Karwan Ba'adri
Karwan Ba'adri
Wearing a traditional ‘farangi’ overall and a religious cap, Marwan is ready to get to work, whether he is in Bashiqa, Shingal, Shékhan or any other Ezidi shrine.
Marwan Alouby has been a revered figure among Ezidis for years. At religious gatherings, he recites religious hymns with his melodious voice.
Marwan is 50 years old, currently works as a blacksmith and lives in Bashiqa in the Nineveh province. He is always ready for work at the Ezidi places of worship and lending a hand to members of his community.
“He told KirkukNow: “I can’t stand idle while my religion and my community need my service. I have inherited serving my religion and my community from my father… whether it is in Lalish or any other Ezidi temple, or any type of work for the family of the Mir and the Ezidi Spiritual Council.
I can’t stand idle while my religion and my community need my service
Marwan was one of the first Ezidis to return to Lalish after Ezidis were displaced by ISIS militants and their sacred places were destroyed by them.
“I wanted to contribute and leave my mark in restoring this sacred place of ours. Currently, I come to Lalish one daily basis and do whatever needs to be done,” Marwan said, “I can’t live without seeing the gardens and the pure waters of Lalish every day.”
The Lalish Temple is the most sacred Ezidi place of worship in the world, at which most Ezidi religious and social events take place.
Marwan is also known for his singing and reciting religious hymns.
Most Ezidi sacred places were destroyed by ISIS in 2014. During their renovation, Marwan worked with engineers and labourers alike.
Marwan says he often leaves his job as blacksmith in order to serve at Lalish Temple. He loves nature, that’s why he considers planting new trees and taking care of plants where Ezidis live his duty.
“After the expulsion of ISIS, I have planted hundreds of saplings at the Lalish Temple, some of which [now] bear fruit. I want to take more care of nature and the environment in Lalish from now on.”
