A book signing ceremony for the documentary photo book Ezdi, created by artist Rostam Aghala, was held on August 4 and attended by journalists, diplomats, artists, and Kurdish officials. The event was organized by Kurdistan Chronicle, one day after the 10th anniversary of the Yezidi Genocide.
“On behalf the Kurdistan Chronicle team, we welcome you all to the launch of this book, a timely event as we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Yezidi genocide. The idea for this book was born from our collaboration with Rostam Aghala, one of the finest modern artists in Kurdistan,” Editor-in-Chief of Kurdistan Chronicle Nahro Zagros said at the event.
As we continue to remember the acts of genocide committed against the Yazidis in 2014, we had the honour of attending the launch of @rostamaghala ‘s beautiful book, hosted by @KurdChronicle. A powerful tribute to the community. pic.twitter.com/m8cNMXYUfF
— UK in Erbil (@ukinerbil) August 4, 2024
Ten years ago, in August 2014, ISIS terrorists killed 3,000 civilians in Sinjar and kidnapped and abused 7,000 women and children.
“Through this joint project, we aim to highlight the plight of the Yezidi Kurds, a community persecuted throughout the last century not only for their Kurdish ethnicity, but also for their religious faith,” Zagros continued. “Despite enduring immense suffering, the Yezidis have remained steadfast in their beliefs and traditions.”
“Lately, we have developed projects with artists, writers, and thinkers to publish and create exhibitions that highlight the beauty of Kurdistan and its diverse communities and people. In the coming days, we will release our first tri-monthly magazine of philosophy, focusing on ideas. We hope to become the voice of Kurdistan and showcase its history, art, architecture, landscape, archaeology, and people to the world,” he added.
The 250-page hardcover book features an article by prominent Kurdish academic Khalil Junaid, with captions in both Kurdish and English. The book features pictures from areas with large Yezidi communities like Sinjar, Armenia, and the holy Yezidi shrine of Lalish.
“Ten years ago, when the genocide happened, I went there. I did interviews, met people, and took photos. When I returned 10 years later, some of the people I had interviewed were still there, like in Khanke,” Aghala said.
“Part of my work bears success in it, but the other part is filled with sorrow because I can see that the people I interviewed are still living under difficult conditions. I would like to thank those who have helped with this project so far.”
“My hope is that there will be more attention to this matter and that paintings on the Yezidi Genocide will be exhibited around the world,” he added.
“I would like to continue this project to truly shed light on the suffering of the Yezidi people. They have endured immense suffering since the genocide against their community, particularly the women and girls who were abducted. This is important because Yezidis are people, not different from us.”
Pleased to attend the signing ceremony for *Ezdi*, a photo documentary book by Rostam Aghala, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Yezidi genocide and honoring the Yezidi community’s remarkable resilience. Thanks to @KurdChronicle for the invitation. pic.twitter.com/T3MRnaTPZ3
— Safeen Dizayee (@SafeenDizayee) August 4, 2024
During the event, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Department of Foreign Relations Head Safeen Dizayee emphasized that the book highlights the truth of history and the calamities that have befallen the Yezidis.
“Today is a day of sorrow for our nation as we remember the Yezidi Genocide. It was on this day that ISIS launched their attack on the Yezidis, aiming to exterminate them.”
He emphasized that many international organizations came to the aid of the Kurdistan Region, ISIS was halted, and the peshmerga fought bravely.
However, Dizayee said that the tragedy of the Yezidis has not yet ended. “Many are still living in camps, and many remain without homes. We, along with the international community, are responsible for ensuring peace and security for the Yezidis. We must guarantee their safe and comfortable living conditions.”
“A large number of Yezidi citizens have fled to the Kurdistan Region due to the fear of ISIS attacks. We must work to safely and securely return them to their homes.”
Read More: U.S. Urges Full Implementation of 2020 Sinjar Agreement
He also underlined that the KRG signed the Sinjar Agreement in October 2020 in order to normalize the situation. “We have an agreement with Baghdad regarding Sinjar, and the illegal forces there should be removed to allow the people of Sinjar to return.”
