Ezidis in Mağara village in southeastern Turkey marked the Feast of Assembly locally on 7 October 2026, while the festival’s principal pilgrimage and sacred ceremonies were taking place at Lalish in Iraq.
The Feast of Assembly, known in Ezdiki as Cejna Cemayê, belongs to the entire Ezidi people, although its central ceremonies are inseparably connected to Lalish, the holiest sanctuary of Şerfedîn. Ezidis living far from Lalish may also observe the festival period where they reside, particularly when travelling to the sanctuary is not possible.
These local observances do not replace the pilgrimage or reproduce all the sacred ceremonies performed at Lalish. Instead, they allow Ezidis to remain connected to the festival through prayer, family gatherings, visits to cemeteries, the preparation of traditional food and time spent with relatives and other Ezidis. They also help preserve knowledge of Şerfedîn among families living beyond Iraq.
At Lalish, Cejna Cemayê is observed annually from 6 to 13 October in honour of Şêx Adî. Ezidis gather at the sanctuary for prayers, sacred hymns, processions, the lighting of lamps and ceremonies conducted on particular days by Şerfedîn dignitaries. The gathering carries religious importance while also bringing together Ezidis from different countries and generations.
The available account did not specify which observances took place in Mağara or why individual residents remained in the village rather than travelling to Lalish. Their local celebration nevertheless formed part of the wider festival period observed by Ezidis in different locations.
During the occasion, İdil District Governor Anıl Adıgüzel visited Mağara, a village within İdil district in Şırnak Province. Adıgüzel, the district’s state-appointed governor, congratulated Ezidi residents on the Feast of Assembly and conveyed his good wishes.
He met villagers, spoke with them and listened to the requests and concerns they presented during the visit. The nature of those requests was not disclosed, and no specific commitment, financial measure or follow-up programme was announced.
Adıgüzel also emphasised the importance of people belonging to different faiths and cultures living together peacefully, with unity and mutual solidarity. Residents expressed their appreciation for the visit and thanked him for his attention and good wishes.
The visit provided official recognition of an important observance of Şerfedîn and gave residents an opportunity to speak directly with the district governor. Whether the concerns raised during the meeting will result in practical measures has not yet been stated.
