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The Yezids Minority in Armenia by Andrei Liankevich
As far as their memory goes back the Yezids – one of the minorities in Armenia- have been engaged in highland cattle breeding. There are two theories about the origins of the Yezids: one says that the Kurds are their ‘forefathers’; the other says exactly the opposite; that the Kurds came forth from the Yezid. Whatever the truth, the main difference between these two peoples is that the Yezids have preserved their religion for nearly 3 millennia. The first mentioning of the Temple of the Yezid is related to the ancient town of Babylon and today the most important temple is located in Mosul. The Yezids worship the sun and their most important deity created the world while looking at the beauty of a peacock. For the Yezid the peacock is therefore a holy animal and its image can be found on their pillows, blankets and in their tents. The Yezids do not have a Holy Book and their religion is based on the knowledge of their priests. The right to become a priest is inherited once sufficient knowledge has been gained.
