The Sacred Poems of The Yazidis
Jasim Elias Murad
University of California
In this chapter the reader is introduced to the Yazidis; their origin, physical characteristics, language, customs and clothing, and geographical distribution. This chapter also briefly describes their history, social structure, religious doctrines and means of livelihood; also discussed are the history of Sheikh Adi and the Yazidi religious hierarchy. Sheikh Adi is of particular significance as he founded the religious hierarchy of the Yazidis, and historical knowledge of the priestly Yazidi ancestors helps us to understand the social functions of the sacred poems. Reconstructing the history of Yazidi ancestors, in particular, the history of Sheikh Adi, enable the reader to grasp the motives … | 
