The Yezidi Kurds’ tribes & clans of south Caucasus
Kereme Anqosi
From the Author
Yezidi Kurds have been in the southern Caucasus under Russia for some 150 years now. The majority fled Ottoman oppression and discrimination in 1916-1918 to settle in Armenia and Georgia. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, they have been leaving Georgia and Armenia to settle in Russia, Europe and elsewhere.
All of those in Georgia and Armenia have come from the two provinces of Wan and Qers [Van & Kars in official maps] in Turkey. Some reached the Russian Empire much earlier and some later. But all came to Russia and threw themselves on the mercy of the Czar for protection. Helplessness and poverty were everywhere.
South Caucasus Yezidis are divided into two main groups: the Zuquri Yezidis from the province of Wan and the Axbaran Yezidis from the province of Qers.
Yezidi communities in Armenia and Georgia are divided into many tribes and clans: the tribes of Zuquriyan, Sipkan, Xaltan, Mehemdan, Rojkan-Rojkani, Hesiniyan and the clan of Axleran.
Each tribe is further divided into clans and separate households. There are many tribes and clans, some small and some large, some powerful and some less so.
The Zuquri Yezidis say they packed up their belongings in the province of Wan (in Turkey) and settled down on the lands of Armenia and Georgia. The Yezidi Zuquris are also known as the tribe of “Cangir-axaye Mendiki.” The Zuquri tribe lived on the land surrounding Lake Van and eastward to the Iranian frontier (the town of Sera). Their villages were located high up in the mountains between the rivers Ava Resh [black water] and Godirme. There were several Zuquri villages on the Iranian side of the border as well. Within the Zuquri tribe there were two prominent and highly respected families. One belonged to Cangir-axa son of Xetibaxaye Mendiki and the other belonged to Simo, son of Cheto-axaye Reshi. In reality, Simo, son of Cheto’s household, was a big man, but Cangir-axa was a brave-hearted, resourceful gentleman. He was well informed and sociable. Thanks to his leadership and guidance, the Yezidis freed themselves from Ottoman discrimination and oppression. Cangir-axaye Mendiki was quite a warrior. What a shame though! He was betrayed. Yezidi musicians have composed many pieces praising his courage.
Yezidis from Qers and Axbaran (a township in Armenia around Mt Elegez) lived in villages around the cities of Qers, Bazid and Surmeli, among the villages of other Kurds and Armenians. Among the Yezidis from Qers, the households of Kok-axa (Choban-axa) and Hesen-beg of the Hesinian tribe were well known.
In this book, as far as we know, we bring to public view the names of tribes and clans and the villages from which they originate. Over time the uninformed among us are forgetting their ancestral homeland in Kurdistan and feelings of patriotism are abating as well. There have been many frustrations and difficulties over the course of collecting and documenting the names of tribes and clans. But, thanks to the Almighty, we managed the task and produced this book. Of course, there are deficiencies. Perfection is not possible. A good deal of time has passed. Our people, our elders have gone to their maker. They were unable to conduct a proper scientific study of Yezidi tribes and clans.
We believe this to be the first attempt to describe and publish the Yezidi Kurds’ tribes and clans in south Caucasus (from Wan and Qers) and in Germany (those who left Turkey). Owing to lack of opportunities, the Kurdish section of this book has been written only briefly, but the Russian language section contains far wider research and commentary. [The Russian section has been translated to English; see PREFACE]
PREFACE
Yezidis are a part of 40-million-strong nation, which has endured many, many years of persecution and massacres and yet has managed to keep our own religious beliefs, Yezidism, to this day. Kurds are one of the Aryan nations. On Kurdish land, the rich Aryan civilization was born and later embraced by other nations all over the world. Historically, when there were wars and massacres, many nations lost their traditions and heritage. However, the Kurds were so strong that they were able to keep their national culture, language, religion and traditions.
Despite the forced Islamization of most Kurds, the Yezidi Kurds’ traditions have existed for centuries. The whole history of the emergence of the Kurds as followers of the Yezidi religion is still largely unknown. Yezidi Kurds are not of the same race as the Turks, Persians and Arabs even though they have lived among them for hundreds of years. Many Yezidis have blue eyes, blonde hair and fair skin. Yezidi women are truly beautiful and men are chivalrous. Yezidis are different from those around them. Their blood is pure. Yezidi Kurds did not allow the Kurds to be assimilated by others. They have always refused to become a part of any Muslim nation. They have valiantly fought to keep their identity, their language, their culture and religious beliefs. No Persian, no Turkish and no Arab ruler was able to force the Yezidis to forget their Kurdish national identity and their religious beliefs. This despite the horrible wars, massacres, oppression and discrimination throughout centuries. The meaning and the place of Yezidi religion in the history of human civilization and how it has affected other religions are still being studied. Its foundations are very interesting from a religious point of view, but it remains for someone to fully investigate them in order to provide a full account.
Yezidi teachings to the Kurds were born many, many centuries ago and they were based on Aryan people’s ancient knowledge called Vedi. Up to today, the Yezidis believe in the Sun, Moon, Morning star and Fire. And they have tried to keep all of the Kurdish religious traditions practiced by their ancestors. The historic homeland of the Yezidis is Kurdistan, a huge territory of 500,000 square kilometers bordering Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey. It is very well known that this part of the world has witnessed many tragedies for many nations. In the 1920s, a few European countries together with Soviet Russia decided to divide the Kurds and their homeland.
The Kurds are now scattered through many European and Asian countries including Russia. The Kurds in Russia belong to many tribes. This is the result of long and complex historic processes. Yezidi Kurds have had to leave their area and country many times to preserve their identity, religion and cultural traditions. They had to migrate to other countries where they felt they were not being persecuted as much as they were in Kurdistan. The process of Yezidi migration was most intensive in the 20th century. This was a tragedy for all Yezidi Kurds. Unfortunately it is still going on in the 21st century. Today, as during the reign of the Ottoman Empire, Yezidi Kurds in Turkey, Syria and Iraq are compelled to become Muslims through violence and wholesale massacres or to leave these countries, or move to other regions where Turks and Arabs live in compact communities.
In Kurdistan, especially in areas controlled by Turkey and Iraq, many, many Yezidi Kurdish villages are empty and lifeless, as the inhabitants have been forced to flee. Many thousands from Turkey, Iraq and Syria left Kurdistan in the 1980’s and sought refuge in European countries, particularly in Germany. Today many Yezidi Kurdish communities exist outside their ancestral homeland, Kurdistan. They are mainly in Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Germany. The earliest community outside Kurdistan was formed in south Caucasus about 150 years ago. The presence of Kurds in south Caucasus was known for centuries, especially since the 15th & 16th centuries. The Kurds established some dynasties and took active parts in government, politics and cultural practices there. The main group of the Yezidis in the Caucasus, which was a part of Czarist Russia, that is, Armenia & Georgia moved there at the beginning of the 20th century. This was the result of religious persecution, oppression and genocidal massacres by the Ottoman Empire between 1916-1918. Even before that since 1820’s, the Yezidis lived under Russian rule in compact communities in different parts of Armenia as a result of many wars between Russia and Ottoman and Persian Empires.
There were many Yezidis in the areas of Qers, Bazid and Surmeli in today’s Turkey. For many years Qers was under Russian control and administered by Yerevan. The Yezidis in the Caucasus today came mainly from Wan, Qers, Surmeli, Bazid and Erzerum provinces and districts of the Ottoman Empire and some from the border areas of Iran.
Some Kurdish tribes migrated from the south to the north of Kurdistan during 15th, 16th and 17th centuries for different reasons. The life of Yezidi Kurds during the reign of the Ottoman Empire was unbearable, especially after the Armenian genocide in 1915, and there was no one to protect them following the withdrawal of Russian troops from the areas they had occupied. As a result, the Yezidi Kurds in Turkey had to face the Muslims with no one to protect them. The Turks demanded the Kurds forget their religion, their language, culture and history and become fully assimilated. But persuading Kurds to do that was not easy. As a result, the Kurds found themselves in a very difficult situation and decided to arm themselves. They formed a militia and started fighting the Turks. There were local heroes of the Zukri tribes who made history, such as Cangir-axa and his son, Xetib-axa Mendiki. The Ottoman army and some Muslim Kurds perpetrated many atrocities against the Yezidi Kurds who did not want to become Muslims. The army started killing the Yezidis on a genocidal scale and the survivors were forced to flee to Armenia and Georgia to save their lives. Many hundreds of thousands of Yezidis were either killed or sent into exile during which they perished. The fate of many still remains unknown.
As a result of this genocide organized by Muslims against the Yezidis, many people from Wan, Qers, Surmeli, Bazid and Erzerum areas of the Ottoman Empire and the Iranian border area ended up in Armenia. And they joined the Yezidis who had already been living there for centuries. Some went to join the Yezidi communities in Georgia. In the 1950’s and 1960’s some Yezidis moved to Georgia from Armenia in search of a better life due to the belief that life was better there. At first the movement was by single families and then whole tribes moved and resettled there. That’s why the Yezidi tribes in Georgia are related to the tribes in Armenia and have the same tribal names. Those Yezidis who moved to Georgia still maintain contacts with their kinfolks in Armenia and some of them take their deceased back to Armenia for burial in tribal cemeteries. The Yezidis in the south Caucasus constitute the biggest religious minority. In Georgia, the Yezidis live in many cities, towns and villages. The majority live in the capitol city, Tbilisi. In Armenia, the Yezidis live mostly in villages around snow-capped Mt. Elegez joining Ararat plain. Some also live in Yerevan. 150 years ago in the Axbaran area of Armenia there were already 11 Kurdish villages and all are still there. The Yezidis living in Georgia and Armenia before the collapse of the Soviet Union numbered about 250,000. But official statistics, for political reasons, always tried to minimize their true number. Currently, their number is much smaller because of migration to Russia. The Yezidis are moving away from Armenia and Georgia to all four corners of the former Soviet Union from Siberia and Kaliningrad to the Baltic countries of Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova as well as to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and elsewhere.
Under Communism, Yezidi Kurds were persecuted in the same way as Muslims. Officially, the Soviet authorities regarded Yezidis as citizens of Turkey for many years up until the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. Even in many passports it was written that they were the subjects of the Turkish government. Following Stalin’s 1937 persecution, Yezidis were offered Russian passports and told that if they refused they would be deported to Turkey where they would face Muslim and Turkish persecution. When they refused Russian passports [Russian identity], many were exiled to Asian republic such as Kazakhstan.
Nevertheless, with the support of the governments of Georgia and Armenia, the Yezidis recorded developments in politics, education, culture and their social situation. Kurdish communities were able to establish contacts with other nations and with other parts of the Soviet Union. In south Caucasus, they were able to establish and maintain many cultural and educational institutions: folklore, theatres, publication of Kurdish books, magazines and newspapers, and radio broadcasting in the Kurdish language. They did a good job of keeping alive and developing Kurdish cultural heritage, language and identity.
Unfortunately, after the collapse of the Soviet Union the government of Armenia and Georgia withdrew their support for these activities and the Kurds became isolated and found it very difficult to keep their identity. The Yezidis who had migrated to Georgia and Armenia believed that they could preserve their centuries old religious beliefs, but unfortunately they were not able to build houses of worship for many reasons. Had they succeeded in building houses of worship and had they studied their religion, they would have better understood themselves, their heritage and cultural practices. The Yezidi Kurds are now compelled to leave south Caucasus because of the lack of support for their institutions and the difficulties of keeping their religious and cultural traditions. But the Yezidis of Georgia and Armenia can be truly proud of their preservation of their heritage, lineage and tribal names.
YEZIDI KURDS IN SOUTH CAUCASUS
There are tens, if not hundreds, of Yezidi Kurds’ tribes and clans in Georgia and Armenia. Until recent times each maintained its own traditions and cultural practices. Today, these tribes and clans exist, but no longer in their traditional form. The structure of the tribes and clans is kept alive only to maintain ethnic ties, culture and a way of life. Not all were able to keep their social and political traditions. Tribal ties among the Yezidis in south Caucasus and Russia are weakening. As a result, their tribal and clan culture is being slowly destroyed.
Political, social and economic changes taking place in Armenia and Georgia are also contributing to the destruction of Yezidi tribal and clan culture. Nevertheless, even today they maintain strong feelings of solidarity with their tribes and clans and are trying to preserve them. According to Yezidi religious teachings, relationships are not defined by blood ties alone. They may also be defined by belief in the same deity and by the symbols of tribes and clans. There is a Yezidi saying, “Believing in the same God unites people,” meaning that people of different blood can be thus united by their beliefs. Every Kurd is proud of his tribe and dynasty.
The development of Yezidi tribes and their names is an interesting historical topic and whoever decides to study them must investigate centuries of history in Asia and the Caucasus to determine their roots. Study of existing materials suggests that the tribal names have not changed over the centuries. They are still used today. Unfortunately, there have been no scientific studies to explain how and when the names came into being. Yezidi Kurds tribes have played significant roles in the history of the Middle East, tribes such as the Mendiki, Anqosi, Maseki and many others.
In his book, The Kurds, the famous Russian Kurdologist Nikitine recorded the following names. Xalidi, an ancient name, is currently Xaliti, and sometimes called Xaltani. Names such as Rojki, Shemsiki, Howeidi, Sherqi, Beravi and others suggest that the Yezidi Kurds are an ancient people. We see the influence of these ancient names on present day names of Yezidi Kurds’ tribes and clans. They play an important part in the study of the genesis of the Kurds and can also play a significant role in the study of the history of the Kurds and Kurdistan. From these names it may be possible to ascertain the nature of connections between the Kurds and the other nations in the region. It is possible that some Yezidi Kurds tribes and clans migrated north and others remained in the same place. This may be easily traced by the name of the tribes and dynasties. In the names of the Yezidi tribes it is possible to see the history of the Kurdish nation, which goes back to antiquity. Every Kurdish tribe and clan has its own history. The life of every tribe and clan is filled with heroism in defense of religion, identity and homeland. The history of every tribe and clan is full of persecution, struggles and wars.
There are many proofs not only in writing but also in very rich Kurdish folklore. Until now, the Yezidi Kurds proudly sing the heroism of Derweshe Evdi, Sheikh Mirzaye Anqosi, Cangir-axaye Mendiki, Mirzaye Dasini, Ms Shirin Anqosi, Sheikh Michoye Anqosi, Ms Zerif Xatuna Kok-axa Axleri and many others. Many tribes have contributed to the struggle to preserve their identity and freedom, the Anqosi, Dasani, Zukri, Xasemi and others.
In the history of the tribes and clans there has been a never-ending story of uniting and breaking up. Yezidi communities are divided into many big and small tribes, clans and families. There are many examples where small tribes and clans have become a part of larger tribes and clans for protection and kept their identity. Because of many groupings and sub-groupings in Yezidi communities, it may sometime be difficult to separate the newcomers from the old timers. There are also some core families in many tribes clans around which others gather and establish ties.
The Yezidis in south Caucasus speak the northern dialect of Kurdish language called Kurmanji. In their language, clans are called “Qebil” and “Berek.” They also use the word “Mal,” which means house or household. “Mal’s” tend to make up the core of “Berek” and “Berek’s” tend to be the core of “Qebil”. They also use the word “el” made up of tribes and clans, like a federation. For example, the “el” of Zukrian is like a federation of the Zukri tribes and clans. Similarly, the “el” of the Sipkans means the federation or union of all Sipkan tribes and clans.
The Yezidi Kurds in Armenia, but not in Georgia, also use the word “eshir” to refer to a tribe. The word is almost nonexistent in Georgia. It is often used by Kurds in Turkey, Iraq and Syria [eshir is the Arabic word for tribe].
There are some sayings among the Yezidi Kurds regarding these terms; for example “El is people’s mother or like a mother to people.” or “Eshir is the father of eshir,” [perhaps akin to, like father like son].
The Yezidi Kurds in Georgia and Armenia can be divided into two main groups: The Zuquri Yezidis from the province of Wan and the Yezidis from the province of Qers and Axbaran. Among the Yezidi communities of Armenia and Georgia there are big tribes and unions of tribes such as the “el” of the Zuquriyan, of Sipkan, of Mehemdan, of Rojkan and of Hesiniyan.
NAMES OF YEZIDI KURDS’ TRIBES AND CLANS AND THEIR PLACES OF ORIGIN IN TURKEY
1. Axleri: Said to be Yezidis from the household of Kok-axa. They are from the house of Evdal-axaye Deshti, from the house of Mir Choban. They had 366 villages. They lived in Ebex then moved to Entab. The descendants of Kok-axa are called Axleri. They are related to the Mehemediya tribe. It is said that they are originally from Mamresh. Among the Axleris there are also Torina mentioned below.
2. Aloqi–Aroqi: Related to the Rojkan tribe mentioned below.
3. Alomeri: Related to the Rojkan tribe mentioned below. They remained in the province of Qers.
4. Anqosi: From Bisheriye plain–“The Anqosi Country”–between the cities of Diyarbekir–Cizira Botan [both in north Kurdistan] and Shengal [in south Kurdistan] It was a big and powerful tribe. During the uprising in the 1830’s under the leadership of Sheikh Mirzaye Anqosi over Ms Shirin Anqosi against the governor of Diyarbekir, Reshid Pasha, 500 Anqosi villages were evacuated and the tribe was dispersed. Some Anqosis moved to Qers and settled in the villages of Tendurek and Seriblaxe; a little later they packed up and moved to the district of Axbarane in Armenia. They are called “The Anqosis from Axbaran.” A larger group of the Anqosis remained in the Bisheriye plain and in Sert [Siirt in official maps-Translator]. 20-30 years ago they all moved and settled in Germany. Only the converts–or the assimilated–Anqosis remain in Turkey. The author of this book, Kereme Anqosi, is from the single Anqosi household among the Mendesoran clan of the Zuquriyan tribe in the Seyidibege village in the province of Wan. This household is originally from the house of Hamid–axa of the Anqosis in the village of Kochika Gumerte in the Bisheriye plain. The second household of the Anqosis was in the village of Haceliye (Wan). For this reason, an Anqosi clan in the south Caucasus is divided into two groups: The Anqosis of Axbarane (province of Qers) and the Anqosis of the Zuquris (province of Wan) (for further information see the Anqosis in Germany below).
5. Eslani: They lived in the district of Surmeliye, province of Qers.
6. Beyinduri: They lived in the villages of Sineke, Ebexe, Zore, Tendurek, Sariblax, [and] Asar in the province of Qers. They are divided into Sefoya, Miridiya, Mirzoya, Childergushi [and] Avashi. Among the Beyinduris there are also Torina–see below.
7. Belekeri: They are grouped into two: The Belekeris of the Zuquri and the Belekeris of Qers. They lived in the villages of Shemsedin, Chibuxliye, Xoceqishlaxe in the province of Wan. In the province of Qers they lived in the villages of Zore, [and] in the district of Bazide in the villages of Kundo, Tutek, [and] Diyadin.
8. Beli: They lived in Ebexe, province of Qers. Divided into Ozoyi, Beshoyi, Alxoyi, Nexoyi
9. Benoki: They lived in the province of Qers.
10. Beravi (Baravi): Divided into two groups: The Beravis of the Zuquris and the Beravis from Qers. In the province of Wan they lived in the villages of Kanisarke, Dercemeda Jorin, Dercemeda Jerin [and] Nanpareze. In the province of Qers they lived in the villages of Kosa-Sogutli. The Beravis are divided into the clans of Shami, Pirpiriki, [and] Chilxenceri. According to some, the Beravis originally lived around the Persian Gulf and later moved north to settle in the provinces of Qers and Wan.
11. Bashsiz: Lived in the province of Qers. Towards the end of the 19th century they settled in the north western foothills of Mt Elegeze.
12. Bezik: Lived in the province of Qers. They came from Iran.
13. Buvki: Related to the Heseniyan tribe–(see below.)
14. Budi: Related to the Heseniyan tribe–(see below). Lived in the Sineke village in the province of Qers.
15. Butki (Budki): Divided into two groups: the Butkis of the Zuquri and the Butkis from Qers. In the province of Wan they lived in the village of Hecaliye. In the province of Qers they lived in the village of Sineke. The Butkis are Mehemdins from the Mehemdine plain near Lake Van.
16. Bufki: Related to the Heseniyan tribe (see below). They lived in the Sineke village in the province of Qers
17. Cilki: ?
18. Childergushi: Related to the Beyinduri tribe (see above)
19. Chilxenceri: Related to the Shami tribe (see elsewhere). Among them, there is the clan of Eliavdeli.
20. Chili: Related to the Sipkan (see elsewhere). They lived in the villages of Duzgechi [and] Qizilqule in the province of Qers.
21. Chuxreshi (Choxreshi, Choreshi): Divided into two groups: The Chuxreshis of the Zuquris and the Chuxreshis of Qers. In the province of Wan, they lived in the villages of Muche [and] Becermau. In the province of Qers, they lived in the villages of Tashnike Tendureke, Remequli [and] townships of Surmeliye [and] Bazide.
22. Dasini: A clan with a reputation and a long history. The majority remains in south Kurdistan (Iraq). The Dasinis in Armenia are divided into two groups. The Dasinis of the Zuquri and the Dasinis of Qers. In the province of Wan, they lived in the village of Gihadine. In the province of Qers, they lived in the villages of Qizilce [and] Kundo. They say the Dasinis and the Dodkan are connected.
23. Daudi [Davidian]: They come from Xezaliye in the province of Entabe. From the village of Tembate in Alashkerte they moved to the village of Tendureke. Daudi, Mirangi, Mendesori, Geluti [and] Yeknavi are connected.
24. Divin: Divided into two groups. The Divinis of the Zuquri and the Divinis of Qers. In the province of Wan they lived in the village of Kanisarke. The Divinis of Qers lived among the Sipkan tribe.
25. Dodki: Originally, they lived in Shengale in south Kurdistan and Entab. Later they migrated and came to the province of Qers. Their village was Sineke. They are divided into Shetroyan, Shekoyan, Xidoyan, Gerdenzeran, Dirboyan, Maroyan, Kochoyan, Mistoyan, Sheveshan [and] Xetivan
26. Gabeleki: Related to the Rojkan tribe. (see elsewhere)
27. Galiki: ?
28. Gelduri: They are the Zuquris. They lived in the province of Wan.
29. Geluti: They lived in the province of Qers. Gelutiyan, Yeknavan, Mirangan, Daudiyan, Mendesoran are connected.
30. Gerdenzeri: Related to Pivazan (see elsewhere). They lived in the province of Qers. Divided into Kasoyan, Poxan [and] Gencan.
31. Geloyi: They lived in the province of Qers, in the foothill of Mt Ararat.
32. Gukasi: Related to Pivazan. Divided into Dirboyan, Eceman [and] Bekoyan.
33. Hebuki (Hevuki): Related to the Rojkan tribe (see elsewhere). Lived in the province of Qers.
34. Hesini: They are called the “Usib-beg tribe”. In the province of Qers, they lived in the villages of Sineke, Tendureke [and] Eslaniye (Eslanlu). Their leader was Hesen-axa of the house of Usib-bege. Divided into Mamudoki, Muski, Udi, Bufki, Budi, Buvki [and] Koxoyi.
35. Heweri: They lived in Entabe in the province of Qers. They are the Mehemdis.
36. Isadizi: Related to the Sipkan (see elsewhere). They lived in the villages of Enguk, Kosa-Sogutli, Baceli [and] Susiz.
37. Keloshki: Related to the Rojkan tribe (see elsewhere).
38. Kendali: They are from the Pivazan tribe. A group of the Kendals see themselves distinct [from Pivazan] and say they are related to the Mamreshan. In the province of Qers they lived in the villages of Sineke, Zore, Ebexe [and] Elashkerte.
39. Keri: Related to a clan of the Beleker of the Zuquris. They are from the province of Wan.
40. Korkiti: They are Zuquris. They lived in the villages of Welican, Chibuxli, Haceliye [and] Shivekar. A group of the Korkitis lived in Iran. A few Korkitiyan households lived in the villages of Dize, Quzurqule near the city of Bazide (Qers). There are the Korkitis of Zuquri and Korkiti of Qers. They are divided into Mamxashi, Heyidoyi, Gedoyi, Etoyi [and] Mevroni.
41. Korkoti: They lived in the village of Qubik on the plain of Ebexe (Qers). For a long time, they lived among a clan of the Belas (see elsewhere). Hence, they are called Beli. They then divided into clans Sheme Emo, Sheme Silo, House of Fero, Xume Evil, Huse Romo, Xudedaye Xishman.
42. Kurtiki: Related to the Zurqi tribe. They lived in the province of Wan, in the villages of Pishikumbet, Shivekor [and] the township of Begribe. They are divided into Xoceliyan, Gasoran [and] Daudiyan. The Kurtikis who have long settled in the province of Yerevan are called Daudi.
43. Kashaxi: They lived in the province of Qers, in the villages of Sineke, Entabe, Tendureke, Badili, Sariblaxe, Qaziqoplane, Qiznefer, Dimsiz, Qerelix, [and] Heshari [and] the township of Surmeli. They are divided into Kiroyan [and] Ixoyan.
44. Kileri: They lived in the village of Eguke (Qers). Related to the Sipkan tribe (see elsewhere).
45. Mamesherifi: Related to Ortliyan (see elsewhere)
46. Mamreshi (Memreshi): They are divided into two groups. The Mamreshis of the Zuquris and the Mamreshis of Qers. In the province of Wan, they lived in the villages of Shivekor, Pishikumbet [and] the township of Begribe. The Mamresh from Qers lived in the Sinek village (Qers).
47. Mamtaci: Related to the Sherqiyan tribe. They lived in the villages of Sineke [and] Alashgire. They are divided into two groups: Sheboyi and Shemoyi. A group of the Mamtacs link themselves to the Ortli clan (see elsewhere).
48. Mamudoki: Related to the Hesiniyan tribe (see elsewhere). They lived in the village of Idire in the province of Qers.
49. Maseki: Related to a clan of the Saniyan (see elsewhere). They lived in the villages of Qerekende and Zore in the district of Bazide, province of Qers. The Masekis of the Qerekende village migrated from the province of Wan and therefore they are called Zuquri.
50. Mendesori: Related to the Zuquri tribe. Their villages in the province of Wan were Shemseddin and Seyidibeg. Some of their houses were in Utaye, Haceliye (Wan) and Iran. Many households of the Mendesoran lived in Qers, then moved to the Armenian township of Axbarane and settled in the villages of Quribxaz and Gozeldere. They are called “Teze Mendesori” [New Mendesori]. The Mendesori-Zuquri are divided into Cefiri, Bezeyi, Pilevni, Nemoyi, Botoyi, Mendoyi [and] Elimisri. They say the Mendesoris, Mirangans, Daudiyans, Gelutiyans and Yeknavan are all related. Originally, a clan of the Mendesoris lived in Hekari (Turkey). According to the elders, a clan of the Mendesoran lived in Cizira Botan; then they moved to Qesrike (district of Xosheme), from Qesrike moved on to Qerexesare and from Qerexesare migrated to and settled in Iran. In Iran, they waged long wars, were defeated and dispersed. Following their defeat, a group of the Mendesoran found themselves in the villages of Seyidibege and Shemsedine.
51. Mendiki: Related to the Zuquri tribe. They lived in the villages of Welicaniye, Chubuxliye, Utaye, Shemsedine [and] Xoceqijlaxe, in the province of Wan. A group of them had settled in Tuteke and Ebexe. Their lord and leader was Cangir-axa the immortal, son of Xetip-axaye Mendiki. Divided into Qasimi, Deliki, Memedi, Gabushi, Qachali, (Sherefi?).
52. Mehemdi: They lived in Sinek village in the province of Qers. The Yezidis say, “He who is not Mehemdi is not Yezidi!” Divided into Butkan, Heweriyan, [and] Selmikan. They are all in the plain of Mehemden near Wan.
53. Mehmedi: ?
54. Mexsudi: Related to the Hesiniyan tribe (see elsewhere).
55. Mirangi: They lived in the villages of Tambov, Sinek [and] Kose-Sogutli. They say Mirangan, Daudiyan, Mendesoran, Gelutiyan, [and] Yeknavan are all related.
56. Mishidi: ?
57. Musesani: They migrated from Entab and settled in Qers. They lived in the villages of Chetirholu [and] Enguke in the province of Qers. Also known as Musesaniyan-Shushani. Divided into Shushani, Kuluki [and] Xidoyi. They say the clans of Musesani, Xalti, Recevi, Rojki [and] Pivazi are all related and are all from the Rojkans.
58. Muski: Related to the Hesiniyan tribe. They lived in the village of Zore in the province of Qers.
59. Mixayili: Related to the Sipkan tribe (see elsewhere). They lived in the village of Tendureke. Divided into Xishoyi, Bisheye, Qereyi, Unoyi (Uneyi), Eloyi [and] Iseyi.
60. Miheli: ?
61. Ozmansoyi: They lived in the village of Idire in the province of Qers.
62. Ortli: They lived in the villages of Sineke, Tendureke, Taushane [and] the village of Sariblaxe (district of Surmeliye). Before that, they lived in the plain of Mush and Entab. Divided into Mamudiyan, Eloyah, Ozmanhesoyan, Mamesherifi, Torini, Valoyan, Bacoyan [and] Mamtaci.
63. Pezgevri: Related to the Musesani-Shushani tribe (see elsewhere).
64. Pivazi: Related to the Rojkan tribe (see elsewhere). They lived in Entabe [and] Ebexe in the province of Qers. Divided into these clans: Gerdenzeri, Gukasi, Piran, [and] Kendali. The Pivazis themselves are divided into these houses: Buboyan, Reshoyan, Varoyan, Kekoyan, Nemoyan, [and] Sefoyan. (For more information about the Pivazis see the section on Yezidis in Germany.)
65. Perwari: The lived in Sinek village in the province of Qers.
66. Pipriki: They’re a clan of the Shamis (see elsewhere). Divided into the houses of Qasoyan [and] Shemoyan.
67. Qereyi: Related to the Sipkan (see elsewhere). They lived in Entabe in the province of Qers.
68. Quchi: Lived in Sinek village, province of Qers.
69. Recevi: Related to the Rojkan tribe (see elsewhere). They lived in the villages of Tendureke, Digore, Xerbe Digore, Zore, near Qereqola Baro, [and] Kosa-Sogutli. Originally they lived in Entabe. They packed up and moved to the province of Wan and thereafter settled in the province of Qers.
70. Remoshi: They lived in the village of Zoe, province of Qers.
71. Reshi: Related to the Zuquri tribe. They lived in the villages of Yarimqa, Qerecux, Ute, [and] Pishikumbet in the province of Wan. The lord of the Reshis was the house of Simoe Cheto-axa from the village of Yarimqa. The house of Simoe Cheto was in itself a big house. They are divided into Gurki, Sevoyi [and] Kopoyi. The house of Simoe Cheto-axa is Gurki. The Gurkis are divided into Cetoyan, Temoyan (Mirzoyan) [and] Chetoyan (Isoyan). The Sevoyis are divided into Mishkoyan (Usoyan). The Kopoyis are divided into Engloyan, Zemoyan (Usoyan) [and] Cindoyan.
72. Reshki: Related to the Zuquri tribe. They lived in the villages of Hecaliye [and] Shivekor in the district of Begribe in the province of Wan.
73. Rojki: Related to the Rojkani tribe (see elsewhere). They lived in the province of Qers, in Digor. They’re divided into Abuki [and] Chekoyi. The Rojki clans Rojki, Recevi, Musesani, (Shushani), Pivazi [and] Xalti are all from the Rojkani tribe. Some say they originally lived around the Persian Gulf. Then, they moved to the province of Mush and later settled in the province of Qers.
74. Sevlani (Selvani): Related to the Hesiniyan tribe (see elsewhere). They lived in the villages of Sineke [and] Sariblaxe.
75. Selmiki: Related to the Mehemdi tribe (see elsewhere).
76. Semilki: ?
77. Sani (Sahani): Lived in the village of Tendureke, Ebexe in the province of Qers. Divided into Kokliyan [and] Hesoyan
78. Sevi: ?
79. Sipki: Related to the Sipkan tribe, they are Sipkanis. They lived in the villages of Digor, Qozlice, Shirinkoyi, Enguk, Sichan, Sorgutlu, Qereqel, Baceli, Emenchayir, Duzgechi, Sevik, Derik, Esmer Meleshemdin, Hoxan, Sinek [and] on the plain of Elashgire, Dersime in the province of Qers. The late, learned Mr Heciye Cindi writes that the Sipkans are from Mosul, Xezaliye (south Kurdistan) and Cizira Botan. The Sipkan tribe is divided into the following clans: Kileri, Uti, Mixayili, Isedizi, Shemsiki, Siturki, Chili, Qereyi [and] Shenederi. The Sipkanis in Armenia and Georgia are divided into two big groups: The tribe of Emer-axa and the tribe of Eli-axa from Sineke.
80. Siturki: Related to the Sipkan tribe. They have been among the Sipkan for a long time. They lived in the villages of Zore, Egugnet, Sariblax, Qulp (Surmeli, Tendurek). A group of the Siturkis lived on the Iranian border. A group remained in the Diyarbekir province, in Sert (Bisheriye). The Siturkis from “the Anqosi country” claim kinship with the Anqosis.
81. Sori: Related to the Zuquri tribe (see elsewhere). Remained in the province of Wan.
82. Shami: Related to the Zuquri tribe. They lived in the villages of Dercemeda jerin, Dercemeda jorin, Kanisarke, [and] Chirax. The Shamis are related to a clan of the Beravi-Beravine. Divided into two groups: Nemetan [and] Sheweshan. The Shamis are divided into two clans: Pirpiriki [and] Chilxenceri (see elsewhere).
83. Shanederi (Shahnezeri): Related to the Spikan tribe (see elsewhere). They lived near the Isadizi clan in the province of Qers.
84. Shariki: They lived in the province of Qers along the river Arakse.
85. Semesorki: ?
86. Shemsiki: Divided into two groups: the Shemsikis of the Zuquri and the Shemsikis of Qers. The Shemsikis of the Zuquri lived in the villages of Kela Xoshabe, [and] Seyidibege in the province of Wan. The Shemsikis of Qers lived in the village of Qazi Qoplan in the district of Surmeli and are related to the Sipkan tribe (see elsewhere)
87. Sherqi: Related to the Hesiniyan tribe (see elsewhere). They lived in the villages of Sineke, Zore [and] Susize.
88. Shunki: They lived in the district of Surmeliye, in the province of Qers.
89. Shushani: They’re Musesanis (see elsewhere).
90. Tujki: Related the Sherqis. They lived in the province of Qers.
91. Torini: There are Torini among a clan of the Ortli (see elsewhere). The Torinis from Sineke (the village of Qerek) and Zore (the House of Ozman-axa) are the Beyinduris. (see elsewhere). There are also Torinis among the Axleran (see elsewhere).
92. Udi: Related to the Hesiniyan tribe (see elsewhere)
93. Ulki (Bilki): Related to a clan of the Mendesoris (see elsewhere)
94. Uti: Related to the Sipkani tribe (see elsewhere). They lived in the villages of Digore, Qizilqul (Quzurqul), Emenchayir, Shirinkoyi, [and] Elam in the province of Qers. Divided into Xanoyi [and] Cewari.
95. Xidiri: ?
96. Xalti (Xaldi): Related to the Rojkan tribe (see elsewhere). They lived in the province of Qers. They say that the Xalti, Musesani, Recevi, Rojki [and] Pivazi are all related and all are Rojkanis.
97. Xani: The majority lived in the village of Qizildize, district of Bazide, Province of Qers. A group of Xani households are related to the Zuquris and lived in the village of Pishikumbete in the province of Wan.
98. Yeknavi: They lived in the villages of Sineke [and] Heshariye, district of Surmeliye, in the province of Qers. It is said that the Yeknavis, Gelutis, Mirangans, Daudiyan [and] Mendesoris are all related.
VILLAGES IN TURKEY FROM WHICH THE YEZIDI KURDS IN ARMENIA AND GEORGIA ORIGINATE
Name of Villages Name of Provinces/Districts
1. Akrak Qers
2. Alashgir Qers
3. Anguzak Wan, Begrib
4. Anzave Wan, Begrib
5. Archak Wan
6. Axurek Wan
7. Ayile Qers
8. Ayila sinco Qers
9. Ebexe Qers
10. Elam Qers
11. Elashkert Qers
12. Emenchayir Qers
13. Emenkoyi Qers
14. Esmer Qers, Bazid
15. Entab Qers, Bazid
16. Eslaniye (Eslanlu) Qers, Surmeli
17. Baceli Qers
18. Badili Qers, Surmeli
19. Bendemurad Qers
20. Becarmau Wan
21. Begrib Wan
22. Bergiri Wan
23. Chetirholu Qers
24. Chirax Wan
25. Chibuxli (Chubuxli) Wan
26. Dercemeda jerin Wan
27. Dercemeda jorin Wan
28. Derik Qers, Bazid
29. Diyadin Qers, Bazid
30. Digor Qers
31. Dimsiz Qers, Surmeli
32. Duzgechi Qers, Surmeli
33. Dutax Qers, Bazid
34. Egugnet Qers
35. Enguk Qers
36. Enikeyi Qers
37. Gihadin Wan
38. Gogermes Qers
39. Gondurme Wan
40. Hecali Wan
41. Heshari Qers, Surmeli
42. Hoxan Qers, Bazid
43. Hesencan Qers
44. Idir Qers, Surmeli
45. Kanisark Wan
46. Kela Xoshabe Wan
47. Keyiseran Wan
48. Korsot Wan, Begrib
49. Kosa sogutli Qers
50. Kundo Qers
51. Kuchuk Keyi Wan
52. Kitane Qers
53. Meleshemdin Qers, Bazid
54. Muche Wan
55. Noke Qers
56. Nosher Wan
57. Ozmankoyi Qers, Surmeli
58. Pishikumbet Wan, Begrib
59. Qaziqoplan Qers, Surmeli
60. Qerecux Wan
61. Qerek Qers, Surmeli
62. Qerekend Wan
63. Qerekos Qers
64. Qerelix Qers, Surmeli
65. Qereqel Qers
66. Qereqend Qers, Bazid
67. Qereque Qers, Surmeli, Idir
68. Qizildiz Qers, Bazid
69. Qizilqul (Quzurqul) Qers
70. Qiznefer Qers, Surmeli
71. Qozluce (Qozilce, Qizilce) Qers
72. Qubik Qers
73. Qulp Qers, Surmeli
74. Quche Qers, Surmeli
75. Remequli Qers, Bazid
76. Saribex Qers
77. Sariblax Qers, Surmeli-Sinek
78. Seydibeg (Seyid Beg) Wan
79. Sevik Qers, Bazid
80. Sintatosh Wan, Begrib
81. Sichan Qers
82. Sinek Qers, Surmeli (There were 7 Yezidi
villages in Sinek)
83. Sogutlu Qers
84. Susiz Qers
85. Shatir Oxli Qers
86. Shemsedin Wan
87. Shenglave Wan
88. Shivekor Wan, Begrib
89. Shirinkoyi Qers
90. Tambat Qers
91. Tashnik Qers
92. Taushan Qers
93. Tendurek Qers, Surmeli
94. Timar Wan
95. Tutek Qers, Bazid-Diyadin
96. Ulikend ?
97. Ute Wan
98. Welican Wan
99. Xereba Digor Qers
100. Xereba Chibuxli Wan, Iran border
101. Xocaqijlax Wan
102. Xoshab Wan
103. Yarimqa Wan
104. Zor Qers, Surmeli
THE HOUSE OF ZUQURI TRIBAL LEADER CANGIR AXA SON OF XETIB AXA OF THE MENDIKIS
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Xetib-axa Died of illness in Chibuxliye.
Eli-axa Died in Quriboxaze.
Cilix-axa Died of illness in Chibuxliye.
Qubet-axa Killed by Takoran in Chibuxliye.
Cangir-axa Died in exile in Urisete.
Temure Xetib-axa Died of illness in Gihadine.
Hizneye Xetib-axa Shot & killed himself in Chibuxliye.
Eshoye Xetib-axa Was killed by Mr Meme Kishki (Beravi) in Qamushliye.
Seyide Xetib-axa Died of illness in ReWan; buried in Qulibege.
Nuriye Xetib-axa Died in the plain of ReWan during flight.
Memude Eli-axa Died of illness in Chibuxliye.
Hese Eli-axa Died of illness in Tblisi.
Meme Eli-axa Was killed in Chibuxliye.
Usibe Eli-axa Died of illness in Poshte.
Use Cilix-axa Died of illness in Tblisi.
Teme Cilix-axa Died of illness in Chibuxliye.
Miraze Cilix-axa Died of illness in Chibuxliye.
Hemziye Cilix-axa Died of illness in Chibuxliye.
Rizgoye Qubet-axa Died of illness in Chibuxliye.
Lezgine Qubet-axa In Ebexe among the Heyderans. Killed by Meme Kishki
(Beravi).
Mihe Qubet-axa Died of illness in Chibuxliye.
Xelefe Qubet-axa Died of illness in Elegeze.
Teloye Qubet-axa ?
THE HOUSE OF THE LEADER OF THE RESHAN (ZUQURI) CLAN
Simo-axa son of Cheto-axa (Simoe Cheto) (These are from house of the Gurkis)
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YEZIDI KURDS’ TRIBES IN GERMANY
Over the past 20 to 30 years, many Yezidi Kurds have packed up and left Turkey, Iraq, Syria and the former Soviet Union for Germany to seek asylum because of oppression, the tense political atmosphere, poverty, the social situation and animosity towards their religion. The German government has allowed them entry and they have settled on German soil and become home and property owners. [However] there have been settlement problems for the Yezidis in the former Soviet Union, problems that have included deportation. (We were unable to clarify the meaning of this statement).
Today, there are around 50,000 to 60,000 thousand Yezidis on German soil and their number is increasing daily. The Yezidis have settled in all areas of Germany. Today, outside Kurdistan there are two Yezidi communities, one in Russia and one in Germany. To preserve their religion, mother tongue, traditions and tribes it is important to quickly establish a center in Europe in order to create opportunities to study the religion and to bring these two communities together.
Until now, the problems faced by the Yezidi tribes in Germany and their place of origin in Kurdistan have not been researched and documented. This is a significant issue, for political reasons, for thoroughly researching the history of Kurds and Kurdistan, and especially for learning the origin of the Yezidi tribes and their role in the history of the nations in the Middle East. It is important to document in books the names of the Yezidi tribes and the villages where they once lived to ensure that they are not forgotten. This will be useful as well for the Yezidis who have left their homeland.
The names of Yezidi tribes in Germany and their places of origin in Turkey, which we present to the readers of this book, were collected from the accounts of Yezidis from Turkey when the author was their guest in 1990-1991. At that time the author was visiting a cousin from the Anqosi tribe and was introduced only to the Yezidis from Turkey. This is why only the names of Yezidi tribes and their villages in Turkey were discussed.
In Germany, my host lived in the township of Sele (Hanover). There were many Yezidis in that region. My cousins and their neighbors assisted me greatly in the collection of what follows here and for which I thank each and every one of them very much. I give special thanks to Osmane Usib and Ahmed Silo, said to be leaders of the Anqosis in Germany.
It is likely that there are deficiencies in this writing due to lack of resources, time and unfavorable circumstances. We hope that in the future, fresh additions will be made and the list of Yezidi tribes in Germany will be full and complete.
NAMES OF YEZIDI KURDS’ TRIBES IN GERMANY AND THEIR LOCATIONS IN TURKEY
1. Adi: They lived in Weranshehir, village of Xirbe Ali. They are Sherqis (see elsewhere).
2. Amerki: They lived in Sert. They are Qizili (see elsewhere).
3. Anqosi: At one time they lived in the “Anqosi Country” between Sert-Bisheri-Merdin-Diyarbekir-Botan-Shengal. It was a very big and powerful tribe. They waged an intense and historic war against the rulers of Diyarbekir. In defense of the Yezidi religion, they have lost heads and shed blood [in battles]. The Anqosis and their heroism have long been mentioned in history and their valor is praised in songs. During the war against the governor of Diyarbekir over Ms Shirin Anqosi 500 Anqosi tribe villages were destroyed and the tribe dispersed. A group resettled in Wan and Qers. Another group remained in Bisheriye-Sert. The Anqosi leader, Hamid-axaye Anqosi, is from the village of Kuchika Gumerte. In Turkey they lived in these villages in the provinces of Serte-Bisheriye: Enap, Gelok, Kelhok, Canika, Qubildor, Xushena, Hecre, Hecliye, Shirwan, [and] Zerce. Ms Shirin Anqosi’s home is in the village of Chiya Hereze between Bitlis-Tutvan in the plain of Rewa. In the villages of Shirwan, Canika (near Sert) and Gulpnar (province of Mush, on the road to Qav village) the converted (assimilated) Anqosis live (see the Anqosi in the Caucasus).
4. Eyinoki: They lived in the province of Merdin, village of Bacin.
5. Basi: They lived in the province of Sert.
6. Bereki: Menduki-Mendiki) They lived in the provinces of Sert and Weranshehr (Urfa), in the village of Minminik. Their ancestors came from Wan, plain of Mehemd. Later they settled in Serhed. They are a Xalti clan.
7. Biliki (Miliki): They lived in the province of Weranshehr (Urfa), in the villages of Gede Naso, Meleqecer, Qori, [and] Hecizeta jer. Divided into these clans: Komirchi, Qerquli, Celoyi, Gelhoyi, [and] Kerdizi. The Bilikis are the Sherqis.
8. Botoki: They lived in the province of Merdin, village of Bacin.
9. Cheleki: They lived in the province of Bisheriye, village of Shasim.
10. Daudi [Davidian]: They lived in the province of Weranshehr, village of Mozika jor, Mozika jer, Gunde Xeribi [and] Xirbe Belek (see the Daudis in the Caucasus).
11. Dela (Dina): They lived in the province of Bisheriye.
12. Deni: They lived in the province of Sert, village of Sewdiq.
13. Himelki: Related to Xendeqi tribe (see elsewhere).
14. Kashaxi: They lived in the province of Merdin.
15. Mas(t)eki: They lived in the province of Weranshehr, village of Birc u Baruc, Baluchu, Axmast, [and] Kewrbel. The Mastekis are the Sherkis (see elsewhere).
16. Menduki (Mendiki): See Bereki above (see Bereki in the Caucasus).
17. Mervani: They lived in the province of Weranshehr, villages of Zewra, Hecizeta jor, Hecizeta jer [and] Fisteq. The Mervanis are Sherqis (see elsewhere).
18. Metin(k)i: They lived in the province of Bisheriye, village of Dushan.
19. Mede: They lived in the province of Bisheriye.
20. Mihoki: They lived in the province of Sert.
21. Mihemedki: They lived in the province of Sert. They are Xalti.
22. Miliki: See Biliki
23. Misurki: They lived in the province of Merdin, village of Bacin.
24. Ozmani: They lived in the province of Bisheriye.
25. Pivazi: First they lived in the province of Sert, villages of Mezrhan, Geliye Shera, [and] Kani Beraza-these are the center of the Pivazis. They were there 160 years ago. Later they moved to Qinaske. When the Russians reached Kevre Qul [in the province of] Bitlis, they moved to Hecliye (Bisheriye). They lived in the province of Weranshehr, villages of Minminik [and] Telteriq; in the province of Bisheriye, villages of Gelok (Kelhok) [and] Hecre; in the province of Diyarbekir, village of Darqule. The Pivazis are Xaltis (see the Caucasus section).
26. Qizili: They lived in the province of Bisheriye, village of Hemduna. There are seven Qizili clans. They are divided into Amerki, Shemsiki, [and] Takori. They say they originate from the Takoris. For a time they lived in the “Xalti Country.” The Qizilis are Xalti (see elsewhere).
27. Qopani: They lived in the province of Weranshehr, village of Ishxen. The Qopanis are Sherqi (see elsewhere).
28. Reshi: They lived in the provinces of Bisheriye, village of Gelo-Kelhok, of Weranshehr, villages of Xirbe Belek [and] Fisteq. The Reshans are Xaltis (see the Reshis in the Caucasus).
29. Reshkoti: They lived in the province of Bisheriye.
30. Shediki:: They lived in the provinces of Sert [and] of Weranshehr, village of Gede. The Shedikis are Xalti (see elsewhere).
31. Shemsiki: Related to the tribe of the Qizilis (see elsewhere).
32. Sherqi: They lived in the province of Weranshehr (Urfa). They are divided into Adi, Biliki, Qopani, Masteki [and] Mervani.
33. Shewliki (Shewriki): They lived in the provinces of Sert [and] Bisheriye, village of Qorix. The Shewlikis are Xalti (see elsewhere).
34. TakoriRelated to the Qizili tribe.
35. Torini: They lived in the province of Weranshehr (Urfa), village of Olexchi.
36. Xalti: They lived in the provinces of Sert [and] Weranshehr, villages of Gede Osman, Telteriq, Mozika jor, Mozika jer, Minminik, Kerma jor, Kerma chem, Hecizeta jer [and] Mozana. Divided into tribes: Shediki, Mihemedki, Pivazi, Bereki (Menduki), Qizili, Shewliki, Reshi. At one time, all were settled in the “Xalti Country.” The “Xalti Country” stretched from Sert to Batman and reached Diyarbekir (see the Xaltis in the Caucasus section).
37. Xendeqi: They lived in the province of Weranshehr (Urfa), the Mozika village, [and] in the province of Bisheriye in the villages of Shimze, Shasim [and] Baziwan.
VILLAGES IN TURKEY ORIGINALLY INHABITED BY YEZIDI KURDS IN GERMANY
Name of Village Name of province
1. Asinci Diyarbekir
2. Axmast Weranshehr
3. Bacini Merdin
4. Baluchu Weranshehr
5. Baruch Weranshehr
6. Bashura Sert
7. Batim Merdin
8. Batran Sert
9. Baxchechike Diyarbekir
10. Bazivan Bisheri
11. Berhurik Sert
12. Birc Weranshehr
13. Birakurediye Sert
14. Birguriya Merdin
15. Canika Sert
16. Chachana Weranshehr
17. Chineriya Bisheri (Piran village)
18. Chiya Hereze Diyarbekir
19. Daraqole Diyarbekir
20. Daudi Diyarbekir
21. Diwanke Merdin
22. Dushan Bisheri
23. Erbin Sert
24. Ewshe Merdin
25. Enap (Innap) Bisheri
26. Erenza Shexa Sert (It has a white mill. It was the property of
Mr Heciye Mihe Qizili. There is also the mill of
old Hesmeman)
27. Eyinberave Sert
28. Feqira Bisheri (Piran village)
29. Fisqin Merdin (Piran village)
30. Fisteq Weranshehr
31. Gede Naso Weranshehr
32. Gede Osman Weranshehr
33. Geliye Sheran Sert
34. Geliye sora Merdin
35. Gelok (Kelhok) Bisheri
36. Girebiya Merdin
37. Giresirt Weranshehr
38. Gulpnar Mush
39. Gunde Xeribi Weranshehr
40. Gungik Merdin
41. Hecliye Bisheri
42. Hemduna Bisheri
43. Heyiderqule Diyarbekir
44. Hecizeta jor Weranshehr
45. Hecizeta jer Weranshehr
46. Hecre Bisheri
47. Ishxan Weranshehr
48. Kani beraza Sert
49. Kani revana Sert
50. Kanisark Bisheri
51. Kanisorke Bisheri
52. Kelhok Sert
53. Kevirbel Weranshehr
54. Kezeri Sert
55. Kuner (Kunare) Merdin
56. Kemine Merdin
57. Kerma chem Weranshehr
58. Kerma jor Weranshehr (Piran village)
59. Kefnas Merdin
60. Kivexe Merdin
61. Koch Sert
62. Kochika Gumerte Sert
63. Meleqecer Weranshehr (village of the Feqiris of the
Yeknavis)
64. Merze I Merdin
65. Merze II Merdin
66. Mezrhan Sert
67. Minminik Weranshehr
68. Mozana Weranshehr
69. Mozika jer Weranshehr (Village of Shexisna Sheikh)
70. Mozika jor Weranshehr
71. Olexchi Weranshehr (Village of Mr Evdo son of Bishar-axa
son of Dewreshe Evdi)
72. Qinask Bisheri
73. Qochan Merdin (district of Hezaxe)
74. Qochgire Sert
75. Qorix Bisheri
76. Qori Weranshehr
77. Qubildor Bisheri
78. Qulika Merdin
79. Resha Sert
80. Ridvane Sert
81. Serpir Sert
82. Sewdiq Sert
83. Serwan Merdin
84. Silhe Sert
85. Silexere Bisheri
86. Shasim Bisheri
87. Shimze Bisheri
88. Shirvan Sert
89. Teyivanki Merdin
90. Taqa Merdin
91. Telteriq Weranshehr
92. Ulka Merdin
93. Xanka Shexa Merdin (village of the Sexubekis Sheikh)
94. Xirabiya Merdin
95. Xirbe Ali Weranshehr
96. Xirbe Belek Weranshehr
97. Xushena Sert
98. Zerce Bisheri
99. Zewra Weranshehr
THE HOUSE OF THE LEADER OF THE ANQOSIS IN GERMANY
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Mirad, son of Hese, lived in the villages of Xushena and Kuchika Gumerte. Later he went to the villages of Zerce and Keloke. Osman, son of Usib (the Elder of the Anqosis), went to Germany from the village of Keloke.
THE YEZIDI TRIBES IN THE SHENGAL MOUNTAINS (SOUTH KURDISTAN-IRAQ)
The names of the Yezidi tribes in the Shengal mountains written below are as told by Mr. Xudadaye Pisi a Yezidi from Shengal mountains, in 1991. He then lived in Copenhagen, Denmark. Xudadaye Pisi along with his family fled Saddam Hussein’s oppression and found refuge in that city.
According to Xudadaye, son of Pisi, son of Xelef, son of Merdan, son of Qerbit, son of Bado, son of Faris, son of Reben, son of Qaso, there were about 300 Yezidi villages in the Shengal mountains. By Saddam Hussein’s order all villages were evacuated.
NAMES OF THE TRIBES
1. Aldigi More than 1,000 households
2. Daska (Chelka) 1,000 households
3. Feqira 1,000 households
4. Hebaba 3,000 households
5. Heleqiya More than 500 households
6. Heska 1,000 households
7. Mendika More than 1,000 households
8. Mehrikan Approx. 2,000 households
9. Qiraniay 2,500 households
10. Simoqi More than 2,000 households
11. Xaltiya (mala xalta) 2,000 households
The Mendika tribe is divided into Havinde Xweriqi, Mala Bashok, Keleshi, Ezoye, Xinoyi, Mala Emo, Shevani.
THE YEZIDI TRIBES IN IRAQ, SYRIA AND TURKEY
The names of the Yezidi tribes seen below were written by the Qewals’ elder, Mr. Qewal Sileman Sefo, in a letter to me back in 1973. I have saved it in my archive until today. True, because of the oppression hanging over the head of the Yezidis in these countries, the majority of the tribes have been displaced since then. Nevertheless, I saw the significance of this information and decided to include it in this book and thereby give my thanks to Mr Qewal Sileman Sefo. (The leader of the Qewals, Qewal Sileman Sefo had come to the city of Tbilisi as a guest.)
According to Qewal Sileman, the Yezidi tribes of Iraq (south Kurdistan) are divided into two groups: The tribes of Shexan and Zexo and the tribes of Sincar (Shengal).
THE YEZIDI TRIBES IN THE REGION OF SHEXAN AND ZEXO
1. Bada
2. Bastiki
3. Belsini
4. Bidi memi
5. Cehsani
6. Dena
7. Dumli
8. Hekari
9. Heraqiye
10. Howeyidi
11. Mamosi
12. Maski
13. Musana
14. Peyide
15. Qayidi
16. Reshki
17. Turk
18. Xisiki
19. Xitari
THE YEZIDI TRIBES IN THE SINCARI (SHENGAL) REGION ARE DIVIDED INTO TWO LARGE GROUPS: XORKAN AND CIVANA.
THE XORKAN GROUP IS DIVIDED INTO THESE TRIBES
1. Al Dexi
2. Cifri
3. Chilkan
4. Chilkan (Chelki)
5. Dena
6. Fiqera
7. Heliqi
8. Heskan
9. Heweri
10. Kukuka
11. Mendikan
12. Musane
13. Qiran
14. Reshkan
15. Simoqi
16. Sherqiyan
17. Xalti
THE CIVANA GROUP IS DIVIDED INTO THESE TRIBES
1. Hebabat
2. Mala Xalta (Masqura)
3. Mirkan
THE YEZIDI TRIBES OF SYRIA
1. Chilki (Chelki)
2. Dena
3. Resha
4. Suhani
5. Sherqi
6. Shikaki
THE YEZIDI TRIBES OF TURKEY
1. Bazfi
2. Chilka
3. Daska
4. Daudi
5. Maski
6. Mehmudi
7. Resha
8. Sherqi: Adi, Bilki, Mervani, Qobani, Torini
9. Shikaka
10. Xalti
Translated by Eziz Bawermend
TO THE MEMORY OF MY PARENTS ZAARE EMO ANQOSI AND HIMAYILA XUDEDA MENDESORI AND ALL MARTYRS OF THE YEZIDI GENOCIDE PERPETRATED BY THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE IN 1916-1918
COPYRIGHT 2005 Kurdish Library
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
