Yazidis celebrated the new year after 40 years in Viransehir, Turkey by Mehmet Masum Suer / SOPA Images
Hundreds of Yazidis gathered in the Burc (Birc) village of Viransehir district of Turkey's Sanliurfa (Urfa) province and celebrated their new year. Many Yazidis from European countries also participated in the celebrations. Candy, delight, donuts and food were offered to the guests, and the cemetery was visited. Additionally, many men and women held hands and danced to the accompaniment of drum. The holiday had not been celebrated for nearly 40 years. Yazidis celebrate the first Wednesday after April 18 every year as 'Red Wednesday' and believe that the creation of the universe was completed on this day. Due to political and religious oppression over the last 40 years, thousands of Yazidis living in some cities in southeastern Turkey had to leave the country. They took refuge in some European countries, especially Germany, and America.
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