After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi came from the east to Jerusalem and asked:

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship Him." (Matthew 2:1-2)

ZOROASTRIANISM
Perhaps the most unique and striking feature in the historical development of the Medes and Kurds was the advent of their religion, a very early form of Zoroastrianism. The Mede's ancestors were garden-variety pagan polytheists, worshipping war gods called divas.

Roundabout the 5th or 6th century BC, a prophet named Zoroastrian gained prominence in what is now Kurdistan. He did not claim to be anything special himself. His emphasis was on the natural revelation found in creation and on the conscience. He maintained that anyone could know the truth about God through these means.

Zoroastrian taught that 'one who embodies all truth' would be born of a virgin and would become the eternal King of kings, bringing justice for the oppressed and finally putting an end to the Lie. Ultimately, there would be a resurrection of the dead to judgment and an everlasting 'new day'. Strikingly similar to the Bible's teaching on the Kingdom of God.

His followers became known as the 'Maz Magi' meaning 'Great Benevolence,' reflecting the newfound truth that the true God was good and trustworthy. The Zoroastrian priestly class was called the Magi, and it may be reasonably surmised that the birth of Jesus was revealed to them because of the teachings of their religion. Thus the New Testament opens with a visit from these 'wise men.'

Other than the forms of Zoroastrianism, many Kurds adhere to Judaism or traditional Christianity. Most, however, have converted to Islam. Nevertheless, many do not practice Islam because it is the religion of their oppressors.

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ISLAM
Very few Kurds converted to Islam before the 12th century. Those who converted lived along the borders of Kurdistan. The rest resisted Islam until wars devastated the mountains, and Kurdish nomads who were Sunni Muslims replaced most of the farmers. Today the majority of Kurds are at least nominally Muslim. Sunni followers make up 3 fifths of the population.

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SUFI MYSTICISM
The majority of Muslim Kurds follow mystic Sufi movements. Their practices do not seem Islamic. Sufi lodges are more common than mosques throughout Kurdistan.

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JUDAISM
Jewish presence in Kurdistan goes back to the 9th century BC when the Assyrian king settled deported Jews in the area. (858-824BC). In the first century BC, Jewish teachers gave their congregations the freedom to convert. Thus by the beginning of the 2nd century AD, Judaism was well established in Kurdistan. Jewish presence continued until the middle of this century when the modern state of Israel was formed. Now there are about 150 000 Kurdish Jews in Jerusalem. Even though they practice the Jewish faith, they have kept to Kurdish tradition, eg. dress, language, traditional food and festivals.

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DAVIDIAN (KAK'AI)
This religion started in the time Daniel, in the 6th century BC. When King Darius accepted the God of Daniel, many Kurds followed the king's faith. It was during this time that the religion started. They called themselves the followers of king David. For the purpose of worship, they use the Psalms of David. Two areas in Kurdistan make up the center of this religion, namely Karniqan (eastern Iraq) and Surpilzhau (western Iran).

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CHRISTIANITY
By the early 4th century the Kurdish kingdom of Adiabene began converting to Christianity. By the time Muhammad established Islam central Kurdistan was largely Christian. When Islam moved across the area, Christianity was suppressed but survived in the Nestorian and Jacobite churches. Today Kurds affiliated with these ancient denominations number less than 100,000. Very few, if any, have a vital relationship with Jesus and a true understanding of faith.

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THE CULT OF ANGELS
Followers of all branches of this cult believe in the transmigration of the soul through numerous reincarnations. The Cult of Angels believes that all religions are valid ways of expressing faith in the spirit. Thus followers of the cult have little difficulty associating with other religions. They even infiltrate other religions, claiming to be the true source of those religions.
Only two branches of the cult still exist, but it still influences all Kurds culturally. (All over Kurdistan shrines can be found beside springs - the feast of Khidir is celebrated in Spring. Many Kurds honor Khidir, the living green man of the ponds. Ponds are considered sacred.)
One of the remaining branches, Alevism, is found mostly among the Dimila Kurds and their Kurmanji-speaking neighbours in Turkey. Their exaltation of Ali has led most people to believe that they are Shi'ite, yet their beliefs contradict Islam on every point.
Another branch of the cult, Yarsanism, found mostly in Iran and Iraq in southern Kurdistan, also elevates Ali. They believe that the soul is journeying toward becoming fully human, which is its ultimate goal.

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YEZIDIS
This religion places special emphasis on Lucifer and the angels. They even exalt Lucifer to the position and nature of the other angelic beings. They call him king Tahuz. In northern Iraq there is a temple for this religion.

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FOLK RELIGIONS
Folk religious practices carry elements of Zoroastrianism and Islam, but are not firmly rooted in the ancient Cult of Angels.
The title of sheikh describes a man who has become known for his miraculous powers. These men use charms, interpret dreams and tell fortunes. Some of them claim to be descendants of Muhammad's tribe. When these miracle workers die, shrines are established at their graves. Religious rites are celebrated at the shrines with exuberance and dancing.
Today religion creates divisions among the Kurds. However, most of them are not fanatical. Since the Gulf War both Muslims and followers of the Cult of Angels have become more open to Christianity.

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