Yazidis Celebrated their new year

Vaհe H Apelian

Courtesy Wikipedia

Yesterday, on April 15, 2026, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan congratulated the Yazidi community of Armenia and met representatives of the Yazidi community on the occasion of the Yazidi New Year. The PM’s office posted the PM’s address congratulating the Yazidi community of the Republic on the occasion of their New Year, Malake Taus holiday, wishing them Happy Malaka Taus. (for the PM's full text, see the link below). 

I will have to admit I almost know nothing about the Yazidis and about the Yazidi community in Armenia. 

The last time I visited Armenia was in 2015.  I had an interesting encounter with a Yazidi Armenian. He happened to be the driver of the taxi cab I happened to hop in. I do not remember how the conversation came about that he said that he is a Yazidi. He spoke perfect Armenian. I would not have guessed that he is not an Armenian, as I imagine an Armenian in Armenia. When I made a comment to that affect. He said all of the Yazidis speak Armenian. 

The following are key facts about the Yazidis in Armenia AI driven Google internet search engine provided.

History & Settlement: Many Yazidis migrated to present-day Armenia in the 19th and early 20th centuries to escape religious persecution in the Ottoman Empire.

Demographics: As of the 2022 census, 31,079 Yazidis live in Armenia, though community leaders suggest the number is higher, over 50,000. They are primarily concentrated in the Armavir province

Culture & Religion: They practice a unique monotheistic religion, Yazidism, which features elements of Zoroastrianism and other faiths. Their spiritual focus is the Peacock Angel, Malak Ta'us.

The Temple at Aknalich: In 2012, the first temple outside their traditional homeland in Iraq was built in Aknalich. It was later expanded into the huge Quba Mere Diwane temple complex, the largest Yazidi temple in the world.  Aknalich is a village in the Armavir Province/Marz of Armenia, located to the east of Metsamor and known for its lake and the world's largest Yazidi temple

Relationship with Armenia: Yazidis generally maintain good relations with Armenians and fought alongside them during the Armenian Genocide. They hold seats in the Armenian Parliament.

Livelihood: While many live in villages, some practice traditional nomadic or semi-nomadic farming, taking livestock to mountain pastures. 

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Link: Every citizen of the Republic of Armenia is equally protected by the state. The Prime Minister attends the event dedicated to the New Year of the Yazidi community: https://www.primeminister.am/en/press-release/item/2026/04/15/Nikol-Pashinyan-Malake-Taus/