Kurdistan PM Masrour Barzani Oversees Launch of First International Scientific Conference on Yezidi Identity and Heritage
Tens of research papers will be presented by scholars from 11 different countries, with participation from academics based in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the world.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Under the patronage of Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, the first international scientific conference dedicated to the Yezidi community will be held. The conference, focusing on the Yezidi religion, culture, history, and geography, is organized by the Lalish Center for Enlightenment and Social Affairs in partnership with the University of Duhok. It will run for two days, from April 29 to 30, 2025, at the University of Duhok’s Conference Center.
This marks the first-ever international academic gathering of its kind centered on the Yezidi people. Tens of research papers will be presented by scholars from 11 different countries, with participation from academics based in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the world.
"Several researchers from universities in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and other countries will join the conference to discuss the religion, history, geography, and heritage of the Yezidi community," Saeed Jardo, head of the Lalish Center in Duhok, told Kurdistan24 on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has long demonstrated strong support for the Yezidis by having the Kurdistan Region Government (KRG) provide monthly stipends to thousands of survivors rescued from ISIS captivity. Currently, 3,150 rescued Yezidi women receive regular financial assistance from the KRG.
Earlier this month, during the Yezidi New Year celebrations, Prime Minister Barzani reiterated his solidarity with the Yezidi people, reaffirming his commitment to their rights and demands. In his message, he also emphasized the ongoing efforts to normalize the situation in Sinjar, to enable displaced Yezidis to safely return to their ancestral homes.
سەرساڵا ئێزیدییان ل تەڤایا خوشک و برایێن ئێزیدی ل کوردستانێ و جیهانێ پیرۆز دکەم. هیڤیدارم جەژنەکا خۆش و پڕ شادی ببورینن. pic.twitter.com/vgoqky8Exs
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) April 15, 2025
The Yezidi Kurds, a religious minority primarily based in northern Iraq, particularly in Sinjar (Shangal) and the Kurdistan Region, have faced centuries of persecution. Their plight drew international attention following the 2014 ISIS attacks, during which thousands were killed, enslaved, or displaced. Since then, the KRG, under the leadership of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, has played a significant role in supporting Yezidi survivors, rebuilding efforts, and advocating for justice.
Hosting this first international scientific conference marks another important step toward preserving Yezidi heritage, amplifying academic research on their unique identity, and reinforcing efforts to restore dignity and recognition to a historically marginalized community.
