Photos revive Yazidi history after ISIS devastation

In 2025, significant efforts were made to restore the lost history of the Yazidi community in northern Iraq by rediscovering photographs taken in the 1930s. These images were found in museum archives after the Islamic State group inflicted profound suffering and trauma on the Yazidis, particularly in 2014, when thousands were killed or taken into sexual slavery. The photographs became crucial in representing the daily lives and traditions of the Yazidi people, showcasing them as vibrant individuals rather than merely victims of violence. Researchers, including Marin Webb from the University of Pennsylvania, have actively worked to connect these photographs with the descendants of the Yazidi individuals depicted, creating a visual archive that supports cultural identity and recollection amid the destruction faced by this ancient religious group. Webb collaborated with Nathaniel Brunt, a documentarian, to develop exhibits both in Iraq and digitally for the Yazidi diaspora, aiming to oppose the narrative of violence and dislocation by highlighting the community's rich history. Many community members have found joy and pride in seeing their ancestors portrayed positively and connected with their heritage, reinforcing their identity amidst the challenges they face today. This project not only serves as an act of reclamation against the genocide and ethnic cleansing imposed by ISIS but also reaffirms the importance of preserving cultural memory and identity in the face of adversity. By bringing these photographs to light, these efforts highlight the resilience of the Yazidi people and counter the destructive legacy left by the recent conflicts, fostering hope and continuity within a community that has been systematically targeted for centuries.