Maria Rita Corticelli - Böcker

The religious minorities of Iraq suffered immense violence at the hands of ISIS and they are now trying to rebuild their lives. In their own words, this book tells their stories of resilience against oppression, creativity in the darkest moments, and hope amidst death. Covering the experiences of the Christians, Kakais, Yezidis, Sunni Muslims and Shabaks, among others, this is an in-depth investigation that reveals how the different communities narrate their beliefs and deal with life and recovery in the aftermath of ISIS.Existing literature on the religious minorities in Iraq treats them in isolation as if they do not interact. This is the first book to show that a strong network between them operates in the absence of a strong civil society and based on a common desire to coexist, reconstruct their society and build peace. Over three years, the author visited religious and archaeological sites and interviewed more than one hundred people between representatives of the religious communities, academics, activists, politicians, policy makers and refugees. Among them are victims and persecutors, men, women and children, all who have been overwhelmed by the tragic events of the last few years. The author shows that all these groups are animated by the same desire for a new, more tolerant society and that their treatment of each other is nurtured by their shared experience of persecution and oppression.

The religious minorities of Iraq suffered immense violence at the hands of ISIS and they are now trying to rebuild their lives. In their own words, this book tells their stories of resilience against oppression, creativity in the darkest moments, and hope amidst death. Covering the experiences of the Christians, Kakais, Yezidis, Sunni Muslims and Shabaks, among others, this is an in-depth investigation that reveals how the different communities narrate their beliefs and deal with life and recovery in the aftermath of ISIS.Existing literature on the religious minorities in Iraq treats them in isolation as if they do not interact. This is the first book to show that a strong network between them operates in the absence of a strong civil society and based on a common desire to coexist, reconstruct their society and build peace. Over three years, the author visited religious and archaeological sites and interviewed more than one hundred people between representatives of the religious communities, academics, activists, politicians, policy makers and refugees. Among them are victims and persecutors, men, women and children, all who have been overwhelmed by the tragic events of the last few years. The author shows that all these groups are animated by the same desire for a new, more tolerant society and that their treatment of each other is nurtured by their shared experience of persecution and oppression.

The Kakais are a Kurdish-speaking indigenous population belonging to the Yarsan religion, originating from the Zagros Mountains in present-day Northern Iraq. There are currently around 200,000 Kakais in Iraq, but due to a history of heavy persecution, including targeting by ISIS, the community is under threat of disappearing.This book is based on historical research, interviews, and in-depth fieldwork, as well as on their available original texts. It explores the resilience of the Kakai religious group in Iraq amid violence and war, emphasizing their values of humility, peace, and tolerance, and showcasing their struggle for recognition in the face of persecution. It touches on recent events affecting them and calls for international support and recognition of the Kakai community's unique challenges.

The Kakais are a Kurdish-speaking indigenous population belonging to the Yarsan religion, originating from the Zagros Mountains in present-day Northern Iraq. There are currently around 200,000 Kakais in Iraq, but due to a history of heavy persecution, including targeting by ISIS, the community is under threat of disappearing.This book is based on historical research, interviews, and in-depth fieldwork, as well as on their available original texts. It explores the resilience of the Kakai religious group in Iraq amid violence and war, emphasizing their values of humility, peace, and tolerance, and showcasing their struggle for recognition in the face of persecution. It touches on recent events affecting them and calls for international support and recognition of the Kakai community's unique challenges.