The Ezidis: Religion, Heritage, History and Geography (ERHHG-2025)

APRIL 29-30th 2025
THE UNIVERSITY OF DUHOK

The Ezidis, a distinctive religious and ethnic group with historical roots in Kurdistan, are known by names such as Yazidi, Yezidi, Yazdâni, and Izadi. Despite their vibrant cultural traditions and deep-rooted heritage, the Ezidis have often faced religious misinterpretations and ethnic mischaracterizations, sometimes pejoratively labelled as "devil worshippers." Today, this community, constituting about 5% of the Kurdish population, is dispersed across regions in northwest Syria, southeast Turkey, the Jabal Sanjar highlands on the Iraqi-Syrian border, and northern Iraq around Mosul. The pressures of external conflict, displacement, and social marginalization have only intensified the urgent need for accurate scholarly exploration and documentation of Ezidi heritage.

The International Conference on The Ezidis: Religion, Heritage, History, and Geography (ERHHG-2025), organized by the University of Duhok in partnership with the Lalish Cultural and Social Center, is the first major academic event in Kurdistan focused exclusively on Ezidi heritage. This historic conference will unite leading researchers, academics, and cultural figures from around the world to examine the Ezidi community's unique religious beliefs, historical journeys, and the social challenges they continue to face. As a groundbreaking event in Kurdish academic history, ERHHG-2025 offers an unprecedented opportunity to document, share, and deepen public and scholarly understanding of Ezidi identity.

The Lalish Cultural and Social Center, founded in 1993, plays a very important role in realizing this conference. As a dedicated institution for the preservation and celebration of Ezidi culture, the Lalish Center brings invaluable knowledge, resources, and community support. Through its expertise and extensive cultural programs, the Center actively supports the conference’s mission to raise awareness, protect Ezidi heritage, and foster resilience within the Ezidi community. With the Lalish Center as its main partner, ERHHG-2025 reflects a collaborative effort to confront the challenges faced by the Ezidi people and strengthen cultural preservation efforts across Kurdistan and beyond.

Exploring Ezidi Heritage and Faith

Ezidi religious practices are deeply connected to nature and symbolism, with birds playing a central role in creation myths and rituals. Sacred ceremonies like the Feast of Lam and the Jam festival are significant within the Ezidi religious calendar. Held at holy sites such as Lalish, these rituals include symbols like the Peacock Angel and other avian figures that embody reverence for nature and the divine. Archaeological discoveries in nearby Shanidar-Zawi Chami, dating back over 10,000 years, reveal a continuity of bird-centered rituals, illustrating the long-standing spiritual practices of the Ezidi people.(KURDISTANICA)

Historical Resilience and Modern-Day Challenges

The Ezidi community has not only been subject to external cultural pressures but also persistent persecution throughout history. Accounts detail forced conversions, massacres, and violence against the Ezidis, particularly under Ottoman rule from the 17th to the 19th centuries. These hardships led to significant migration, with many Ezidis resettling in the Caucasus and other regions. Today, the community still faces threats to its identity, with movements seeking to strip them of their Kurdish heritage or assimilate them into other ethnic groups. Through the dedicated work of the Lalish Cultural and Social Center, ERHHG-2025 will address these challenges, document the resilience of the Ezidi people, and confront misconceptions surrounding their beliefs and history.

A Milestone in Academic and Cultural Preservation

ERHHG-2025 seeks to be a milestone in correcting historical distortions, fostering academic research, and protecting Ezidi cultural heritage. By focusing on the Ezidi faith, cultural contributions, and historical significance, the conference will lay the foundation for future studies and deeper cross-cultural understanding. Together with the Lalish Cultural and Social Center, the University of Duhok invites you to join this essential event, celebrating and preserving one of Kurdistan’s most treasured cultural and religious communities.

The International Conference on The Ezidis: Religion, Heritage, History, and Geography (ERHHG-2025) has been organized to address critical themes in the study of Ezidi culture, history, and religion. As the first academic event of its kind, this conference aims to shed light on the Ezidi community’s rich heritage and complex experiences, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation within both regional and international contexts. The conference seeks to achieve the following key objectives:

• Explore Ezidi Religious Traditions: Delve into the unique beliefs, rituals, and spiritual practices of the Ezidi faith, examining foundational myths, sacred symbols, and festivals like the Feast of Lam and the Jam.

• Document Historical Narratives: Provide a platform to discuss the history of the Ezidis, from ancient times through periods of forced migration and persecution, highlighting their resilience and contributions to the region.

• Preserve Cultural Heritage: Support efforts to protect and document Ezidi folklore, literature, and artistic traditions, addressing the need for more academic engagement to combat historical misrepresentations.

• Address Socio-Political Challenges: Examine contemporary issues facing the Ezidi community, such as displacement, identity pressures, and the threat of cultural erasure, while exploring strategies for resilience and empowerment.

• Promote Intercultural Dialogue: Encourage meaningful interactions between Ezidi culture and other religious and ethnic groups, fostering mutual understanding, respect, and social cohesion.

• Establish a Research Platform: Lay the groundwork for a sustained academic focus on Ezidi studies, facilitating further research collaborations and establishing a research database for future exploration.

By achieving these objectives, the conference aims to build a comprehensive, accurate, and lasting understanding of the Ezidi people’s significant cultural, religious, and historical role within the broader Kurdish and Middle Eastern context.

The International Conference on The Ezidis: Religion, Heritage, History, and Geography (ERHHG-2025) welcomes a wide range of attendees from diverse backgrounds who are interested in exploring and supporting the study of Ezidi heritage, religion, and culture. This conference offers a unique platform for academics, practitioners, and advocates to engage with the rich history and current challenges of the Ezidi community. Attendees are encouraged from the following groups:

• Scholars and Researchers: Academics and researchers in fields such as religious studies, anthropology, Middle Eastern studies, history, and cultural studies who wish to deepen their understanding of Ezidi traditions and contribute to ongoing research.

• Refugee Organizations: Representatives from organizations working with displaced communities and refugee populations will gain insights into the historical and current challenges facing the Ezidi people, including migration and resettlement issues.

• Human Rights Organizations: Advocates and members of human rights groups focused on minority rights, cultural preservation, and social justice are encouraged to attend, contributing to discussions on protecting Ezidi identity and addressing past and ongoing persecutions.

• Government and Policy Makers: Local and international policymakers interested in the sociopolitical aspects of the Ezidi community and minority protections.

• Students and Young Researchers: Graduate and undergraduate students who wish to learn about the Ezidi community’s cultural heritage and current issues are warmly invited.

• Community Leaders and Cultural Advocates: Individuals dedicated to promoting cultural awareness, preservation, and dialogue within multicultural societies.

Through their participation, attendees will contribute to a collaborative effort aimed at understanding, documenting, and supporting the Ezidi community and its heritage.

To participate in the International Conference on The Ezidis: Religion, Heritage, History, and Geography (ERHHG-2025), all attendees and contributors should meet the following requirements to ensure a high standard of scholarly exchange and engagement. Key requirements include:

• Abstracts and Full Papers: Researchers interested in presenting must submit an abstract of up to 300 words, detailing their research focus and methodology. Upon acceptance, a full paper must be submitted by the designated deadline for peer review. Only original, unpublished research is eligible for presentation.

• International Speakers: Scholars and experts from international institutions are encouraged to participate, bringing a global perspective to the discussions on Ezidi history, culture, and religion. International presenters are highly valued for contributing diverse insights into the conference themes.

• Financial Support: Limited financial support may be available for select presenters, particularly those from refugee or minority-focused organizations. Priority will be given to presenters whose work directly aligns with the conference's objectives.

• Publication Opportunity: Accepted and presented papers will be eligible for submission to an international journal indexed by Scopus and/or Clarivate, offering contributors a valuable opportunity for academic recognition and further dissemination of their work on Ezidi studies.

By meeting these requirements, participants will contribute to a meaningful, high-impact conference that supports the scholarly documentation and preservation of Ezidi heritage.

The logo for the International Conference on The Ezidis: Religion, Heritage, History, and Geography (ERHHG-2025) is a deeply symbolic representation that incorporates significant elements of Ezidi heritage and cultural identity. Designed with careful attention to details, each component reflects a unique aspect of Ezidi tradition and the themes of the conference.

At the forefront of the logo is the Daf, a sacred instrument in Ezidi religious practices. The Daf drum is not only an essential part of Ezidi rituals but also symbolizes spiritual expression and cultural preservation within the community. Its inclusion in the logo highlights the importance of ritual and music in Ezidi identity, inviting conference attendees to appreciate the depth of Ezidi religious life.

The globe in the background signifies the global dispersion of the Ezidi people. Due to historical persecution and recent humanitarian crises, Ezidi communities have been forced to spread across various parts of the world. The globe in the logo acknowledges this diaspora, illustrating how Ezidis have maintained their heritage and unity despite geographic separation.

Silhouettes of Ezidi men and women stand beside the shrine of Lalish representing the most sacred site in Ezidism. Lalish, located near Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, is a revered place where Ezidis gather for pilgrimage and religious ceremonies. This iconic dome symbolizes spiritual unity, resilience, and the Ezidi community's enduring connection to their holy land.

Encircling these elements is a sun disk with radiating beams, inspired by the sun symbol on the Kurdish flag. The sun, a sacred icon in Ezidi beliefs, represents divine light, life, and hope. It is a powerful reminder of the Ezidis' resilience and strength throughout centuries of adversity. The sun’s rays extend outward, reinforcing the conference's theme of enlightenment and academic exploration.

Together, these elements embody the spirit of ERHHG-2025. The logo serves as a visual testament to the conference’s commitment to celebrating Ezidi heritage, fostering dialogue, and advancing academic understanding of this resilient and culturally rich community.