Religion of the Kurds

Diversity and tolerance

  • Kurdish culture and history are extremely diverse, and religion plays an important role in them.

  • The Kurds are a nation living mainly in the Middle East, where different religions and traditions have met and coexisted for centuries.

  • As a result, Kurdish religious identity is rich and diverse, and among the Kurds one can find adherents of several major religions and unique beliefs derived from their ancient traditions.

Islam among the Kurds

Most Kurds follow Islam, but their religious affiliation is divided into two main streams: Sunnism and Shiism.

Sunnism

The majority of Kurds are Sunni, mainly adhering to Shafi’i Islam. Kurdish Sunnis have much in common with other Sunni communities in the Middle East, but their religious practices often include cultural elements that give them a unique character.

Shiism

Some Kurds, especially those living in Iranian Kurdistan, adhere to Shiism. Although Shiites are a minority among Kurds, their presence adds religious diversity to the regions inhabited by the nation.

Abdullatif Ahmad Mustafa (born 1969) is a Kurdish religious leader and Salafi preacher in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Ezdism - an indigenous Kurdish religion

Ezdism, also known as Yezidism, is one of the oldest religions practiced by the Kurds and deeply rooted in their culture. Ezdism is a monotheistic religion whose followers believe in one God and in seven holy spirits, the most important of which is the Peacock Angel (Melek Taus).

Yezidis believe that their religion is one of the oldest in the world and was not influenced by other religious systems. Their rituals and ceremonies differ from those of Islam, and their central place of worship is a temple in Lalish, Iraq, considered a holy place for all Yezidis. Yezidism is a religion closely tied to Kurdish identity, and followers have cherished their traditions for generations.

Alevism in Kurdistan

Alevism is another religious trend, present mainly among Turkish Kurds. It derives from Shiite Islam, but its practices and beliefs are significantly different from traditional Islam. Alevis believe in the special importance of spiritual guides and prophets such as Ali, Muhammad’s son-in-law, and their religious rituals often take the form of communal gatherings with songs and dances.

Alevism is an open and tolerant religion, with a strong emphasis on love, justice and social solidarity. Kurdish Alevis, like the Yezidi, cherish their distinct identity, making them one of the most interesting religious groups in Kurdistan.

Zarathushtrianism and Kurdish religious roots

Zarathushtrianism is a religion of ancient Persia whose influence extends far beyond modern Iran. These beliefs have had a significant impact on Kurdish culture and religion, and some Kurds believe that Zarathushtrianism is close to their historical roots. Although few Kurds today adhere to Zarathushtrianism, elements of it, such as fire symbolism, are still present in Kurdish traditions, especially during the celebration of Nowruz, which symbolizes rebirth and spring.

Nowadays, there is some resurgence of interest in Zoroastrianism among Kurds, especially those who are searching for their ancient, pre-Islamic roots.

Charismatic sects and mystical traditions

Kurdish culture has fostered the development of numerous mystical religious movements that have left a deep mark on Kurdish spirituality. Many of these movements drew from Sufism, a mystical current of Islam that emphasizes personal experience of God and the search for spiritual truth.

Sufism

The Kurds have a long tradition associated with Sufism. Sufi orders such as Qadiriyya and Naqshbandiyya have their roots in Kurdistan, and many Kurds, especially in the southern part of Kurdistan, identify with Sufism. Sufi rituals, such as whirling dance and communal prayers, are part of the spiritual life of some Kurdish communities.

Yarsanism

Yarsanism, also known as “Kakai,” is a mystical religion followed mainly by the Kurds of Iraq and Iran. It is a complex belief system, combining elements of Sufism, Zoroastrianism and other ancient beliefs. The religion is based on the idea of spiritual improvement, and followers believe in reincarnation and mysterious forces that rule the world.

Religious Tolerance and Coexistence of Beliefs.

One of the most distinguishing features of Kurdish culture is religious tolerance and the ability for different beliefs to coexist. Although religious divisions may be apparent, Kurds are known for their openness toward other traditions and faiths. People of different religions can be found in Kurdistan celebrating cultural and religious events together, creating a unique atmosphere of unity.

Many Kurds stress that their religious identity is a personal issue, and that the diversity of faiths enriches the region’s culture and spirituality. Shared values such as respect for nature, love of freedom and strong family ties are more important than religious divisions and form the basis of Kurdish identity.

Religion among the Kurds is extremely diverse, encompassing Sunni and Shiite Islam, Esdism, Alevism and many mystical and ancient traditions. This diversity is the result of a long history that links the Kurds to many civilizations and belief systems. Despite religious differences, the Kurds have managed to create a society based on tolerance and mutual respect, where everyone can express their spirituality in an individual way. This makes Kurdish religious culture not only fascinating, but also inspiring, showing that diversity can be a source of unity and strength.

Graphic sources:

  • Farhang mhamad – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=144420178
  • By Levi Clancy – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74564290
  • Hevaldenizkaya, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons