The Yezidis are an ethnically Kurdish religious community, indigenous to Northern Mesopotamia. Yezidism is linked to ancient Mesopotamian religions. One part of the Yezidi community lived in an area known as Sarhad, today's northern Turkey bordering Armenia in the south Caucasus. Throughout its long history, Yezidism has suffered persecution. During WWI, Yezidis were forced to leave this area and emigrate to Georgia in order to not give up their religion. The Other is a celebration of Yezidism within Georgian society.
Important aspects of Yezidism are;
⦁ Yezidis believe in a single God and his seven angels . At the head of them God put Melek-Taus who is presented as a peacock.
⦁ Yezidis do not believe in the existence of an evil spirit. Melek-Taus, in his own character, represents both parts of humanity, good and evil. They believe individuals have the freedom of choice without the influence of divine powers and it is up to you which side you belong to.
⦁ Yezidis are divided into three groups : Shekhi, Piri and Mridi. Shekhi and Piri are the only ones who are allowed to carry out religious functions.
⦁ Marriage between members of the different groups is strictly forbidden.
⦁ In Yezid families, women and men have equal rights. Women are respected and their opinion is always considered.
⦁ One can only be regarded as a Yezidi if both parents are Yezidis themselves, because of this, and persecution still to this day the Yezidi community and culture has dispersed and is in danger of being lost through absorption into the very cultures they have called upon to help them seek refuge. The Others in Georgian society.
I wanted to show how this community culture despite the fact its alsmost one century they emigrate and are spreaded all over the world still kept their religion and traditions in society they are living in.
Yezidi boy holding the yezidi flag.
Yezidi grandma sitting in a for Yezidis typically designed interior, presenting their holy symbol, the peacock
In 2015, a Yezidi temple called "Ziyarata Ezid" was built in Georgia. The Sheikh, who is wearing religious clothing , will lead you into the temple.
On Tuesdays when the sun goes down, Sheikhi and Piri, carry fire into the temple accompanied by a prayer. The Yezidi prayer is called "Kaul".
In Georgia, there is a grave yard, named " Kukia" where mostly Yezidis are burried. It is not officially property of Yezidis, but due to the high number of Yezidi graves, it is regarded as a Yezidi cementery.
Yezidis have their famous traditional dance called "Govand". While dancing in a circle ,their little fingers are intertwined.
Yezidis dancing "Govand".
Sheikhi, Piri and Mridi, all representatives of the three yezidi groups, are gathered in the temple
Several days before the funeral, Yezidis beweep the dead with traditional songs called "Dirok". "Dirok" is a song, that includes memories about the person who died. Men usually do not attend obsequies.
Yezidis have very traditional weddings. One famous tradition is to decorate a piece of a tree with money and sweets. This tree is referred to as "Tree of happiness". A pillow symbolizes "growing old on the same pillow"
Newlywed Yezidis
A yezidi child posing next to the "Tree of happiness".
After Yezidi funerals, people gather to dine together.
Portrait of Yezidi old man.
In Yezidi families, it is a tradition that the oldest family member takes care of the youngest
On the 40th day after a child is born, the family members are sewing bedclothes as a present for the newborn.
When Yezidis immigrated to Georgia, they had no education, thus they were forced to accept any job offered. The most spread job for Yezidis was as cleaning workers
Potraits of old Yezidis in traditional clothing.
