Yazidi Australian
Association Incorporated
Empowering families to rebuild their lives in regional Australia. We foster integration, protect our ancient socio-cultural heritage, and advocate for justice and humanitarian settlement.
Our Presence in Australia
Following safe entries under the Australian Humanitarian Visa stream, our community has grown and flourished, especially in welcoming regional townships.
Our Core Pillars & Missions
We stand on three founding pillars designed to protect our people's history while empowering their peaceful and thriving integration.
Settlement & Independence
Providing bilingual settlement guidance, helping newly arrived families find secure housing, open bank accounts, seek transport keys, and transition smoothly to Australian regional environments.
Cultural Heritage & Pride
Providing secure Kurmanji language tutorials, folk-dance workshops, tradition circles, and holiday gatherings to foster positive cultural identities among second-generation Yazidis.
Global Human Rights & Advocacy
Promoting awareness about the 2014 Sinjar genocide, organizing commemorations on August 3, lobbying for family reunions, and supporting justice campaigns on international desks.
Commemorating 12 Years: The Sinjar Genocide
On August 3, 2014, the Yazidi community in Sinjar (Iraqi Kurdistan) was subjected to a catastrophic campaign of terror and genocide by ISIS. Families were split, thousands lost their lives, and over 3,000 women and children remain missing. Every year, we gather to seek justice, share support, and remember.
Yazidi Fact File
True, respectful cultural insightsWhat is Yazidism?
Yazidism (Sharifadin) is one of the world's oldest ancient monotheistic religions. Rather than holy booklets, it is historically passed down generation-to-generation through oral poetic hymns (Qawls) and cultural teachings.
Sacred Symbol: Melek Taus
Yazidis refer to God as "Xwedê" (creator). They believe the world is safe under the protection of 7 holy angels, led by Melek Taus (the Peacock Angel), who brings sunlight, harvest, and universal wisdom.
Language & Roots
Yazidis speak **Kurmanji** (Northern Kurdish), cementing their ancestral roots in Northern Iraq (Sinjar/Shingal plains and Lalish valley), Turkey, Syria, and parts of the Caucasus.
Freedom in Australia
Following 2014, Australia offered specialized integration programs. In cities like Toowoomba, Armidale, and Wagga, our community contributes actively in agriculture, healthcare, trade, and regional development.
About YAA & Our Heritage
AHMAD IESSO
President, YAA"Serving our families since 2018 with dignity and hope"
Welcome to the Yazidi Australian Association
Dear Community Members, Advocates, and Friends,
When our first families landed on Australian soil following the agonizing genocide of August 2014, we held deep grief in our hearts, but also an unwavering flicker of hope. Australia opened its arms, offering peace, security, and a beautiful country to rebuild our lives.
The Yazidi Australian Association Incorporated was born out of a desire to ensure no family walks this resettlement path alone. Whether navigating regional housing, learning conversational English, celebrating our colorful sacred calendars, or raising awareness for our missing kin, our committee is dedicated to supporting you. We invite you to learn about our story and help us build a vibrant cultural community.
Ahmad Iesso
Who are the Yazidis?
An ancient people, a living faith, a story of survival
01. Ancient Monotheism
Yazidism is a distinct, non-missionary monotheistic faith. Yazidis believe in a supreme single Divine Creator, **Xwedê**, who entrusted the safekeeping of the cosmos to seven holy beings or angels. The supreme angel is **Melek Taus** (the Peacock Angel), representing the warmth, sun rays, and vital energy of life.
02. Lalish & Shingal plains
Our ancestral homeland lies in the plains of **Sinjar (Shingal)** and the peaceful valley of **Lalish** in Northern Iraq. Lalish is our holiest pilgrimage temple, immediately identifiable by its striking fluted, conical white spires. Yazidis pray five times a day facing the sacred light of the sun.
03. The 74 Genocides
Because of our distinct beliefs, we faced immense historical persecution. Known as "Fermans" (imperial decrees of eradication), our folklore lists 74 distinct genocides. The most recent, by ISIS on August 3, 2014, led to massive displacements, but our culture and spirit survive through the resilience of our diaspora.
Our Core Values
What drives our board members, volunteers, and regional representatives every single day.
Resilience & Survival
Honoring our ancestors who survived 74 historical genocides, ensuring our identity remains strong and proud.
Regional Unity
Creating tight-knit regional sub-chapters where no Yazidi family is isolated, and all stand together to lend a hand.
Cultural Fidelity
Safeguarding our ancient oral prayers, folk dancing, musical scales, and sacred holidays for second-generation immigrants.
Bridges to Australia
Enabling complete integration under the rule of law, while sharing our rich heritage to make Australia an even more vibrant society.
Services & Community Initiatives
We provide practical, language-accessible, and culturally-competent integration programs tailored for Yazidi refugees settling in regional hubs.
Cultural Preservation & Heritage classes
As Yazidis adapt to life in beautiful Australia, keeping our rich, oral, ancient culture and heritage alive is vital. We organize weekend cultural sessions, traditional dance ensembles, and instrument tuition to ensure our younger generation remains connected to their roots and heritage.
Key Features & Support Channels:
- Weekend language classes in Kurmanji (Northern Kurdish) and Yazidi beliefs.
- Traditional instrumental classes for the Tembûr (sacred lute) and Daf.
- Folklore and traditional folk circle dancing (Halay/Govend) rehearsal groups.
- Preserving seasonal Yazidi rituals, songs, and historical oral poems.
- Youth summer camps for cultural engagement, camping, and teamwork.
Our Regional Settlements
Under the Australian Government’s Regional Humanitarian Settlement initiative, families from Sinjar have built peaceful, safe, and productive lives in regional Australia.
Why Regional Towns?
Yazidis come from agricultural communities in Sinjar. Regional Australian towns offer strong senses of local kinship, affordable housing, supportive schools, community gardens, and farming operations that match their skills.
Toowoomba
Known as the 'Garden City', Toowoomba, high on the Great Dividing Range, has become one of the most successful settlement destinations for Yazidis from Sinjar.
- The Toowoomba Yazidi Women's Weaving and Craft Circle.
- Integration workshops with the Toowoomba International Multicultural Association (TIMA).
- Lalish-model communal spaces sponsored by local faith organizations.
Culture, Heritage & Holy Calendar
Celebrating Yazidism's thousands-of-years-old oral tradition, sacred symbols, and our adaptations as citizens of beautiful Australia.
Yazidi Sacred Sacred Days
Select an ancient seasonal feast to explore its theological significance and beautiful traditions:
The Yazidi New Year, celebrating the creation of the universe and the descent of Melek Taus (the Peacock Angel) to earth to bring light and fertility.
Coloring boiled eggs to represent the colors of the earth and life.
Gathering of families to pick wild red anemone flowers to hang over doorways.
Traditional group folk dancing and visiting the elderly to exchange blessings.
Refraining from plowing land during the holy month of April.
Community Calendar (2026)
All members of the Australian public and media are warmly invited to join or offer support.
Sinjar Yazidi Genocide 12th Anniversary Memorial
Support & Connection Hub
We welcome your communication! Whether you have inquiries, need support, or wish to discuss a project, feel free to contact Yazidi Australian Association Incorporated via Email or call us.
Contact Details
+61 (0)410260222
Our call responders communicate fluently in **Yazidi Kurmanji (Kurdish)**, **Arabic**, and **English**. Do not hesitate to call if you require translation services.
Contact Welcome
Reach out to us directly through official communication channels.
We welcome your communication! Whether you have inquiries, need support, or wish to discuss a project, feel free to contact Yazidi Australian Association Incorporated via Email or call us.
YAA Local Records Inspector
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