PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Researchers exploring ancient sites in northern Iraq during the 1930s forged friendships with the Yazidi community and documented their daily lives through photographs. These valuable images were lost to history for decades but have now resurfaced in the wake of the widespread destruction wrought by the Islamic State (IS) militants on this religious minority.
The rediscovered black-and-white photographs, part of a collection exceeding 2,000 images held at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, highlight the cultural heritage of the Yazidis, documenting traditions that have been targeted for erasure.
In 2022, doctoral student Marc Marin Webb took notice of one particular photo—a Yazidi shrine—prompting him to dig deeper into the archives. With the help of others, nearly 300 images were gathered to form a visual archive intended to represent one of Iraq’s oldest ethnic groups, whose history has been marred by genocide, displacement, and the destruction of cultural landmarks.
The Islamic State's systematic attacks led to thousands of Yazidi deaths and the scattering of survivors globally, yet this newly formed archive serves as a form of resistance against their past suffering. It reflects Yazidi culture through the years and chronicles moments of their lives, such as weddings and religious gatherings.
An emotional response from the community was evident when individuals like Ansam Basher, a teacher living in England, witnessed family wedding photographs from the 1930s. No one thought someone my age would lose their history because of the ISIS attack, Basher said, reflecting on her loss and the revival of her family's past.
Exhibitions displaying these recovered photos have taken place across different regions, providing an avenue for acknowledgment of Yazidi identity and remembrance, particularly poignant during celebrations such as the Yazidi New Year.
Collaborative efforts by researchers, documentarians, and community members are underway to share this rich heritage, with hopes of rekindling awareness of the Yazidis’ struggles and triumphs. The endeavor emphasizes that despite centuries of persecution and recent devastation, the Yazidis still hold a story worth telling.
