Qewls are the sacred hymns of the Yazidi faith, performed in distinct regional styles across Iraq, Syria, and the diaspora. These variations involve melodic contours, vocal ornamentation, and instrumental accompaniment shaped by local oral traditions and community histories.
The 2026 Yazidi Truth Commission, convened in Germany, seeks accountability for the 2014 ISIS genocide. Compared with other truth commissions, it blends community‑driven testimony with a non‑transitional legal framework, raising new questions about legitimacy, scope, and impact.
Şêşê Şehîdî, the Day of the Martyr, is a central Yazidi ritual commemorating the martyrdom of holy figures. While its core elements are shared, the ceremony displays distinct regional adaptations in Sinjar, Sheikhan, Syria, Turkey, the Caucasus, and diaspora communities.
Since the mid‑19th century, Western press, missionaries, and later novelists and filmmakers have depicted Yazidis through a shifting lens—from sensationalist “devil‑worshiper” stereotypes to more nuanced, empathetic representations. This article traces that evolution and highlights scholarly debates and common misconceptions.
Kaniya Sêva, the “White Spring” of Lalish, is a karst spring revered by Yazidis for its role in the baptism‑like mor kirin rite. This article surveys its geological setting, historic development, ritual significance, and contemporary conservation challenges.
Yazidis in Iraq rely on a hybrid legal framework that blends community‑issued religious contracts with the national Personal Status Law, which defaults to Islamic Sharia when no specific statute exists. This article details how marriage, divorce, and inheritance are regulated, the role of the Yazidi Supreme Spiritual Council, and the interaction with Iraqi courts.
This article examines the legal mechanisms—both international and Iraqi national—that aim to locate and account for missing Yazidis after the Islamic State genocide. It outlines court cases, legislative frameworks, and the role of civil‑society actors in pursuing justice and truth.
Since ISIS’s 2014 campaign devastated dozens of Yazidi holy sites, a mix of local communities, NGOs, and international donors have launched reconstruction projects. This article surveys the main initiatives, the obstacles they face, and the measurable outcomes up to 2026.
Several digital initiatives now preserve Yazidi sacred verses, including the Yazidi Community Archive, the Institute for Ezidi Sciences, and academic collaborations documenting Qewls and Beyts. Researchers can access these resources through open‑access portals, downloadable datasets, and institutional repositories.
In the aftermath of ISIS, Yazidi sheikhs have become pivotal political actors, navigating alliances with Kurdish parties, the Iraqi state, and emerging independent movements. Their influence shapes reconstruction, security, and representation for the Yazidi community.