Historical sources show that Ezidis have long referred to their language as Ezdiki, meaning “the language of the Ezidis.” Kurdish is a new term and is the result of political influence and aspirations of creating a “kurdish” nationalistic identity.
Many Ezidis choose to list their language as Kurdish or Kurmanji because it seems easier when dealing with institutions or people unfamiliar with Ezidis. But doing so risks slowly eroding a history and identity that stretches back thousands of years. One LinkedIn user chose a different path; proudly listing Ezdiki.
In 2014, the Mam Rashan Shrine on Mount Sinjar was destroyed in a campaign aimed at erasing Ezidis and their faith, Sharfadin. Its demolition was meant to sever a people from their sacred ground. Rebuilt on its original site, the shrine now stands as proof that destruction did not succeed. It is not only stone restored, but continuity reclaimed.
Recent months have seen the launch of the “Ezidi initiative,” a planned diplomatic effort engaging both the diaspora and local authorities in Turkey. Focused on peace, social cohesion, and voluntary return, the initiative addresses property, security, and human rights concerns while aiming to strengthen social peace and recognize the heritage of the Ezidi people and the Sharfadin faith.
This week, from 9 to 12 December 2025, Ezidis observe Aida Xwudane Male, honoring the family patron saints with fasting, reflection, and the sacred Dua Sifrê prayer—a ritual that reconnects families with their spiritual heritage and the blessings of Sharfadin.
Assyrian football player Dyana Dawood is breaking barriers for minorities in Iraq. From Mosul to the national team, her journey inspires young athletes to embrace their heritage and pursue their dreams against all odds.
Sinuni, whose name means “our spring” in the Ezidi language, is one of the central towns of the Sinjar region. Once known for its quiet rural life, it was devastated during the 2014 ISIS genocide. Today, Ezidis continue to rebuild it house by house, field by field. Sinuni stands as a place where loss, memory, and resilience meet — a reminder that even after destruction, renewal is possible.
When a Kurdish designer presented a traditional Ezidi dress on the runway in Milan, many applauded the gesture as a sign of inclusion. But is it really recognition—or appropriation? For Ezidi Times, the question runs deeper: why must Ezidis rely on others to showcase their traditions, and what does it mean when their heritage is absorbed into a broader Kurdish narrative? At stake is not just fashion, but the survival of an ancient people’s identity.
The Ezidi Dilşah Dungeon in Van, Turkey, built in the 18th century by Kok Ağa and later overseen by his daughter Dilşah, is now at risk of collapse. Once part of the Ezidi justice system, the site has been heavily damaged by treasure hunters and neglect. Locals see it as both a historical monument and a place of memory, but without urgent protection, this rare piece of Ezidi heritage may soon disappear.
As the Mosul Dam reservoir recedes to its lowest levels in nearly a century, archaeologists are uncovering not only 2,300-year-old Hellenistic tombs but also traces of Ezidi heritage once submerged beneath the Tigris. In recent years, a long-hidden Ezidi village, a 1961 tomb, and even a school in Hanke have resurfaced, reminding the world that Ezidi history in northern Mesopotamia — tied to the faith of Sharfadin — cannot be erased by dams, drought, or displacement.
Dans sa nouvelle chanson « SISTER », Diana Kalashova livre un hommage intime à sa sœur, à sa famille et à ses racines Ézidies. Chantée en ezdiki et coécrite avec plusieurs membres de sa famille, cette œuvre émotive incarne l’amour fraternel, la mémoire intergénérationnelle et la richesse culturelle du peuple Ézidi. Dans une interview exclusive avec Ezidi Times, Diana dévoile les coulisses du processus créatif et l’importance de rester fidèle à ses origines à travers la musique.
The Ezidi people, an ancient ethnic and religious group from northern Iraq, continue to face dire conditions in displacement camps years after ISIS attacks forced them from their homes. The reduction in funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has severely impacted reconstruction efforts, access to medical care, and essential services in camps where many Ezidis remain internally displaced.
Alikelle, Çaldıran, Turkey The cultural and religious heritage of the Ezidi people in eastern Turkey is facing quiet erasure. In the...
Kiwex, Idil, Turkey In the heart of the historic Ezidi village of Kiwex, located in the İdil district of Şırnak province,...
Ezidis can learn the vital importance of preserving their sacred faith of Sharfadin. Justice and recognition require courage and unity—not just from within the Ezidi people but also through building solidarity with other ancient peoples facing similar struggles. Though the wounds run deep, hope remains in the power of cultural survival and the determination to secure a future where the Ezidis’ dignity, heritage, and rights are fully respected and protected.
Zara’s recent actions expose not just a troubling detachment from her Ezidi heritage, but a blatant disregard for the dignity and struggle of the people to whom she owes her very identity. In an era where the Ezidi people are still recovering from genocide and fighting for recognition, Zara has chosen not to stand with them, but to turn her back entirely—trading ancestral truth for political relevance and shallow applause. Her repeated shifts in self-identification—from Armenian to Russian, and now opportunistically Kurdish—suggest not evolution, but erasure. Even worse, her public alliance with individuals who have openly blasphemed the sacred tenets of the Sharfadin faith crosses a moral line. This is not neutrality—it is betrayal.
Preserving Our Roots: The Vital Work of Mecrûm Sûlêymanov and Kitêbxane Ezidi Times warmly recommends the YouTube channel Kitêbxane to all readers...
It is bizarre, uneducated, and a sign of very low IQ if people think they can decide the ethnic identity of a group based on political bias. An Ezidi is identified through their ethnic, religious, cultural, and linguistic identity.
Today is the Ezidi New Year 6775 — a celebration of life, tradition, and the enduring strength of our people....
The Unicode Consortium has made significant progress in digital representation by including the Ezdiki script (Ezidi language) in its Unicode Standard. This ensures that the unique characters and symbols of the Ezdiki language are now consistently displayed across digital platforms like websites, apps, and social media.
