Table of Contents

List of Illustrations Acknowledgements Abbreviations Introduction Chapter I: Origins, History and Development Yezidis in Mesopotamia and Anatolia Yezidis in Syria Yezidis in Transcaucasia II: Religious Belief System 1. God, Angels and the Trinity God (Xwedê) Angels The Peacock Angel (Tawûsî Melek) Sultan Êzi Sheikh ‘Ad? 2. Yezidi Mythology Creation of Cosmos and Universe Creation of Human Being The Flood 3. Holy Books 4. Religious Hierarchy Chapter III: Religious Practices, Observances and Rituals Haircut, Baptism, Circumcision, Brother of the Hereafter, Marriage, Death Prayer Fast Pilgrimage Festivals and Ceremonies Taboos Chapter IV: Material Culture Homeland, Landscape, Sacred Places Places of Worship The Sanctuary Mausoleums Shrines The Baptistery Caves Tombstones Conclusion Appendixes Glossary Notes BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX

Promotional Information

Yezidism is a fascinating part of the rich cultural mosaic of the Middle East. Yezidis emerged for the first time in the 12th century in the Kurdish mountains of northern Iraq. This book offers a comprehensive appraisal of Yezidi religion, society and culture. It is suitable for those with an interest in the culture of the Kurds.

About the Author

Birgul Acikyildiz studied art history at the universities of Hacettepe and Paris I Pantheon-Sorbonne. She was then appointed to a Barakat Trust Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Khalili Research Centre for the Art and Material Culture of the Middle East, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford where she also worked as a Research Fellow. She taught at the Department of Islamic Art and Archaeology of the University of Paris I Pantheon-Sorbonne and the Faculties Communication and Fine Arts of the University of Hacettepe. Currently, she is chair of the Art History Department of Mardin Artuklu Universityin Turkey.

Reviews

'This is a major, innovative study of one of the least known religious communities of the Middle East - Will probably long remain the definitive work on Yezidi material culture.' - Martin van Bruinessen, Professor of the Comparative Study of Contemporary Muslim Societies, Utrecht University; 'A fascinating narrative and photographic journey through Yezidi religion, society and material culture.' - Nelida Fuccaro, Lecturer in Modern History of the Arab Middle East, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London; 'It is particularly gratifying to see the publication of a scholarly work that takes into account both the living tradition and the archaeological and architectural aspects of the Yezidi heritage... A book that makes a real contribution to Yezidi studies.' - Philip G Kreyenbroek, Professor of Iranian Studies, Georg-August University, Gottingen; 'An invaluable introduction to Yezidi architectural and spiritual history - An indispensable reference book.' - Sebastian Maisel, Assistant Professor for Arabic and Middle East Studies, Grand Valley State University, Allendale; 'A remarkable and original interdisciplinary work on Yezidi history, religion and material culture.' - Khalil Jindy Rashow, Consular at the Ministry of Iraqi Foreign Affairs, Baghdad