and illustrations, the book will have strong appeal to all those with an interest in the culture of the Kurds, as well as the wider region.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 9, 2015
Before a year a couple of years ago many people had never heard of the Yezidi, now people know of them because they were victimized by the radical group, ISIS. Now they have been driven from their homelands and their women and you g girls have been sold into white slavery . Most people do not know anything more about these people . Which makes this book great because it discusses their origins, history, religious observances, societal structure and material culture. In the introduction this Kurdish woman from Turkey discusses the challenges of traveling to the different areas where the Yezidis live.
Those with a slight familiarity with the Middle East know that many people have mistakenly called the Yezidis devil worshippers. The peacock has been conflated with the devil. It was the peacock that lead Iblis into paradise so he could deceive Adam and Eve.
In Zoroastrian mythos the wicked god Angra Mainyu made a peacock to display that he could make something good. The peacock is also a metaphor for Satan, decked out in colorful attire yet his feet are totally ugly. The peacock has even more meaning . The peacock was also a symbol for Tammuz , the Greenman of Mesopotamia.
According to Yezidi mythos. God created created the world as as giant pearl and then place it on the back of a bird that he created called Anfar. Later he sent the Melek Taws and the heptad of angels to break the earth apart and make it come to life. According to one legend of the Yezidi Melek Taws was the head angel, like Lucifer and since he refused to bow to man God chose him to lead the planet Earth. According to another legend Melek Taws rebelled against the creation of man but then later repented and god accepted his repentance.
The first records of Yezidism are in the twelfth century ad when a sufi mystic from Baghdad went to the Kurdish Mountains to lead a contemplative life. Sheik Adi came with his follwers andf lived among the Kurds of Lalish where he built his sanctuary. They combined with the Shamsanis who practiced and Ancient Iranian religion. This syncretism gave rise to Yezidism. It should be noted that there were Sufi mystics who revered Iblis. After all he was a true monotheist who refused to bow to anyone but god. The style of building sanctuaries was modelled after an opponent of Sheik Adi, a man named Lulu. He is known for building mosques with an umbrella shaped crenelated dome that was used through out Shia Islam. Lulu was in fact a former Armenian slave who convertted to Shiite Islam. The style of building was taken from the building style of central asia. Armenians churches are much like Yezidi shrines. Basicallyh they got it from the Armenians. The sanctuary at Lalish, was thought to have been a Nestorian or Assyrian church until Sheik Adi took it over.
The Yesidis used to be bas weed in the cities of Lalish, Sinjar and Sheikhan. But since the 15th century they were persecuted and divided often times siding with the Turks, Iranians or Arabs against their enemies. THe Baathist in modern times destroyed their town and some of their shrines. THe Yezidis were also persecuted along with the Armenians and Assyrians and are now spread out all over the world. MAny are in Syria, Armenia, Iraq andn Turkey.THeir culture is in danger of being wiped out by ISIS fundamentalist and by the challenges of modern society where many Yezidi have fled to.
This review is far from complete there is a lot more information. I advise you to read this book as you will find it informative. THe chapter on their material culture was rather long and painful but other than that good read.
Those with a slight familiarity with the Middle East know that many people have mistakenly called the Yezidis devil worshippers. The peacock has been conflated with the devil. It was the peacock that lead Iblis into paradise so he could deceive Adam and Eve.
In Zoroastrian mythos the wicked god Angra Mainyu made a peacock to display that he could make something good. The peacock is also a metaphor for Satan, decked out in colorful attire yet his feet are totally ugly. The peacock has even more meaning . The peacock was also a symbol for Tammuz , the Greenman of Mesopotamia.
According to Yezidi mythos. God created created the world as as giant pearl and then place it on the back of a bird that he created called Anfar. Later he sent the Melek Taws and the heptad of angels to break the earth apart and make it come to life. According to one legend of the Yezidi Melek Taws was the head angel, like Lucifer and since he refused to bow to man God chose him to lead the planet Earth. According to another legend Melek Taws rebelled against the creation of man but then later repented and god accepted his repentance.
The first records of Yezidism are in the twelfth century ad when a sufi mystic from Baghdad went to the Kurdish Mountains to lead a contemplative life. Sheik Adi came with his follwers andf lived among the Kurds of Lalish where he built his sanctuary. They combined with the Shamsanis who practiced and Ancient Iranian religion. This syncretism gave rise to Yezidism. It should be noted that there were Sufi mystics who revered Iblis. After all he was a true monotheist who refused to bow to anyone but god. The style of building sanctuaries was modelled after an opponent of Sheik Adi, a man named Lulu. He is known for building mosques with an umbrella shaped crenelated dome that was used through out Shia Islam. Lulu was in fact a former Armenian slave who convertted to Shiite Islam. The style of building was taken from the building style of central asia. Armenians churches are much like Yezidi shrines. Basicallyh they got it from the Armenians. The sanctuary at Lalish, was thought to have been a Nestorian or Assyrian church until Sheik Adi took it over.
The Yesidis used to be bas weed in the cities of Lalish, Sinjar and Sheikhan. But since the 15th century they were persecuted and divided often times siding with the Turks, Iranians or Arabs against their enemies. THe Baathist in modern times destroyed their town and some of their shrines. THe Yezidis were also persecuted along with the Armenians and Assyrians and are now spread out all over the world. MAny are in Syria, Armenia, Iraq andn Turkey.THeir culture is in danger of being wiped out by ISIS fundamentalist and by the challenges of modern society where many Yezidi have fled to.
This review is far from complete there is a lot more information. I advise you to read this book as you will find it informative. THe chapter on their material culture was rather long and painful but other than that good read.
December 6, 2018
I have to be honest, I haven't heard about the Yazidis until a post Iraq-war world brought them to the forefront of many news headlines across the globe.
The book was well written, I enjoyed reading about Dr. Acikyildiz's journey to Iraq and other Yazidi territories, the first half of the book was a particularly enjoyable read. The second part focussed mostly on arts and architecture surrounding the Yazidi buildings and their faith.
Dr. Acikyildiz shows how Yazidi's claim to be the oldest faith in the Middle East, however, given the evidence, they are actually a fusion of Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Zoroastrianism with links to Shamanism. This makes sense given their historical presence in this particular location. Persecution of Yazidis is nothing new as they seem to have links with all regional religions yet are part of none, they have also allied themselves with different rulers in the area against others to protect themselves. They are currently allying themselves with the Kurdish regional government of Northern Iraq drawing on their common Ethnic roots.
The book was well written, I enjoyed reading about Dr. Acikyildiz's journey to Iraq and other Yazidi territories, the first half of the book was a particularly enjoyable read. The second part focussed mostly on arts and architecture surrounding the Yazidi buildings and their faith.
Dr. Acikyildiz shows how Yazidi's claim to be the oldest faith in the Middle East, however, given the evidence, they are actually a fusion of Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Zoroastrianism with links to Shamanism. This makes sense given their historical presence in this particular location. Persecution of Yazidis is nothing new as they seem to have links with all regional religions yet are part of none, they have also allied themselves with different rulers in the area against others to protect themselves. They are currently allying themselves with the Kurdish regional government of Northern Iraq drawing on their common Ethnic roots.
March 2, 2015
Yezidism and Hinduism: Common origins from a proto Indo-Iranian religion.
This book focusses mainly on the culture and history of Yezidis. Since the fall of 2014, the atrocities of ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) committed in Iraq and Syria came into light, the world learned that thousands of innocent Yezidis were slaughtered. Their plight and sufferings are too gruesome to describe. Since then there has been a surge of interest in understanding the culture and traditions of Yezidi people. This book gives a comprehensive introduction to Yezidi society, and examines Yezidism not only as a religion but also as a social and historical phenomenon.
A brief summary of this book is as follows: Yezidism did not have liturgical or historical writing before 12th century, but the contemporary religious practices and hymns orally transmitted over generations hint at various layers of development. Modern Yezidis are mainly of Kurdish origin whose ancestors practiced a proto Indo-Iranian religion. Yezidis pray God through the banners of the Peacock Angel and consider celestial gods like sun, fire, water and earth as sacred. They generally pray in the direction of sun, and perform fire sacrifices. Fire is an important part of many ceremonial rituals, and Yezidis are strong believers in reincarnation. They also have a caste system and observe the rite of baptism. All these practices are traced to a proto Indo-Iranian practices that is clearly documented in the Rig Veda and ancient Sanskrit literature of Hinduism. For example, the hymns of Rig-Veda of Hinduism were orally transmitted for 3,000 years in Brahmanical system.
The Islamic practices were introduced to Yezidis much later in 12 century by Sufi Sheikh Adi. After his death in 1162, the Yezidi successors blended his doctrine with Islamic beliefs, which became the modern Yezidi doctrine as we know today. The ancient form of Yezidism that had roots in the proto-Indo-Iranian religion had significant influence on the masses up to 12 century but started to grow under the strong influence of Islam, but their power started to decline by 15 century when Muslims started to massacre Yezidis for their non-Islamic beliefs. Yezidi persecutions, massacres, deportations, and forced conversions over centuries have taken a toll on the Yezidi culture and religion. They suffered most during occupation by Ottoman Empire which forced Yezidi to convert to Islam, and from the 18th century many "fatwas" were declared against them. Discrimination based on Islamic laws was far and wide.
In modern Iraq, Lalish, located in Northern part of the country became the main pilgrimage center, and the traditions of qewwals and the sacred musicians kept the Yezidi religion alive. Since there were no written texts to educate the new generations, oral traditions were continued to educate the new generations. The Yezidi holy books, Mishefa Resh (the black book) and the Kiteb-i-Cilwe (the book of Revelation) came into existence from qewwals. Yezidis, unlike followers of other religions, did not have temples for the performance of liturgies, however, the mausoleums of saints and shrines fulfilled the function of a place of worship. It also did not require public prayer or worship but encouraged individual prayers. The caste system was rigorously practiced and the practice of endogamy also prevented unification among all Yezidis. Among Hindus and Yezidis, the tradition of endogamy is a part of the inner structure.
The Peacock Angel (Tawusi Melek) is the most important character in the Yezidi pantheon. He is the leader of the Yezidi Holy Trinity and dominates all divinities. In the Yezidi religion, the Peacock Angel is the mediator angel between God and Yezidi people who leads directly to God. He is God's alter ego; united with him results in a union that is whole and inseparable. He is the manifestation of the creator. That is why Yezidis pray to God through his banner in the form of a Peacock. Death for Yezidis means the separation of the soul from the body and the rebirth of the soul in another body. They believe in reincarnation and in heaven and hell. Yezidism believe in one eternal God called "Xwede" who is the creator of the universe
This book is timely and very illuminating. For those who would like to read and understand Yezidism, it is very gratifying. We get to know the plights of brave Yezidi people who continue to practice their religion and culture under the most brutal political environment.
This book focusses mainly on the culture and history of Yezidis. Since the fall of 2014, the atrocities of ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) committed in Iraq and Syria came into light, the world learned that thousands of innocent Yezidis were slaughtered. Their plight and sufferings are too gruesome to describe. Since then there has been a surge of interest in understanding the culture and traditions of Yezidi people. This book gives a comprehensive introduction to Yezidi society, and examines Yezidism not only as a religion but also as a social and historical phenomenon.
A brief summary of this book is as follows: Yezidism did not have liturgical or historical writing before 12th century, but the contemporary religious practices and hymns orally transmitted over generations hint at various layers of development. Modern Yezidis are mainly of Kurdish origin whose ancestors practiced a proto Indo-Iranian religion. Yezidis pray God through the banners of the Peacock Angel and consider celestial gods like sun, fire, water and earth as sacred. They generally pray in the direction of sun, and perform fire sacrifices. Fire is an important part of many ceremonial rituals, and Yezidis are strong believers in reincarnation. They also have a caste system and observe the rite of baptism. All these practices are traced to a proto Indo-Iranian practices that is clearly documented in the Rig Veda and ancient Sanskrit literature of Hinduism. For example, the hymns of Rig-Veda of Hinduism were orally transmitted for 3,000 years in Brahmanical system.
The Islamic practices were introduced to Yezidis much later in 12 century by Sufi Sheikh Adi. After his death in 1162, the Yezidi successors blended his doctrine with Islamic beliefs, which became the modern Yezidi doctrine as we know today. The ancient form of Yezidism that had roots in the proto-Indo-Iranian religion had significant influence on the masses up to 12 century but started to grow under the strong influence of Islam, but their power started to decline by 15 century when Muslims started to massacre Yezidis for their non-Islamic beliefs. Yezidi persecutions, massacres, deportations, and forced conversions over centuries have taken a toll on the Yezidi culture and religion. They suffered most during occupation by Ottoman Empire which forced Yezidi to convert to Islam, and from the 18th century many "fatwas" were declared against them. Discrimination based on Islamic laws was far and wide.
In modern Iraq, Lalish, located in Northern part of the country became the main pilgrimage center, and the traditions of qewwals and the sacred musicians kept the Yezidi religion alive. Since there were no written texts to educate the new generations, oral traditions were continued to educate the new generations. The Yezidi holy books, Mishefa Resh (the black book) and the Kiteb-i-Cilwe (the book of Revelation) came into existence from qewwals. Yezidis, unlike followers of other religions, did not have temples for the performance of liturgies, however, the mausoleums of saints and shrines fulfilled the function of a place of worship. It also did not require public prayer or worship but encouraged individual prayers. The caste system was rigorously practiced and the practice of endogamy also prevented unification among all Yezidis. Among Hindus and Yezidis, the tradition of endogamy is a part of the inner structure.
The Peacock Angel (Tawusi Melek) is the most important character in the Yezidi pantheon. He is the leader of the Yezidi Holy Trinity and dominates all divinities. In the Yezidi religion, the Peacock Angel is the mediator angel between God and Yezidi people who leads directly to God. He is God's alter ego; united with him results in a union that is whole and inseparable. He is the manifestation of the creator. That is why Yezidis pray to God through his banner in the form of a Peacock. Death for Yezidis means the separation of the soul from the body and the rebirth of the soul in another body. They believe in reincarnation and in heaven and hell. Yezidism believe in one eternal God called "Xwede" who is the creator of the universe
This book is timely and very illuminating. For those who would like to read and understand Yezidism, it is very gratifying. We get to know the plights of brave Yezidi people who continue to practice their religion and culture under the most brutal political environment.
May 31, 2020
I started this book thinking that it would fill some of the holes in my understanding of the Yezidi religion and culture. I did get more information, but it is still murky. The only major “aha” was that Sheikh Adi was a Sufi. However, the Yezidis only accepted part of the Sufi Muslim teachings and kept their own religious practices. The major impact seems of Sheikh Adi is the caste system the Yezidis are still using.
I did find a Yezidi who thought this book and Sheikh Adi were both abhorrent. I still don’t understand the reason for that, and it appears he is in the minority. I found the book academic and dry for the most part. The author seems to like the Yezidi people, but I got the impression that she understood them about as well as I do. In her defense, the book was written before Daesh (ISIS) tried to wipe the Yezidis off the face of the earth. There has been more willingness on the part of some Yezidis to explain their culture in the wake of the latest genocide.
I remain concerned for the Yezidi community and their future. My hope is to get a clearer understanding of these persecuted people. I have some additional information that I got directly from the Yezidi community in the United States. So, my quest continues.
I did find a Yezidi who thought this book and Sheikh Adi were both abhorrent. I still don’t understand the reason for that, and it appears he is in the minority. I found the book academic and dry for the most part. The author seems to like the Yezidi people, but I got the impression that she understood them about as well as I do. In her defense, the book was written before Daesh (ISIS) tried to wipe the Yezidis off the face of the earth. There has been more willingness on the part of some Yezidis to explain their culture in the wake of the latest genocide.
I remain concerned for the Yezidi community and their future. My hope is to get a clearer understanding of these persecuted people. I have some additional information that I got directly from the Yezidi community in the United States. So, my quest continues.
September 29, 2025
Good and detail info about Yazidi religion. Its a study paper but tried to cover all aspects of Yazidis, Worth Reading
August 20, 2025
Informative and engaging up to the chapter about the Yezidis’ material culture. It brings to light fascinating facts about the community:
1) Yezidism was formed after Islam not before (fusion of Sufi with pre-Islamic Kurdish belief systems).
2) the Yezidis were once much more numerous and widespread.
3) the Yezidis were actually spared by the fatwas of Ibn Taymiyya - who damned sects like the Druze and Alawis as apostates and encouraged their killing.
4) Salaheddine employed significant numbers of Yezidis in his armies as he conquered Jerusalem and Fatimid Egypt.
These historical facts are but a small sample of what the book has to offer. There’s so much more in there about their religion, society and history.
At the very least one comes away with an idea about how confusing the construct of “Islam” was - as late as the 12th century! A sect that worshipped the fallen angel (Lucifer) was considered within the Islamic fold. Whereas, others like the Druze and Alawis (Nusayris) were considered outside of it.
1) Yezidism was formed after Islam not before (fusion of Sufi with pre-Islamic Kurdish belief systems).
2) the Yezidis were once much more numerous and widespread.
3) the Yezidis were actually spared by the fatwas of Ibn Taymiyya - who damned sects like the Druze and Alawis as apostates and encouraged their killing.
4) Salaheddine employed significant numbers of Yezidis in his armies as he conquered Jerusalem and Fatimid Egypt.
These historical facts are but a small sample of what the book has to offer. There’s so much more in there about their religion, society and history.
At the very least one comes away with an idea about how confusing the construct of “Islam” was - as late as the 12th century! A sect that worshipped the fallen angel (Lucifer) was considered within the Islamic fold. Whereas, others like the Druze and Alawis (Nusayris) were considered outside of it.
December 22, 2017
http://www.yezidisinternational.org/a...
Meeting People
The most common greeting is the handshake coupled with eye contact and a smile.
Good friends of the same sex may greet each other with a handshake and a kiss on each cheek, starting with the right.
Expect to be introduced to each person individually at a small social function. At a large function, you may introduce yourself.
They converse freely with men and do not veil their faces from them as some Muslim women do.
Hospitality
Hospitality is a tradition deeply ingrained in the culture. Visitors are treated as kings and must always be fed and looked after.
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Each Yezidi during his life undergoes a ritual wherein they become bonded spiritually to a brother and sister of their faith from a family different from the one they are born into.The spiritual sibling relationship is established to assist the Yezidi soul into next life. According to Yezidi beliefs, one’s heavenly brother and sister will be waiting to assist one’s soul when one departs from this world, and act as guide for the soul through their journey in the spiritual world.
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