Yazidi social organization
However, in theory, particularly in diaspora, the Mir represents all Yezidis, his decisions are binding and he also maintains legislative and executive power.
As the head of the spiritual council, he has the power to appoint the Baba Sheikh, administers Lalish and receives offerings from the annual journey and parading of the Sinjaq throughout the Yezidi communities.
Among his tasks and obligations are to:[3][4] The acting Babê Şêx has to be from the priestly Şemsanî Sheikh lineage of Fexredîn, who was the first Extiyarê Mergehê.
The position typically hereditary and passes from father to son, although the Baba Sheikh needs to be formally appointmented by the Mir.
They're known for their role as traditional healers and their ability to see into the future and utter prophecies as well as interpreting dreams and communicating with the dead, supernatural and the "World of the Unseen".
[12][13][14] Feqirs devote their entire lives to the service of religion and may observe all rituals, taboos and religious acts.
Feqirs wear a distinguishable outfit, made from black wool and called Kherqe which was baptised at the White Spring in Lalish.
Feqirs, symbolizing religious purity, don't shave their beards and they also participate in many ceremonies, including Tewaf and Cêjna Cemaiya at the procession where they represent Sheikh Adi.
Even the clergy and the mukhtar obey their rulings and whenever they enter a room while wearing their kherqe, everyone is required to stand up to greet and pay him respects, including the Mîr and the elderly.
[14] Qewals are a hereditary group of performers of Yazidi religious hymns who come traditionally from two tribes of Mirîds: Dumilî and Hekarî.
Children from Qewal families were sent to these schools to be taught the religious texts and learn to play the sacred musical instruments of def and şibab.
[15] Qewals gained prominence especially owing to their role in the Tawûsgêran ceremony, in which they visit different Yazidi communities in various regions with the sacred effigy of Tawûs (Sencaq), perform and recite religious texts, teach them to interested people, exchange news and collect the religious donations for Lalish.
As Fakra (other spellings: Fekra, Fekhra, Fakhra, Fahra) the members of a Yazidi women's order are called.
[16][17] Micêwir is the title of the custodian of a local shrine, cemetery and to a lesser extent, preservation of a religious instruction or knowledge.
Meanwhile, a mukhtar or a village elder is often in charge of the government or official matters, a Micêwir is responsible for the religious affairs.
The sibling of the hereafter is assigned to a Yazidi man or woman starting from adolescence, and helps him or her go through rites of passage such as weddings.
