20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Huge dark oil jugs and wall markings in the darkness of Lalish Temple, the shrine of the Yezidis

The Lalish Temple, home of the Yezidi religion in Iraq, welcomed shoeless visitors into the darkness of the Temple. No one was allowed to step on the thresholds of the doorways guarded by angels. Only flashlights were allowed. Huge jugs with oil for rituals were everywhere lining the walls.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: Al-Shikhan, Iraq
Camera: DMC-FZ70
Copyright: © Marilyn Adelman