AMONG THE YAZIDIS - An Unforgettable Experience at the Yazidi Autumn Assembly (Lalish, Iraq)

This short film takes you to Lalish in Iraqi Kurdistan - the spiritual home of the Yazidi (Yezidi) Community. I had the privilege of visiting the Autumn Assembly on Day 2 in October 2023 (Jonathan Wheeler).

Yazidis are one of the oldest ethnic and religious communities indigenous to the Middle East. The majority of Yazidis (estimated at 550,000 to 600,000) live in the north-west of Iraq, particularly around the Sinjar Mountains.

Yazidism is an ancient monotheistic religion. Its core beliefs remain secretive.By explicit directive written scripture may not to be circulated in public and viewed by members outside of the Yazidi community. Rather than believing in a source of good (God) and evil (Satan), Yazidism holds that people’s choices, through the heart, spirit and mind, determine where good and evil exists on earth. Melek Taus, the arch-angel of the Yazidis, helps to guide humanity in its decisions between good and evil.

The community is led by the mir (Prince and secular leader) and the baba sheikh (the spiritual leader).

The main temple in Lalish was built in the place where Yazidis believe creation began after the Great Flood. Within the temple lies the 2,500 year old tomb of Sheikh Adi bin Musafir.

The Feast of the Assembly (Cejna Cemaiya) is a Yazidi festival that takes place annually from 6 October to 13 October. The Autumn Assembly is held in honour of Sheikh Adi bin Musafir.

Each day of the Assembly involves different sacred rituals, but joyous dancing is integral to the entire festival.

The film puts you amongst the dancers, as well as amongst the pilgrims visiting the temple and its tombs.

The fact that the Yazidi (Yezidi) people are here celebrating is, in itself, remarkable given recent events.

Throughout history the Yazidi people have suffered 44 genocides.

In 2014 the terrorist group ISIS invaded the Sinjar region of Iraq.

ISIS considered Yazidis to be heretical devil worshippers and launched a genocidal campaign.

More than 400,000 Yazidis fled their homes. Tens of thousands took refuge on Mount Sinjar despite the lack of food and shelter.

Over 3,000 Yazidis, mostly men and elderly women, were killed. Around 6,000 women and children were captured by ISIS.

Although Iraq has been liberated from ISIS, 2,700 women and children remain missing.

An estimated 200,000 Yazidis remain in refugee camps, unable to return home.

To learn more about the Yazidi genocide go to nadiasinitiative.org - the foundation headed by Nadia Murad, herself a victim of ISIL.

I hope that this short film can bring the joy and resilience of this remarkable community to the attention of the wider world. Thank you to everyone who was so welcoming at the Assembly. it was an honour and a privilege to be there, even for just a few hours.

Jonathan Wheeler

Filmed October 2024
‪@TravelObscurer‬
(See also Eye Scotland Youtube channel)
Music licensed through Artlist

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