Yezidis

by Ezster Spat

Overview

The Yezidis, an ancient enigmatic Kurdish mountain people, are considered one of the oldest ethnicities in the Middle East, and often derided as ‘devil-worshippers’. Distinct from the majority Sunni Kurds, Yezidis’ religion evolved through a fusion of Sufism with earlier religious beliefs indigenous to the
region, including Zoroastrian, Jewish, Gnostic and Christian motifs. They attribute a prominent place to their protector, the Peacock Angel, traditionally identified with Satan by Muslims.

Historically labelled as heretics and mercilessly persecuted, the Yezidis developed a unique culture and caste system. More recently, under Saddam Hussein, Yezidi culture underwent radical changes, with the forced resettlement into collective villages and geographic isolation reinforced by the political
fallout from the Second Gulf War.

Along with her enquiry into the meaning and manner of their practices, Spät takes note of the increasing demands of modernisation and the shifting balance of power in the region, and also observes the stirrings of inner strife in an otherwise tough, resilient community that has endured continuous attempts at eradication over centuries.

The author has made repeated visits to Iraqi Kurdistan since 2002, observing and recording the Yezidi way of life and has been given rare access to their holiest sites and rituals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780863565939
Publisher:	Saqi Books
Publication date:	09/01/2005
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	100
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.30(d)

Table of Contents

Contents 5

Illustrations 7
Acknowledgements 9
Foreword 11
Preface 13

Introduction: Yezidis 17

Geographical and Historical Background 17
Yezidi Communities of Northern Iraq 19
Communication between the Communities after the
Establishment of the Autonomous Kurdish Region 23
Yezidis within the Context of Kurdish Society 25

1. Religion 31
The Yezidi Faith 32
Recent Developments and Changes 37
Caste System Among the Yezidis 42

2. Festivals 49
The Autumn Assembly 50
Other Religious Events 60

3. The Second Gulf War 71

4. After the War 77

End of the War 77
Legacy of the Saddam Years 79

Selected Bibliography 91
Index 92

Editorial Reviews

‘Compulsive and compulsory reading for all those who are interested in Yezidis, Kurds, religion in the Middle East and the effects of political change on minority
communities’ Professor Philip G. Kreyenbroek, author of Kurdish Culture and Identity

‘A fascinating portrait and an invaluable first-hand account ... The Yezidis is a warm and gentle exploration of one of the oldest ethnic minorities in the Middle East.’ Asian Leader

From the Publisher