Under the Temple Lights: Yazidi New Year in Armenia's Aknalich

By Valentin Chesneau-Daumas

This week, Aknalich, Armenia, once again became the heart of Red Wednesday celebrations marking the Yazidi New Year, with the iconic Quba Mêrê Dîwanê—the world’s largest Yazidi temple—as its backdrop. Festivities began on April 14, with traditional dances, egg painting, and candle lighting. In a break from custom, and amid an election campaign, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the site and attended part of the celebration.