The minority communities of northern Iraq are under increasingly severe threat from Islamic State jihadists. Among these minorities; the Yezidis have one of the most remarkable legacies of any tradition in the Middle East. Yet not just their religious and material culture but now their entire existence is in peril as entire populations seek refuge from their violent oppressors.But who are the Yezidis (or 'Yazidis' as in much of the Western media)? The community has been misunderstood and oppressed for centuries. Predominantly ethnic Kurds; and the target of persecution over many centuries; until now they have succeeded in keeping their ancient religion alive despite the claim that they are 'devil worshippers.'This is the essential guide to a threatened tradition. It reveals an intricate system of belief influenced by Zoroastrianism and Sufism and regional paganism like Mithraism. It explores the origins of the Yezidis; their art and architecture and the often misunderstood (and now progressively life-threatening) connections between Yezidism and the Satan/Sheitan of Christian and Muslim tradition. Extensively illustrated; with maps; photographs and illustrations; this pioneering book is a testimonial to one of the region's most extraordinary and ancient peoples.
#54324 in Books Verso 2014-03-04 2014-03-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.20 x .90 x 5.40l; .90 #File Name: 1781683131310 pagesVerso
Review
39 of 40 people found the following review helpful. Racecraft: Well craftedBy Tyrell StewartI'm a pretty big fan of this book. Racecraft has two central arguments. The first argument is that race and understandings of race operate in very similar ways to witchcraft. Meaning that race is used to explain different societal problems and historical events because it seems like a commonsense explanation. Second; the authors argue that race is often used as a stand-in for racism; which is at best a distraction; and at worst; a continuation of systemic racism. Both of these arguments and the "rhetoric" of racism are engaging topics and the authors do a great job of running their arguments through a variety of situations to support their argument. I can easily recommend this book; but suggest that readers take a look at the different chapter titles and read the ones that seem most interesting. The book is a series of new and revised articles; which can be both repetitive and; at times; disjointed. After reading the most interesting parts; it might be a good idea to go back and read skipped sections for additional nuggets of wisdom.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I'll never look at race the same way againBy Robert HayesRace and racism are two things which have had immeasurable influence in American history; yet we often take them for granted as acceptable social reality. The major insight here; which goes beyond the elementary "race as social construction;" is that far from being irrational; the concept of race stems from the ways in which society sees itself as compared to others. It isn't limited to inborn differences; but also extends to invisible qualities; what we usually call stereotypes. The book is composed of several essays; written in different contexts; but united in theme. This includes a complete dismantling of traditional scientific bases for race; the complexities of Jim Crow; and an imagined conversation between Emile Durkheim and W. E. B. DuBois. Where it all comes together; as with many books; is the conclusion; which goes into how racecraft masks and diverts our attention from an inequality that is burned into American society. In this respect; it shares much with Ian Lopez's DOG WHISTLE POLITICS. With such a wide range of thought and approach; this book deserves to be widely read in order to change hearts and minds.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An important work. I found the argument a bit ...By CustomerAn important work. I found the argument a bit repetitive the framework of the discussion valuable. The writing style is largely conceptual and punctuated with personal stories from the author including hypothetical interactions among historical figures. It seemed light on detail. All in all a worthy contribution to the understanding of racism
