Religion in Kurdistan
Religious diversity has been a feature of Kurdistan for a many centuries.[1] Main religions that currently exist in Kurdistan are as follows. Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Yarsanism, Yazidism and Alevism. However, the majority of Kurds are Sunni Muslims.[2]
Contents
Judaism
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There used to be Jewish minority in most parts of Kurdistan, but most of them migrated to Israel in 20th century.
Christianity
Originally a minority of Christians have been living in Kurdistan and in 20th century some people converted to Christianity as a result of the waves of foreigner missionaries.
Islam
The majority of Kurds are Sunni Muslim, but there is a minority of Shiat Muslims in southern parts of Kurdistan in Kirmashan, Khanaqin and Ilam region.[1]
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism was one of the dominant religions in Kurdistan before Islamic era. Furthermore, in 20th century the Kurdish nationalists mentioned Zoroastrianism as a Kurdish religion to oppose the religious and political oppression of Arabs.[1] Currently, Zoroastrianism is an officially recognized religion in Iraqi Kurdistan and Iran. Many Kurdish individuals converted from Islam to Zoroastrianism especially after ISIS attacks to Kurdistan.[3][4]
Yarsanism
Ahl-e-Hagh or Yarsanism is another religion that is associated with Kurdistan. Although most of sacred Yarsanism texts are in Gorani and all of Yarsan holy places are located in Kurdistan, but this religion has some followers among other ethnic groups as well.[5]
Yazidism
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Most of Yazidis live in Iraq and Turkey. For centuries they have been subjected to prosecution and many of them have converted to Islam and Christianity.[1]
Alevism
Alevi community that sometimes are called Qizilbash, mostly live in north western parts of Kurdistan. They are mostly concentrated in Dersim region.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Van Bruinessen, M. "Religion in Kurdistan" (Religion in Kurdistan). Hum.uu.nl. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
- ↑ Cigerxwin, Tarixa Kurdistan, I (Stockholm: Weşanên Roja Nû, 1985), p. 17.
- ↑ Rudaw:Head of Zoroastrian temple says people are returning to their roots
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Martin van Bruinessen, When Haji Bektash Still Bore the Name of Sultan Sahak:Notes on the Ahl-i Haqq of the Guran district
