The Lost Pearls of Tavus

(EN)Among the ancient peoples of Mesopotamia, the Yazidis place the center of their faith in the Lalesh Valley, located in the Shekhan region of the Kurdistan Federal Region of Iraq. For them, Lalesh is not merely a geographical location; it is regarded as the center of the world, a sacred place where life and faith meet. In the depths of the valley, in the shadow of white-domed temples, rituals that have endured for thousands of years continue to flow—quietly, yet with great power.

Every year, Yazidis from all around the world set out on a pilgrimage to Lalesh. This journey is not only about visiting a holy place, but also about reconnecting with their roots. During the pilgrimage, they wash with sacred water, light oil lamps, and recite prayers. These rituals are the living witnesses of ancient traditions that have left deep marks in the collective memory of the community.

In the Yazidi calendar, there are three major religious gatherings: the Annual Pilgrimage, Çarşemba Sor (Red Wednesday), and the festive celebrations. According to Yazidi belief, Çarşemba Sor marks the anniversary of the creation of the world. On this day, every corner of the valley is adorned with colorful ribbons and flowers; fires are lit, and prayers rise into the sky. The festivals are times to renew unity, peace, and faith.

The Yazidi faith rests on the harmony between nature and humanity, and on the belief that good and evil are shaped by human will. Touching the sacred stones of Lalesh, joining the prayers of white-robed religious leaders, the laughter of children running through the courtyards… all of these are fragments of an ancient tradition carried into the present day.

Despite having faced countless genocides and oppression throughout history, the Yazidis have managed to preserve their faith. The Lalesh Valley stands as a steadfast symbol of their resilience and cultural heritage. There, among the stone walls, the prayers of an ancient people still echo.

This photographic work, produced between 2009 and 2012, documents the Yazidis’ religious rituals, worship, and celebrations during their visits to Lalesh.