Yesidism in Viranşehir district of Şanliurfa (A sociological approach)

This study consists of an introduction and three parts. In the introduction, methodological information about the research is given. In the first chapter, the conceptual framework of the research is explained. The social structure of the research area, the historical geographical location of Viranşehir, the climate structure and socio-economic status are included. The history of the Yezidis subject to the research, about the name, the formation of the Yezidis own alphabet, the stories of creation in Yezidism, given information about Adi b. Müsafir and Melek-i Tavus. In the second chapter, religious and social organization in Yezidism, social class and hierarchical structure, clergy and social stratification are discussed. Religious beliefs and practices of Yezidis, holidays, prayers were included and concepts and phenomena constituting the Yezidis belief system were also mentioned. In the third chapter, the social and cultural life, customs and traditions of the Yezidis in Viransehir are discussed. The stories of creation occupy an important place in the Yezidism belief, which is formed by the influence of oral culture and social class and hierarchical structure. The oral culture that developed along with the secret belief structure of Yezidism has sustained the Yezidism belief for centuries and carried the Yezidis' belief and hierarchical structure to the present day. As a result of the unification of Yezidism with the written culture in the historical process, this belief system has become more permanent and will be more effective in transferring it to future generations. This study is based on written sources and information and documents obtained from Yezidis in the field research. At the same time, interviews were recorded with devices such as video recording and audio recording. Source persons we interviewed, questions asked to source persons and photos taken in the field research were added to the end of the study. Key Words: Yezidism, Faith, Worship, Culture, Tradition