British Journal of Photography
In 2014, ISIS led a brutal campaign against the Yazidi community in Iraq resulting in the recorded deaths of around 5000 and the enslavement of thousands of women and girls. This attack was recognised by the United Nations as genocide, and the horrors inflicted on the Yazidis left deep scars that continue to impact the survivors today. Ten years later, the aftereffects are still being felt deeply, as many Yazidis remain in displacement camps, unable to return to their ancestral homes due to ongoing instability and lack of resources. About 1300 Yazidi children are still missing ten years after the genocide, and over 200,000 people remain displaced, struggling with the emotional aftermath and the lack of access to basic services.
Yazidis have lived in the mountainous areas of todays north-westerly Iraq for centuries. Their faith is considered to be one of the oldest religions in the world. Today, the future of the Yazidi culture is at a tipping point, imperilling the future of their intangible heritage. Yazidism is an oral religion, with no texts, formal doctrine or religious education, and therefore, ritual plays a paramount role in keeping their religion and community spirit alive. Pilgrimage, remains of great importance in the perpetuation of the Yazidi faith.
One tradition holding Yazidi communities together is an annual seven day pilgrimage to Lalish, in northern Iraq, known as the Autumn Assembly. The Autumn Assembly and pilgrimage across the Bridge of Silat is an essential Yazidi practice that defines not only the sacred, but also communion with the people of the faith. As numbers of Yazidi diminish in northern Iraq, fewer and fewer remain to practice this pilgrimage, while it is increasingly difficult to return and participate.
The Autumn Assembly provides one of the few opportunities for Yazidis globally to unite, including all of the tribal and religious leadership who discuss issues and decisions confronting the community.
Lalish, Iraq - October, 2022
