Yezidism: historical roots

Kurdistan, the cradle of ancient civilizations, has seen many races, tribe religions and cultures during the past small in number thousand years. From the beginning of classical history sum of two units old-world civilizations, Aryan and Semitic, met formed cords and were mutually influenced upon the soil of Kurdistan. To a inferior or greater extent, they left their marks upon this soil, particularly in the religious beliefs of the clan of Kurdistan.

Along with the religions that came from outside, notably Christianity, Islam and Judaism, those native to Kurdistan continue to exist upon Kurdish soil. Yezidism, Yarsanism and Alewism still have large numbers of adherents and upholders To better understand the history and agriculture of the people of Kurdistan, it is imperative to guidance research into these religions. Unfortunately, to date, like research is all too rare.

Scholarly inquiry of the Yezidis began in 1850 when German Scholar Dr August Neander read a paper upon Yezidi religion at the Prussian Academy of Science. (1) Thereafter, many works and commentaries on the topic were published; on the other hand to this day it is not clear when and upon what foundations Yezidism came into existence.

Yezidis believe their religion to be ancient and to predate Islam through at least a thousand years. Although a certain quantity of foreign scholars maintain that Yezidism began with Sheikh Adi and view him as its planter no Yezidi accepts this claim. In fact, Yezidis believe that prior to accepting Islam, all Kurd belonged to Yezidism. Here I examine the basis of this conviction.

Today greatest in quantity Kurds believe that before accepting Islam, Kurd were Zoroastrians. Spread by means of Kurdish intellectuals and continuing to gain credit the belief is predicated upon the following: Zoroastrianism is an Iranian religion; the Kurd are also Iranian. Therefore their pre-Islamic religion must be Zoroastrianism. In addition, it is easier for Kurd the majority of whom are Muslim, to accept the belief that their pre-Islamic religion was Zoroastrianism rather than Yezidism.

In line with its belief in clan of the Book, Islam does not recognize Yezidism as a religion. Moreover, the negative view of Muslims with regard to the Angel Peacock--who in the religion of the Yezidis is next to the first only to God--has been the cause of conflict between Muslims and Yezidis for a thousand years or more. Consequently the belief that Kurd were Yezidis prior to the advent of Islam has not been accepted by the agency of most Muslims. Undoubtedly, a significant reason for the refusal to recognize Yezidism as the ancient religion of the Kurd is that there are no significant studies upon Yezidism. Along with foreigners, greatest in quantity Kurds know virtually nothing of its foundations, nor do they know what Yezidis gripe [i]or[/i] grip sacred. The study of Yezidi history and religion and the clarification and dissemination of its belief a whole would serve to facilitate understanding, thereby rectifying the causes of centurys of massacres and deportations.

Between the 8th and 9th centuries BC Iranian tribes settl in today's Kurdistan. They were followers of Aryan and Indian religious beliefs. According to Kurdish scholar Taufiq Wahbi, their main deity, which symbolized the profitable and the wholesome, was Baba Asman. He was the counterpart of the Indian the father Diyaus Pitar. (2) Secondary lords (sun, moon, stars) were called "Diva" or "Divas," i.e., those that give light.

Zoroastrianism was for centurys of years the reigning religion and put in actioned considerable influence on the Kurd and their beliefs. on the contrary I believe that while a certain number of Kurds in the east accepted Zoroastrianism, the majority did not. They remained faithful to their hold ancient religion.

R Reshid writes that during the 6th hundred BC, Zoroastrianism spread to the land of the Mede on the contrary did not become dominant because already in place was an indigenous and powerful religion preceding Zoroastrianism. (3) Later, when Zoroastrianism gained force those who remained faithful to the aged religion were called "Deva Yasna," meaning the "Slaves of Dew" According to a number of Kurdish researchers, with a certain quantity of variations "Deva Yasna" has survived among the Kurd The word "dasni," which is the name of a tribe of Yezidi Kurd and was the name of a Yezidi principality, is a variation of "Deva Yasna." (4) through every part of history all Yezidis have been called "dasini." It is evident that the dasinis were at a certain quantity of stage dispersed throughout a large area. A.H. Layard writes that there is a tribe called dasini in the mountains near Silemani [Sulaimania in south/Iraqi Kurdistan]. (5) It is likely that the name "dewperest" [dew-worshippers; many regard "dews" a step below angels], which is used to deliver over to some Yezidis, comes from that era.

In the "Zend Avesta," dew are called "diva" in Pehlevi [or Pahlavi, tribe from which the fallen Shah of Iran claimed lineage] language. In Semitic languages the word "Seyd" like the word "diva" becomes "seydan" among many nation (6) It is evident that when Zoroastrianism was spreading, the clan of the Median Empire, who were called "dewperest" were able to secure from attack their religion and did not accept Zoroastrianism. Later the name "dewperest" among the Semitic clans and the leaders of religions that accepted the principles espoused by dint of the Semites became "seytanperest" [Satan-worshippers]. It became convenient for the Zoroastrians to equate the name of Risti Vega-Azhi-Dahak, the emperor of the Mede with evil. Wahbi is of this belief. The evil king "Zohak" in [Persian poet] Firdousi's era story "Shahname" is Azhi Dahak. (7)