1 Day with Iraq’s Disappearing Religion | The Yazidis

I’ve found that the places around the world that people tend to fear the most are the ones we should spend the most time learning about. This area of Northern Iraq, also called Iraqi Kurdistan, is one of the most unique, off the beaten path places I encountered as I traveled to every country. Once you lean in past the modern tensions, everything from the people to the foods and the rich history leaves you wanting to discover more.

The Yazidis are also known as the People of the Peacock Angel. Their way of life is rooted in ancient, indigenous Mesopotamian beliefs. Its estimated to be only 500,000 Yazidis living in Iraq today. To truly be a Yazidi, both of your parents must also be Yazidi. It is impossible to convert to Yazidism and Yazidis are not allowed to marry outside of the religion. This makes them an inherently peaceful people because the Yazidis aren’t invading forgein land to convert followers and wipe out people who don’t share the same beliefs. The holiest of all places for Yazidis is Lalish. They believe it is the Garden of Eden where Adam and humanity began making it the oldest place in the world. It is expected for every yazidi to make pilgrimage to Lalish at some point in their lives and be cleansed by the holy waters. The ground is so sacred here, it is forbidden to wear anything dirty ‘[[on your feet so the first thing we did when we arrived was remove our shoes…

Yazidism is an oral religion, passed down through word of mouth for generations. The Yazidis believe in 1 God who has created 7 angels to help guide humanity, the most important being Melek Tawus or the Peacock angel. Yazidis believe they are descendants from the first man, Adam, and that the Peacock Angel was present when Adam was still in the Garden of Eden. Malak Taus is a fallen angel, sent down to earth, to lead their people. A fallen angel has negative connotations in other religions, as the devil is also often perceived as an fallen angel. This cultural misunderstanding has given the title of “devil worshipers” to the Yazidis for centuries. This is also inaccurate because the Yazidis don’t actually have an all encompassing evil spirit in their mythology but regardless, this dispute has justified centuries of violence and forced conversions against the Yazidis.

Sinjar Videography by Levi Clancy

Resources to Learn More about the Yazidis:

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[YesTheory]

Heartwarming story Lexie.. Excited for the full road-trip across Iraq to come out 🙏

[villegelifeexplorer]

Long live yazidis.love, respect and support from India.

[mujtabanadir]

"We are the victims of terrorism, so don't stereotype us with terrorism"
Thank You!

[drewbinsky]

Amazing video Lexie!!! It was so fun to join you on this trip!!

[scottman]

I really like how the Yazidis are very warm and welcoming. It's very sad to hear about all that has happened to them over the years especially several years ago. I hope they will continue to prosper for many years to come! This was such an enlightening video!

[chim_]

„We are the victims of terrorism, so don‘t stereotype us with terrorists“

I feel so bad for these people, they seem to have such a bright mindset and loving culture. And after all the issues they have to fight against the media, which keeps putting them all in one box sharing only the negativity about their cultures/countries.

[pb]

Yazidis are ancient Hindus from Tamilnadu sharing lot of common traditions, love from India !

[shivakumarbiradar]

❤️ from India. Wish Yezdi people retain their past Glory. Including Iranian Zorastrian...🇮🇳🙏

[Rozergrg]

The prayers being sung from 8:13 started with the word “Ha-re/ haarey” which is also used by Hindus at the beginning of most devotional chants, such as “ Hare Rama, Hare Krishna” . So much similarities between the two. God bless and may Yazidi culture stay strong and prosper.

[prasteelprasteel]

Wow... Yazidi people are so humble and they have so much similarities with southern Indian roots and culture. The peacock 🦚 is the vehicle of lord Kartikeya, also known as lord Murugan in south east asia, who is known as the son of Lord Shiva who was a feirce warrior and was primarily looking after the south direction. There are some old texts which talk about some sect of people migrating from Southern India to west and settled in parts of Turkey and Iraq ( may be called Mesopotamia and Babylon back then).

[desklime]

Lot's love Yazidis brothers and sisters Hindus are always with you ❤️🇮🇳

[alimuc]

Poor Yazidi, they suffer through a lot during the years, but I guess they're strong for keeping their faith all this time.

[Amar]

Being from Iraq this hit different. Much love to my Iraqi Yazidi brothers, I hope you return and rebuild your beautiful lives

[JoshuaThomasGray]

so good! I went to Northern Iraq last year and was with a Yezidi and he took me to Lalish. I didn't know anything about the Yezidi people.. hearing their stories the night ISIS came into their home town Sinjar was heart breaking.. amazing people. Thanks for sharing their story!

[SherivanQizly]

It is such a great feeling seeing my home on a great Youtube Channel! Love from a Yezidi girl 🤍✨💕

[makaylasmanifestations]

This is crazy and beautiful, so sad to hear them talk about terrorism

[aidali]

I'm ezidi l'm so happy to see people visit our holiest temple lalish and get to know us better who we are thank much for that🤲😍

[dilakshansivanesarajah]

As a Tamil Hindu, I can confirm thery are worshipping Tamil God - Murugan ❤ Kumaran, Kanthan ❤ (கௌமாரம் )

[Arifalah]

Hello lexis 🌹
I saw you in lalish ...
You told me your hear is beautiful 🤩
Best wishes

[TheXeroRez]

I am very glad he offered to sing. That style of singing is VERY impactful, it's honestly one of my favorites. The level of control he has and the beautiful sounds he creates give me chills and are simultaneously very relaxing :)