Background

Lalish: The Holiest Site of the Yazidis

Discover Lalish, the spiritual heart of the Yazidi faith, an ancient temple nestled in the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan, a place of pilgrimage and rich history.

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Nestled in a mountain valley in the Nineveh Plains of Iraq, Lalish is the most sacred temple for the Yazidi people. This ancient site, believed to be where the world was formed, draws pilgrims from around the globe to honor Sheikh Adi ibn Musafir, a central figure in the Yazidi faith, and to connect with their spiritual heritage.

A brief summary to Lalish - centrum religijne Jezydów

  • Q8C3+PM6, Lalish, Nineveh Governorate, IQ

Local tips

  • Remember to remove your shoes before entering the temple grounds as a sign of respect. You will be walking barefoot.
  • Dress modestly when visiting Lalish, as it is a religious site.
  • Avoid stepping on the doorsteps of temples, as Yazidis believe angels rest there.
  • Consider visiting during the Feast of the Assembly in October for an authentic cultural experience.
  • Bring thick socks, as walking barefoot can be uncomfortable, especially during colder months.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    The most reliable way to reach Lalish is by private taxi from Duhok or Erbil. From Duhok, the journey is approximately 50 km and takes about an hour. A taxi from Duhok will cost around 20,000 IQD. From Erbil, the journey is approximately 120 km and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Expect to pay around 40,000 IQD / 31 USD for a one-way trip.

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Discover more about Lalish - centrum religijne Jezydów

Lalish, also known as Lalişa Nûranî, is more than just a temple; it's the heart of the Yazidi faith and a testament to their enduring spirit. Situated 60 kilometers north of Mosul and 14 kilometers west of Ayn Sifna village, the temple lies in a valley surrounded by the mountains of Hizrat, Misat, and Arafat. This remote location has served as a sanctuary for the Yazidis for centuries, a community that has faced persecution and hardship throughout its history. The temple complex itself dates back approximately 4,000 years and has been rebuilt over time. It features several shrines, courtyards, and tombs, all reflecting the unique syncretic beliefs of the Yazidi religion, which incorporates elements of Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Islam, and other ancient traditions. Visitors will notice the conical-roofed shrine, believed to house the tomb of Sheikh Adi ibn Musafir, as well as other sacred places dedicated to holy beings. A pilgrimage to Lalish is a central tenet of the Yazidi faith, with followers expected to visit at least once in their lives. Upon arrival, visitors remove their shoes as a sign of respect for the sacred ground, where it is believed that Malak Tawus, the Peacock Angel, first descended to earth. Pilgrims often kiss the door frames and doorsteps of temples before entering and take soil from Lalish as a talisman for protection. Inside the temple, they may tie knots in silk blankets covering the caskets of saints,untie others, and walk around the tomb of Sheikh Adi three times in a counter-clockwise direction. Lalish is also home to two sacred springs, Zamzam and Kaniya Spî (White Spring), where Yazidis can be baptized. The annual autumn Feast of the Assembly, celebrated between October 6th and 13th, draws Yazidis from around the world to Lalish for a week of religious ceremonies and cultural exchange. Despite the challenges they have faced, the Yazidis continue to maintain their traditions and welcome visitors to Lalish to share their culture and beliefs.

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