Sema
Türkiye has begun adopting a new approach toward its diverse communities, particularly the Ezidi community. As part of this initiative, the government has launched a major project to restore Ezidi shrines, beginning with the foundation stone ceremony for the reconstruction of the Sheikh Hivand Shrine.
The ceremony was attended by the Ezidi Prince, Hazim Tahsin Beg, accompanied by his wife, Mayan Khatun, senior religious and advisory officials, Ezidi community figures, and members of the Ezidi diaspora. They were joined by high-ranking Turkish officials, including the Minister of Youth and Sports, the Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, the governor, district governor, members of parliament, and political representatives.
During the visit, Prince Hazim Tahsin Beg thanked the people and government of Türkiye, describing the country as a homeland for all its communities. He stressed that the Ezidis are an indigenous component of Türkiye and are not guests.
The Prince also emphasized the need to provide an appropriate environment that allows Ezidis to practice their religious rituals freely. He called on the Turkish government to officially recognize the Ezidi religion under the country’s constitution.
For their part, Turkish officials expressed support for the Prince’s message, affirming that Türkiye belongs to all its communities and reiterating their commitment to respecting diversity and continuing support for the Ezidi community.
Following the ceremony, Prince Hazim Tahsin Beg visited several Ezidi villages in the Batman province, including Shimze, Qorgh, Shasme, and Faqira in the Khaltan region, as well as Dawudi village in the Çınar district of Diyarbakır Province. He closely reviewed local conditions, listened to residents’ concerns and demands, and pledged to convey their voices to the relevant authorities.