Sema
A new specialized book titled “The Ezidis in the South Caucasus: Their Past and Present in Georgia” has been published by Artur Rodziewicz, a researcher at the University of Warsaw and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Ezidi Studies. This work is considered the first comprehensive and in-depth study on this topic. It has been published by Brill, one of the world’s leading academic publishers.
In this important scholarly work, the author presents the results of extensive field and academic research on Ezidis living in Georgia, covering:
- The history of Orientalist perspectives on Ezidis
- Migration of Ezidi tribes to Armenia and Tbilisi
- Traditions, religious rituals, and beliefs
- Sacred sites and cultural heritage
- Media, artistic, and cultural activities
The book also explores relations between Ezidis and other communities, including Kurds, Georgians, Armenians, Russians, and Azerbaijanis, as well as contemporary challenges, internal debates, and social dynamics.
It highlights pioneering Ezidi initiatives in Georgia, such as:
- The construction of the Sultan Ezid Temple in Tbilisi
- The establishment of Ezidi Studies at Ilia State University
- The Ezidi Theological Academy
- The Ezidi Museum
- The International Journal of Ezidi Studies
The book further discusses ongoing efforts to strengthen the institutional and cultural presence of the Ezidi religion.
An appendix includes a draft constitution of a global Ezidi entity developed in Georgia, along with detailed maps and an in-depth interview with Ezidi community leaders.
The book spans approximately 700 pages and features a wide collection of maps and rare archival photographs.
Prepared by: Dr. Majid Hassan Ali