Sharfadin temple, Yazidi temple in Sinjar District, Iraq.
The Sharfadin temple is a religious building in the Sinjar District of Iraq, set on a hillside in the Sinjar Mountains. It features whitewashed domes and conical towers that are characteristic of Yazidi sacred architecture, along with mirrored interior surfaces and Persian calligraphy inside.
The temple dates to the 13th century and is connected to a Yazidi spiritual leader venerated in this area. Over the centuries the structure was expanded and restored several times, though it kept its original form.
The temple is a place of pilgrimage for Yazidis, who gather here to pray and mark religious occasions throughout the year. The mirrored interior walls and Persian calligraphy visible inside are characteristic of Yazidi sacred art and can be observed during a visit.
The temple sits in a mountainous area reached by rural roads, so it is worth checking road and weather conditions before setting out. As an active place of worship, visitors should dress modestly and be respectful of any ceremonies taking place.
The conical towers of the temple, known in Yazidi tradition as sanjaq, are deliberately shaped to evoke rays of the sun. This tower form is one of the most recognizable features of Yazidi sacred sites and sets them apart at a glance from other religious buildings in the region.
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