The Yazidis, ethnic kin to the Kurds, live predominantly in northern Iraq, northern Syria and eastern Turkey, and follow a monotheistic faith that incorporates elements of Christianity, Judaism and Islam alongside a belief in reincarnation. Known in the Caucasus for their presence in Armenia – soon to be the site of the world’s largest Yazidi temple – they are believed to have inhabited Georgia since the beginning of the 19th century. But despite that history in Georgia, this ethno-religious community, some members say, faces challenges. At about 12, 000 people, the number of Yazidi Georgians has shrunk by a third since 2002, according to official data. Overall, they currently account for well under 1 percent of the country’s 3.7-million population.
authors
Rana Aghayeva
Rana Aghayeva graduated from Azerbaijan University of Languages in 2014. She has worked as a journalist, correspondent and TV presenter at the English News Service of CBC TV channel (Caspian International Broadcasting Company). In 2017, she received the scholarship of the U.S. Embassy in Baku and is currently doing her master's degree in Journalism and Media Management at GIPA University.