Yazidi Religion (mainstream)
Ancient indigenous religion of the Yazidi people, primarily in northern Iraq. Closed-membership: no conversion in or out, strict endogamy. Subject of 2014+ ISIS genocide recognised by UN and multiple national governments.
CLCI radar
BITE breakdown
0 — closed-membership ancient Iraqi religion; subject of 2014+ ISIS genocide.
Profile facts
In context
The Yazidi religion combines elements possibly drawn from ancient Mesopotamian, Zoroastrian, and Sufi-influenced traditions. Distinctive caste system (Sheikhs, Pirs, Murids) and strict endogamy. The 2014 ISIS genocide killed thousands and enslaved thousands more; Nadia Murad shared the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize for survivor advocacy.
Notable public ex-members
- Nadia Murad (Nobel laureate, public advocate)
Legal cases & controversies
- 2014+ ISIS Yazidi genocide
This profile is in progress — history, deeper BITE evidence and survivor voices are still being added. Contributions welcome via GitHub.
Timeline
- AncientYazidi religion crystallises in Mesopotamia
- 2014ISIS Sinjar genocide begins
Sources
We cite sources by name and outlet rather than fabricating links. The search ↗ link runs a Google Scholar query for the cited title — useful for verifying academic sources. For news outlets, search the outlet's own archive.