Religiones en Irak: Historia, Diversidad y Desafíos a lo Largo del Tiempo

Religions in Iraq: A Gathering of Diversity and Respect

Iraq, a country of rich history and deep spirituality, is known to be the cradle of some of the world's oldest civilisations. Over the centuries, Iraq has been home to an astonishing religious diversity, and although Islam is currently the predominant religion, the country is home to a variety of religious communities that have coexisted over time. Throughout my travels in this fascinating country, I have witnessed a respectful coexistence of different faiths, something that, despite historical difficulties, remains a fundamental characteristic of Iraqi society.

In this blog we will explore the main religions present in Iraq, starting with the most widely practised, and how each contributes to the social fabric of the country. Throughout history, different religions have found ways to coexist in an environment of mutual respect despite the tensions and challenges that may have arisen.

1. Islam: The Majority Religion

Islam is the predominant religion in Iraq with the majority of the population practising this faith, over 95% . Iraq is home to a remarkable diversity within Islam, with the two main branches, Sunni Islam and Shi'a Islam, shaping the religious and cultural life of the country. Despite doctrinal differences, both branches share a deep devotion and respect for their holy sites and places of worship, many of which have significant historical and spiritual importance.

Among the most prominent sites are the Great Mosque of Al-Nuri in Mosul, an important symbol for Sunni Muslims and famous for its leaning tower known as the Al-Hadba. Although it was destroyed during the fight against ISIS, it remains an emblem of the city's Islamic heritage. In Baghdad, the Abu Hanifa Mosque dedicated to one of the greatest jurists of Sunni Islam, is another of the most important religious meeting points for Sunni Muslims.

On the other hand, Najaf and Kerbala, two of the holiest cities for Shi'ite Muslims also attract thousands of pilgrims each year. Najaf is home to the shrine of Ali ibn Abi Talib, a central figure for Shiites, while Kerbala is famous for its shrine of Husayn ibn Ali, martyred in the battle that took place in 680 AD, remains a key event for the Shi'ite faith. In Baghdad, the shrine of Kadhimayn, dedicated to Imams Musa al-Kadhim and Ali al-Ridha, is another of the most revered Shi'ite sites.

Samarra, in central Iraq, also plays an important role as the home of the shrine of the two imams Ali al-Hadi and Ali al-Askari, figures revered by both Shiites and Sunnis. In addition, the city of Kufa, near Najaf, is historic for both groups, as it was an important Islamic centre in the early days of Islam.

These sites, which embrace both Sunni and Shia traditions, are examples of Iraq's deep spirituality and the way in which, despite sectarian differences, Muslims of all strands continue to join forces to preserve their religious heritage. Iraq's holy sites are not only places of devotion, but also of resistance and solidarity, where Muslims of diverse traditions meet to pay tribute, share moments of reflection and strengthen their faith.

I witnessed Shiites and Sunnis alike practising their faith with devotion, participating in rituals such as praying in mosques, pilgrimages and religious celebrations. It is common to see people of different sects respecting each other's sacred spaces, such as mosques and shrines, with deep respect for each other's beliefs.

2. Christianity in Iraq

Christianity has a historical presence in Iraq dating back to the first centuries of the Christian era. Iraq is home to diverse Christian communities, most notably the Assyrians, Chaldeans and Armenians, who have lived in the region for millennia. Iraq's Christians represent a small but significant proportion of the population, with about 1-2% of Iraqis identifying as such.

Christian churches in Iraq are mainly associated with the Chaldean Church, the Assyrian Church of the East and the Armenian Apostolic Church. The city of Baghdad and other areas in northern Iraq are home to churches that are meeting places for Christians, who practice their religious traditions and celebrations, such as Christmas and Easter.

In 2021, Pope Francis made a historic trip to Iraq, becoming the first pontiff to visit the country. During his trip he visited several important churches and convents, which have great religious and historical significance. Examples of the places that were part of his tour are: The Church of St. George (Baghdad), The Church of the Virgin Mary (Qaraqosh), the Monastery of San Matíasis one of the oldest monasteries in the region, dating back to the 4th century, as well as several others.

During my tour of Baghdad and other cities, I observed how Christians and Muslims live together respectfully, often participating in common festivities, sharing public spaces and showing solidarity in times of crisis. Iraqi Christians, despite the difficulties they have faced due to sectarian violence and persecution, have maintained a strong connection to their roots and religious identity.

3. Yezidism and Lalish: A Spiritual Refuge

Among the less known but profoundly significant religions in Iraq is the yezidism, an ancient faith that has played an essential role in the history and culture of the region. Jezidism has a large following in northern Iraq, particularly in the region of Ninawa, near the city of Mosul. Although the Yezidis are a minority religious community, their faith and practices are central to understanding Iraq's rich religious diversity.

One of the most important characteristics of Yezidism is its spiritual centre, Lalish Temple, located in northern Iraq, near the city of Dohuk in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Lalish is considered the holiest place for Yezidis and an annual pilgrimage destination for thousands of believers. The temple is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and filled with sacred symbols representing the teachings of this ancient religion.

Yezidism is a monotheistic faith that is based on the worship of a supreme being known as the "One God" and an angel called Melek Taus, or the "Peacock Angel". This angel is considered to be the intermediary between God and humanity. The Yezidis believe that Melek Taus has the power to guide souls to salvation. Although the Yezidi religion incorporates influences from other traditions, such as Zoroastrianism and Islam, it is distinguished by its own mythology and religious practices.

Lalish is more than just a place of worship; it is a symbol of the resistance and cultural preservation of the Yezidis, who, over the centuries, have faced persecution, violence and displacement. In particular, in recent years, the Yezidi community has suffered brutal attacks by the extremist group Islamic State (ISIS), which has persecuted Yezidis for their faith, leading to a tragedy of forced displacement and mass deaths. Many Yezidis were abducted and women were subjected to sexual slavery, marking one of the biggest atrocities in the region.

Yet despite these attacks, Lalish remains a symbol of resilience. During my visit to the region, I saw how the Yezidi community continues to practice its faith with unwavering dedication. Pilgrims visiting Lalish are greeted with hospitality, and religious festivals, particularly the New Yezidi Year or Cejna. The temple, which is located in the heart of the city, attracts thousands of people who congregate to pray, meditate and participate in ancestral rituals.

4. Judaism and Sikhism: Historical Presences and Minor Beliefs

Although Iraq's Jewish community has almost completely disappeared in recent decades, Judaism has a rich history in the country. Before the mass emigration of Iraqi Jews in the 20th century, especially after the creation of the State of Israel, Jews formed an important part of Iraqi society, with a significant presence in cities such as Baghdad. Today, Iraq's Jewish community is virtually non-existent, but vestiges of its heritage remain in the old synagogues and in the memories of older generations. Some Iraqis still talk about their experiences and relations with Jews in the past, showing a deep respect for the religious diversity of their country.

Sikhism never had a large presence in Iraq. Small groups of Sikhs arrived in the region during the time of the British Empire, when many traders and labourers from India settled in various parts of the Middle East, including Iraq. These groups, though limited in number, brought their faith with them, but over time the Sikh community in Iraq dwindled and dispersed due to conflict and mass migration. Today, Sikhism has virtually disappeared from Iraq, although its influence can still be found in other nearby countries, such as Iran.

Although I could not find active Sikh communities, I learned that, throughout history, mutual respect between the various religions has been a constant, even though some of these minor faiths no longer have a tangible presence today.

Conclusion

Iraq is a country of contrasts and religious coexistence. Throughout its history, it has been a melting pot of diverse beliefs and traditions. Despite the challenges, religious communities in Iraq continue to share common ground and foster mutual respect. Iraq's religious diversity is not only part of its history, but also a fundamental part of its identity today. Through my tour of Iraq, I was able to see how tolerance and respect for different religions remain fundamental values in the daily lives of Iraqis.