Introduction
Understanding Yezidism
Yezidism teaches that God has entrusted the world to seven holy beings, of whom Tawûsê Melek occupies the first place. The assimilation of the Angel-Paon to Satan is false and has fed centuries of persecution.
The tradition was structured around Sheikh ‘Adī ibn Musāfir, a 12th century mystic based in Lalish, while integrating older regional heritages.
To be retained
Four essential principles
- Yezidism teaches that God has entrusted the world to seven holy beings, of whom Tawûsê Melek occupies the first place.
- The tradition was structured around Sheikh ‘Adī ibn Musāfir, a 12th century mystic based in Lalish, while integrating older regional heritages.
- The world is basically God's work and human beings must live with loyalty, purity and respect for community obligations.
- yezidism is a living faith centred on Tawûsê Melek, Lalish and community fidelity.
Small timeline
A tradition shaped by history
Origins and training
The tradition was structured around Sheikh ‘Adī ibn Musāfir, a 12th century mystic based in Lalish, while integrating older regional heritages.
Historical developments
The Yezidis have been subjected to numerous violent campaigns.
Ritual life and teachings
The world is basically God's work and human beings must live with loyalty, purity and respect for community obligations.
A living and plural tradition
In 2014, the Islamic State Group committed genocide in Sinjar, killing, enslaving and displacing thousands of people.
History and development
The tradition was structured around Sheikh ‘Adī ibn Musāfir, a 12th century mystic based in Lalish, while integrating older regional heritages. The Yezidis have undergone numerous campaigns of violence.
In 2014, the Islamic State Group committed genocide in Sinjar, killing, enslaving and displacing thousands of people.
Worldview, beliefs and practices
The world is basically the work of God and human beings must live with loyalty, purity and respect for community obligations. Pilgrimage to Lalish, Assembly Day, New Year's Eve *Çarşema Sor*, baptism at the white source and lighting lamps structure religious life.
The rules of marriage and the roles of religious groups have historically protected identity.
Texts, symbols and transmission
The sacred hymns *qewls* are transmitted by specialists. Paon, sun, black snake of Lalish, lamps and ritual colors have an important place.
"Yezidi sacred books" published in the past are of the authenticity discussed.
What research can and cannot say
Researchers must avoid seeking a unique origin — Zoroastrian, Islamic or "pagan" — to a tradition of historical layers and its own creativity.
References