The Yazidi Experience: their struggles as a minority in a Muslim-dominated region, the 2014 ISIS-led genocide against them, and their consequent migration to Europe

This thesis investigates the post-2014 migration of Yazidis from Iraq to Europe in the aftermath of the genocidal campaign by the Islamic State. As a minority ethnic and religious group from the Middle East, the Yazidis have long endured historical persecution and discrimination. The study begins by examining the historical, religious, ethnic, and sociopolitical factors influencing Yazidi migration decisions. It subsequently delves into the ISIS genocidal campaign against the Yazidis, revealing the staggering numbers concerning executions, kidnappings, and instances of sexual enslavement suffered by the community. Analyzing the consequences of the genocide on the group, the research reveals the forced displacement of thousands of Yazidis in Kurdistan as internally displaced persons (IDPs) and in neighboring countries like Syria and Turkey as refugees and the harsh living conditions endured by Yazidis in these locations. Lastly, the thesis provides a comprehensive overview of the routes, networks, and strategies employed by Yazidis in their journey from Iraq to northern European countries. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the study integrates firsthand research and interviews conducted at the Refugee Community Center in Serres, Greece, a pivotal transit point of Yazidi migration. Furthermore, through a quantitative methodology, it sheds light on the statistical trends of the Yazidi migration, focusing particularly on three key countries, Greece, Germany, and the Netherlands.