The word "Yezidees" is pronounced as [jɛzɪdiːz]. It is spelled with a "z" at the end to indicate plural form. "Yezidees" refers to the members of the Yezidi community, a Kurdish religious minority whose beliefs are a mixture of different religions including Zoroastrianism, Islam, and Christianity. The Yezidi community has faced persecution and discrimination for centuries, especially in Iraq and Syria. The accurate spelling and pronunciation of their name is crucial in respecting their identity and culture.
Yezidees are a distinct religious and ethnic community with origins in the Middle East. They are primarily found in northern Iraq, Syria, and southeastern Turkey. The term "Yezidees" is often used to refer to the followers of Yazidism, which is an ancient syncretic religion that combines elements from different faith traditions.
Yazidism is considered a secretive religion, with limited access to its teachings and rituals. Central to Yezidee beliefs is the veneration of Melek Taus, the Peacock Angel, who is regarded as the chief figure in their pantheon. Yezidees believe in the existence of a Supreme God who created the world and entrusted it to the care of seven divine beings or angels, of which Melek Taus is one. Contrary to common belief, Yezidees do not worship the devil or any evil entities; rather, they believe in the ultimate goodness and compassion of God.
Yezidees are an ethno-religious group, meaning that their religious identity is intertwined with their ethnic and cultural heritage. They have their distinct customs, traditions, and social structure. Historically, the Yezidees have faced persecution and discrimination due to their unique religious practices, often being labeled as heretics by other religious groups in the region. This has sadly led to periods of violence and forced displacement for the Yezidee community.
In recent years, due to conflicts and political turmoil in the region, Yezidees have faced significant challenges, including enduring persecution, massacres, and even attempts at ethnic cleansing. International organizations and humanitarian efforts have been working to support and protect the Yezidee community, but much work remains to improve their situation and ensure their survival.
The term Yezidees (also spelled Yazidis) is derived from the Arabic word Yazidi, which is believed to be derived from the Persian word Yazdani. Yazdani means followers of Yazd or worshippers of Yazid, referring to Yazid ibn Muawiya, a controversial figure in early Islamic history. However, the word Yazidi does not accurately represent the beliefs and practices of the Yezidi people, as they have pre-Islamic roots and a distinct religious system. The Yezidi themselves prefer to be called Ezidis or Êzidî.