Iraq’s Yazidis Rediscover Their Lost History Through Rare 1930s Photos
Imagine stumbling upon black-and-white snapshots from the 1930s that bring back a forgotten chapter of your community’s story. That’s exactly what’s happening for Iraq’s Yazidi people, who are piecing together their rich heritage from a treasure trove of photos hidden in a Philadelphia museum archive.
Marc Marin Webb, a doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania, recently uncovered this collection while digging through the Penn Museum Archives. The images capture everyday life in the Yazidi homeland in northern Iraq during the 1930s—a time before the community faced severe persecution. “These photos show Yazidis in their traditional villages, celebrating festivals, and going about their daily routines,” Webb shared during a display on August 27, 2025.
The Yazidis, a minority ethnic group with ancient roots tied to Mesopotamia, have endured centuries of hardship, including a brutal genocide by ISIS in 2014 that displaced thousands. Many lost family photos, documents, and even oral histories in the chaos. Now, these rediscovered images from the museum are like a time machine, helping survivors and younger generations reconnect with their past.
Webb’s find includes portraits of Yazidi leaders, scenic views of Sinjar Mountain—their spiritual heartland—and glimpses of cultural rituals. Experts say the collection, taken by early 20th-century anthropologists, offers fresh insights into Yazidi history, traditions, and resilience. “It’s not just history; it’s a way for Yazidis to reclaim their identity,” says one community leader involved in the project.
This discovery highlights the power of museum archives in preserving global cultures, especially for endangered groups like the Yazidis in Iraq. As digitization efforts ramp up, more of these stories could soon reach families worldwide. If you’re fascinated by Iraq history or minority cultures, keep an eye on updates from the Penn Museum—they’re planning exhibits to share these gems.
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