ETHNONYMS: Self-designation: Duasen (pi, Dâseni); Iz(e) di, Yazîdî. The origin of the term "Yezidi" is uncertain; many scholars believe it to be cognate with the Persian iixedy "deity, angel." The Yezidis are often referred to as "devil worshipers" by their Muslim and Christian neighbors.
Kin Groups and Descent. The Yezidi tribal structure consists of at least two levels: the bav, comprising all the descendants of a single ancestor, subdivided into groups (bra) of immediate relatives. In general, family bonds are of greater importance than those pertaining to the tribe.
See also Kurds
MARCELLO CHERCHI, STEPHANIE PLATZ, AND KEVIN TUITE