Short Answer
This encyclopedia entry surveys the principal Yazidi religious sites and associated community centres located in Armenia and Georgia, outlining their historical development, architectural features, and sociocultural roles.
The term “Yazidi holy sites” (Kurmanji: Qubban Êzîdî) denotes places of worship, pilgrimage, and communal gathering that are integral to Yazidism, a monotheistic faith of the Yazidi ethnoreligious group.
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| Kurmanji name | Qubban Êzîdî |
| Also written | Qubba, Qûbbe, Qubban |
| Category | Temple, Shrine, Cultural Centre |
| Region | Armenia, Georgia (Caucasus) |
| Observed/Active | 2012 – present |
| Primary sources | Community archives, government registers, field surveys |
Pronunciation & orthography
Kurmanji spelling: Qubban Êzîdî; Arabic‑script: قبّة إزدي; Cyrillic (Armenian context): Ку́бба Ези́д; IPA: /qubˈbɑn eˈzidi/; common English misspellings include “Yazidi” vs “Ezidi” and “Qubba” vs “Kuba”.
Main exposition
Armenian sites
The Armenian Yazidi community, numbering 31,079 according to the 2022 census, has established two major temples and a national theatre that double as cultural hubs (Yazidis in Armenia, 2022). The first, the Ziarat Temple in Aknalich, was consecrated in 2012 and marked the community’s initial permanent place of worship on Armenian soil (List of Yazidi holy places, n.d.).
The flagship Quba Mêrê Dîwanê (“the House of the Temple”) opened in 2020 in the same village, becoming the world’s largest Yazidi temple with seven gilded domes and a central hall dedicated to Melek Taus, the Peacock Angel (Al Jazeera, 2019). Its architecture mirrors the Lalish sanctuary in Iraq, while the surrounding complex includes a cultural centre, exhibition rooms, and a library for Yazidi studies.
In 2021, the Yazidi National Theatre was inaugurated in Vagharshapat, providing a venue for theatrical performances, music, and language classes, thereby reinforcing the community’s cultural resilience (Yazidis in Armenia, 2022).
Georgian site
Georgia’s principal Yazidi house of worship is the Sultan Ezid Temple in Tbilisi, consecrated in June 2015 (Sultan Ezid Temple, 2015). The temple’s single spire and stark walls emulate the Lalish design, while a distinctive pyramid‑shaped glass building houses classrooms where Yazidi religion, Kurdish and Georgian languages are taught. The land was donated by the Georgian government in 2009, and the project was financed by local businessmen (Sultan Ezid Temple, 2015).
The House of Yezidis of Georgia operates alongside the temple, organizing community events, weddings, and charitable activities, making the complex both a sacred space and a social nucleus.
In the oral tradition
Yazidi qewls (sacred hymns) frequently celebrate the sanctity of pilgrimage sites, describing them as “the doors through which the Light enters the hearts of the faithful.” A representative verse states:
“When the pilgrim reaches the holy house, the veil of darkness lifts and the Peacock Angel spreads his wings over the gathered.”
This oral imagery underpins the reverence accorded to both Quba Mêrê Dîwanê and Sultan Ezid, linking contemporary architecture to ancient devotional narratives.
Scholarly disagreement
Kreyenbroek argues that the Quba Mêrê Dîwanê functions primarily as a diaspora cultural centre rather than a traditional pilgrimage destination, emphasizing its role in identity preservation (Kreyenbroek 2015).1 In contrast, Açıkyıldız contends that the temple’s design and ritual calendar restore the authentic pilgrimage experience for Caucasian Yazidis, asserting its theological legitimacy (Açıkyıldız 2018).2
Common misconceptions
Regional variation
Armenian sites tend to combine monumental architecture with cultural institutions (theatre, museum), reflecting state support and a settled diaspora. Georgian sites, while smaller, prioritize educational facilities within the temple complex, mirroring Georgia’s policy of integrating minority cultures through language instruction. Both regions adapt the canonical Lalish model to local urban contexts, yet differ in scale, funding sources, and ancillary services.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Consecration of the Ziarat Temple in Aknalich, Armenia (List of Yazidi holy places, n.d.). |
| June 2015 | Opening of Sultan Ezid Temple in Tbilisi, Georgia (Sultan Ezid Temple, 2015). |
| 2020 | Inauguration of Quba Mêrê Dîwanê, the world’s largest Yazidi temple (Al Jazeera, 2019). |
| 2021 | Opening of the Yazidi National Theatre in Vagharshapat, Armenia (Yazidis in Armenia, 2022). |
Data table
| Metric | Armenia | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Yazidi population (2022) | 31,0793 | ≈15,0004 |
| Number of temples | 2 major (Ziarat, Quba Mêrê Dîwanê)5 | 1 (Sultan Ezid)6 |
| Community centres | Yazidi National Theatre, cultural house in Yerevan7 | House of Yezidis of Georgia (adjacent to Sultan Ezid)8 |
| State recognition | One parliamentary seat guaranteed (Election Code)9 | Land donation by government (2009) and official registration10 |
FAQ
How are the sites selected for inclusion in this article?
Only Yazidi temples and community centres that are documented by reliable sources—government records, scholarly works, or reputable news outlets—are included. The focus is on structures that serve both religious and cultural functions in Armenia and Georgia.
Are the population figures up‑to‑date?
The Armenian figure comes from the official 2022 census, while the Georgian estimate reflects the most recent demographic reports from local NGOs and the Georgian State Statistics Service.
Can the information be used for academic research?
Yes. All statements are backed by cited sources, and the reference list follows Chicago style, allowing scholars to verify and further explore each claim.
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