Yezidism is a fascinating part of the rich cultural mosaic of the Middle East. Yezidis emerged for the first time in the 12th century in the Kurdish mountains of northern Iraq. Their religion; which has become notorious for its associations with ""devil worship;"" is in fact an intricate syncretic system of belief; incorporating elements from proto-Indo-European religions; early Persian faiths like Zoroastrianism and Manichaeism; Sufism and regional paganism like Mithraism. Birgul Acikyildiz offers a comprehensive appraisal of Yezidi religion; society and culture. Written without presupposing any prior knowledge about Yezidism; and in an accessible and readable style; her book examines Yezidis not only from a religious point of view but as a historical and social phenomenon. She throws light on the origins of Yezidism; and charts its historical development -- from its beginnings to the present -- as part of the general history of the Kurds. The author describes the Yezidi belief system (which considers Melek Taus -- the ""Peacock Angel"" -- to be ruler of the earth) and its religious practices and observances; analyzing the most important facets of Yezidi religious art and architecture and their relationship to their neighbours throughout the Middle East. Richly illustrated; with accompanying maps; photographs and illustrations; the book will have strong appeal to all those with an interest in the culture of the Kurds; as well as the wider region.
2006-06-20Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .38 x 5.51l; .60 #File Name: 1847340806108 pages
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