Yarsanism

Yarsanism
Family	Iranian / Kurdish religious tradition
Origin region	Western Iran and Kurdish regions
Founding period	Medieval and early modern formation with older regional influences
Estimated adherents	Estimates vary; communities are found especially among some Kurdish and related populations.

Yarsanism, also known as Ahl-e Haqq in some contexts, is a religious tradition found mainly in western Iran and Kurdish regions, with teachings about divine manifestations, sacred cycles, music, community, and spiritual truth.

Overview

Yarsanism is a distinct religious tradition with Iranian, Kurdish, and Islamic-environment influences. It includes reverence for Sultan Sahak in many accounts, sacred assemblies, devotional music, spiritual lineages, esoteric teachings, and community-specific ritual obligations. Because communities vary and have often preserved teachings privately, outside summaries should be cautious and respectful.

Key beliefs

• Divine manifestation or theophany in sacred history
• Spiritual cycles, reincarnation or transmigration in some interpretations
• Reverence for Sultan Sahak and other holy figures in many communities
• Esoteric truth, community loyalty, and spiritual purity
• Importance of sacred music, lineage, and ritual fellowship

Practices

• Jam or communal gatherings in many communities
• Devotional music, especially with the tanbur in some traditions
• Ritual meals, vows, and community obligations
• Transmission through families, lineages, and religious specialists
• Respect for sacred poetry and oral teaching

Places of worship

• Homes, community gathering places, shrines, and regional sacred sites

Sacred texts

• Sacred poetry and texts in Gorani/Kurdish and Persianate contexts, often transmitted within community traditions

Holidays and observances

• Observances vary by community and may include festivals, vows, commemorations, and local ritual calendars

Branches and related traditions

• Yazidism
• Islam
• Zoroastrianism
• Indigenous and Traditional Religions

See also

• Religion
• Theology
• Philosophy of religion
• New Religious Movements
• Indigenous and Traditional Religions