Yazidi facts for kids

The Yazidi (also spelled Yezidi) are a group of people who share both a common background and a unique religion. They have ancient roots from the Indo-Iranian people. Their religion, called Yazidism, is special because it combines the idea of believing in one god (called monotheism) with parts of Zoroastrianism and older religions from Mesopotamia (an ancient region in the Middle East).

Most Yazidis live in northern Iraq, especially in the Nineveh Province. You can also find smaller groups in places like Transcaucasia, Armenia, Turkey, and Syria. Their numbers have become smaller since the 1990s.

Yazidis believe in one God who created the world. They also believe this God put the world in the care of seven holy beings, or angels. The most important of these angels is Melek Taus, who is known as the Peacock Angel.

The Yazidis became known worldwide in 2014. This was because they faced serious challenges, including being forced to leave their homes in Iraq by a group called the Islamic State (ISIL).

Who Are the Yazidis?

The Yazidis are a unique group of people. They are known for their strong community and their special religious beliefs. They have lived in the Middle East for a very long time.

Their Ancient Roots

The Yazidi people have a history that goes back thousands of years. Their ancestors were part of the ancient Indo-Iranian groups. This means their culture and language have connections to very old traditions from that region.

Where Yazidis Live

Today, most Yazidis live in northern Iraq. This area is considered their ancient homeland. However, many Yazidis have also moved to other countries. You can find Yazidi communities in:

• Armenia
• Syria
• Turkey
• And other parts of the world, including Europe and North America.

Understanding Yazidism

Yazidism is a very old and unique religion. It is different from many other religions. It has its own special beliefs and practices.

Belief in One God

Like many religions, Yazidism believes in one supreme God. This God is seen as the creator of the universe. Yazidis believe God is too great to be directly worshipped by humans.

The Seven Holy Angels

Instead of worshipping God directly, Yazidis honor seven holy beings or angels. These angels are believed to help God manage the world. The most important of these is Melek Taus, the Peacock Angel. He is seen as a very important figure in their faith.

Religious Traditions

Yazidism has many traditions passed down through generations. These include:

• Special prayers
• Religious festivals
• Pilgrimages to holy sites, like the temple in Lalish, Iraq.

Challenges Faced by Yazidis

The Yazidi people have faced many difficulties throughout their history. They have often been misunderstood because of their unique religion.

Events of 2014

In 2014, the Yazidis in Iraq faced a very difficult time. A group called the Islamic State (ISIL) attacked their homes. Many Yazidis were forced to leave their villages and seek safety. This event brought worldwide attention to the Yazidi people and their struggles.

Images for kids

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  Yazidi leaders and Chaldean clergymen meeting in Mesopotamia, 19th century

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  “North Iraq, a Yazidi girl“ - picture by Anthony F. Kersting (1944)

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  Yazidi girls in traditional dress

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  Yazidi boy in traditional clothes. In Sinjar, male Yazidis used to wear pigtails.

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  Aziz Tamoyan, the President of the Yezidi National Union ULE in Armenia

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  Yazidi new year celebrations in Lalish, 18 April 2017

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  Yazidi men

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  The Ziarat temple in Aknalich, Armenia

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  Yazidi men in Mardin, Turkey, late 19th century

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  Image from A journey from London to Persepolis, 1865

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  Defend International provided humanitarian aid to Yazidi refugees in Iraqi Kurdistan in December 2014.

See also

In Spanish: Yazidíes para niños