ERBIL, Iraq — I interviewed a Yazidi activist, Ghazala Ginjo, in northern Iraq in May 2023. We discussed the history of Yazidis and how they are currently doing, as well as the future of the Yazidis and what it might hold.

At some point, I realized that I was really ignorant about Yazidi society and religion. Therefore, I directed the conversation toward learning more about them, which is probably the case for many people. We often hear their news on TV or online, but we don't know much about their religion. Here are 10 things you need to know about Yazidis before you meet one:

1. Who are Yazidis?

Yazidis are an Indigenous minority group primarily residing in Iraq, with smaller groups living in parts of Syria and Turkey. They speak the Yazidi language and follow Yazidism, a monotheistic religion that traces its roots back to the ancient religions of Mesopotamia.

Despite their long history in the region, Yazidis have faced numerous persecution campaigns over the centuries due to their religious identity. One of the most recent and devastating campaigns occurred in 2014, when the Islamic State group committed genocide against the Yazidis. The attack resulted in the killing and kidnapping of approximately 12,000 Yazidis, including the enslavement of women and girls. Additionally, over 500,000 Yazidi refugees fled their homes.

2. What are the religious practices?

Yazidi religious practices involve prayer, participation in communal rituals, pilgrimage to holy sites, including many temples, with the biggest one being Lalish, and observance of religious festivals. They have specific rituals for birth, marriage and death, as well as regular prayers and rituals to honor their religious figures.

3. Who is considered the founder of Yazidism?

Yazidis’ religious beliefs are centered around a supreme being who created the world and is represented by Melek Taus (the Peacock Angel).

4. What’s the holy book or scripture of Yazidism?

Yazidis do not have a central holy book like many other religions. Instead, their religious knowledge is traditionally passed down orally through generations. However, their religious texts include the “Mishefa Reş,” which is a collection of hymns and prayers.

5. What are the major rituals or practices that followers of the religion observe?

Major rituals and practices observed by Yazidis include the annual pilgrimage to the Lalish temple in Iraq. They also observe religious festivals such as Yezidi New Year (Çarşema Serê Salê), fasting for three days each year, and many other religious celebrations.

6. What is the origin story of the religion?

The origin story of the Yazidi religion is complex and encompasses elements from different ancient traditions. According to Yazidi beliefs, their religion predates Islam and Christianity. The community traces its roots back to ancient Mesopotamian civilizations and believes in the continuity of the faith through various historical periods. The oral history of the Yazidis indicates a history that is 7,000 years old. However, due to many genocidal campaigns, they have lost all their historical records and heritage, which is one of the reasons Yazidism became oral in order to preserve its identity.

7. How does the religion view the concept of God or gods?

The Yazidi religion believes in the existence of one supreme being who created the world. This being is God, who is believed to have thousands of names but is the same God regardless of the name.

8. The Yazidis have a complex and often misunderstood history. What have been some of the biggest challenges they have faced over time, and how have they responded to these challenges?

Yazidis have faced numerous challenges throughout their history, including persecution, discrimination, attempts to forcibly convert them, and being labeled as devil worshippers. One of the biggest challenges they have faced in recent times is the genocidal campaign launched by the Islamic State group, which resulted in the displacement and suffering of thousands of Yazidis. In response, the community has sought international support, advocated for recognition of the atrocities committed against them and worked toward rebuilding their lives and preserving their cultural heritage. Despite advocating strongly for protection, they still face threats due to their religious identity.

9. From the perspective of a Yazidi, is there anything you want to tell the world?

As a Yazidi, having demanded international protection for almost nine years, we still find ourselves alone in facing all the challenges and violence. We only want to live peacefully in this world without facing violence and persecution. While the international community shows sympathy towards Yazidis, it is not enough to protect us from genocidal campaigns.

10. And of course, the Yazidi community has been particularly affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria and Iraq. What impact has this conflict had on the Yazidis, and what steps are being taken to address the humanitarian crisis facing them?

The ongoing conflict in Syria and Iraq has had a devastating impact on Yazidis. As mentioned earlier, the Islamic State group specifically targeted Yazidis, resulting in mass killings, sexual slavery and forced displacement. The conflict has created a humanitarian crisis for the community, with more than 250,000 Yazidis living in refugee camps and struggling to rebuild their lives. Local and international organizations are making efforts to provide aid, support and rehabilitation to the Yazidis. However, the Iraqi state has ignored their situation for nine years now without taking any serious steps to rebuild the Yazidi homeland and implement transitional justice.

There is a wealth of information about Yazidism that remains largely unknown to the general public, including aspects related to its rich culture and spiritual beliefs. However, it is evident that the devastating consequences of war and conflict have deeply impacted the Yazidi community, leaving profound scars on their collective identity.

Ghid Muayad is a writer, activist and feminist based in Iraq. She is a graduate of the American University of Iraq-Sulimaniyah and a 2022 participant in the European Journalism Institute in Prague. She was named an ambassador for peace and intercultural dialogue from UNESCO in 2019.