The World's Largest Yezidi Temple Opens in Aknalich

Today, a ceremonial opening of the Yezidi temple (Quba heft merê dîwanê u Tawûsê Melek) is taking place in the village of Aknalich, Armenia. The monument was built by Yezidi philanthropists residing in Russia and has significant importance for Yezidis living around the world. It is the largest Yezidi sanctuary in the world.

The President of the National Assembly, Ararat Mirzoyan, wrote on his Facebook page: “I participated with love in the consecration ceremony of the Yezidi temple of ‘Tawus Malak and the Seven Angels.’ I consider it symbolic and logical that the largest Yezidi temple in the world is located in Armenia. Armenia is the home of the Yezidi people. The children of the Yezidi people have stood by their Armenian brothers during many critical and heroic moments. Unfortunately, like Armenians, the Yezidis have also become victims of genocidal policies in their recent history. It is no coincidence that alongside the statues of the Yezidi national heroes, there are also statues of Komitas and Andranik, as well as a monument symbolizing Armenian-Yezidi friendship near the Yezidi temple. I warmly congratulate the Yezidi people on this significant day for them.”