yezidi project
Nowruz means “new day” and symbolizes a new beginning, connection, and hope — an idea that inspired us to build a community where people can discover their talents and realize their dreams.
Within this vision, we organized an MDT program for young asylum seekers, combining weekly futsal training sessions with creative workshops to strengthen confidence, teamwork, and self-expression. The project helps make the diversity of stories, perspectives, and talents visible that might otherwise remain unheard.
Four young people — Suzan, Dunya, Raj, and Farhat — live in the AZC in Apeldoorn and share a Yezidi background, each with their own experiences, memories, and dreams. Through this, we present the photo and story exhibition “Yezidi,” in which their personal stories and perspectives take center stage.
raj khudeeda ali
14 years - shingal
Raj is a young boy who immediately stands out. Always active, full of energy, but at the same time sharp, eager to learn, and someone who is always ready to help others. On the pitch you see his drive, but in conversation you also notice his curiosity and his strong sense of identity.
During an interview we conducted with Raj, we asked him what it means for him to be Yezidi. He told us: “For me, being Yezidi means that I have a strong connection to my culture, my family, and my history. It gives me a sense of identity and pride.”
Traditions play an important role in this. He told us about Batezmie, a tradition where bracelets are made as a symbol of connection. For Raj, that moment represents respect for his culture. He also spoke about Gmaee in Lalish, a seven-day period when the community comes together to celebrate traditions and faith.
At the same time, there is something else that plays a major role in his life: football. “It is not just a sport for me, but also a way to develop my discipline, perseverance, and ambitions.”
When we asked him about a memory he never wants to lose, he went back to his childhood: “The moments when I played as a child with a ball at my feet and dreamed about a future in football. Those simple moments gave me freedom and happiness.”
According to Raj, his journey and his life here have shaped him. “My journey and my life here have made me stronger as a person. I have learned that perseverance and resilience are essential.”
At Nowruz, we believe that football is rarely the final goal, but rather a way to reveal talent, stories, and dreams. Raj embodies exactly that. When we asked him about his future, he answered without hesitation: “My dream is to develop myself into a player who is recognized and respected worldwide.”
But for Raj, it is not only about football. “I want to show that my Yezidi culture is an important part of my identity, and that with ambition, hard work, and pride in your background you can achieve your dreams.”
suzan muhi
14 years - Sibashigder
Suzan is someone who radiates calmness and strength. Gentle in her presence, yet powerful in her words. She listens carefully, reflects deeply, and knows exactly what matters to her. Within Nowruz, we see in her someone who carries her identity with pride while remaining open to the world around her.
During an interview we conducted with Suzan, we asked her what it means for her to be Yezidi. She told us: “For me, being Yezidi means that I am connected to my faith, my history, and my community. It gives me a strong identity and a sense of pride.”
For Suzan, these values live in small but meaningful moments. “Important values from my culture are respect for family, solidarity with the community, and preserving our traditions.” When we asked her about a memory she never wants to lose, she returned to moments of togetherness: “A memory I never want to lose is celebrating festivals together with my family and community.” Those moments give her a sense of belonging and warmth. “It gives me a warm feeling of connection and makes me feel where I come from.”
Her journey and her life here have shaped her. “I have learned that I am stronger than I thought and that I can adapt to new situations and cultures.” At the same time, these experiences have made something else clear: “I have discovered how important my own background and culture are to me, because they form a big part of my identity.”
At Nowruz, we believe that stories like Suzan’s deserve to be seen and heard — where culture, identity, and personal growth come together. Suzan shows how powerful it is to stay true to who you are while continuing to grow in a new environment.
When we asked her about the future, she spoke with hope and direction: “I hope I can follow my dreams, build a good future, and be something positive for others.” But her message goes beyond herself. “I also want people to better understand that my culture is rich in history, traditions, and values, and that respect and understanding between different cultures are very important.”
In Suzan, we see exactly what Nowruz stands for: connection, identity, and the strength to tell your own story with pride — moving toward a new day.
farhat simo
13 years - Sibashigder
Farhat is someone who immediately stands out because of his energy and positive mindset. Always active, focused, and motivated, but also someone who reflects on who he is and where he comes from. Within Nowruz, we see in him a young boy who is not only growing on the pitch, but also as a person.
During an interview we conducted with Farhat, we asked him what it means for him to be Yezidi. He told us: “Being Yezidi means to me that I am part of a special tradition and that my faith gives me strength and guidance.”
For Farhat, that strength lies in his culture and the values he carries with him. “I am proud of who I am and of everything my culture teaches me: respect for family, compassion, and connection to the community.”
Traditions play an important role in this. He spoke about celebrating Çarşema Sor, the Yezidi New Year, and about passing on stories and values to the next generation. For him, these are moments that strengthen his identity and give him direction.
When we asked him about a memory he never wants to lose, he spoke about moments of togetherness: “Coming together with my family and community during our festivals and religious ceremonies. These moments give him a sense of home. “Praying, the music, the food, and sharing stories give me a feeling of home and connection.”
His journey and his life here have shaped him into who he is today. “My life and journey here have made me stronger and more independent. I have learned that I can face challenges and that I am capable of much more than I thought.”
At the same time, his faith and culture remain a strong foundation: “I have discovered that my faith and culture help me follow my values, even in difficult times.”
At Nowruz, we believe that sport and creativity are tools to help young people like Farhat discover their strength and make their stories visible. Farhat shows how powerful it is to stay true to yourself while continuing to grow and embrace new opportunities.
When we asked him about the future, he spoke with ambition and responsibility: “I hope to follow my dreams, build a good life, work hard, and make my family proud.” But like his story today, his vision goes beyond himself. “I want people to understand that my culture and faith are rich in traditions, values, and stories, and that they are an important part of who I am.”
dunya ali barso
15 years - shingal
Dunya is calm, but powerful in what she says. She chooses her words carefully, and when she speaks, you feel that everything comes from somewhere deep. Within Nowruz, we see in her someone who carries her story — not loudly, but with strength and awareness.
During an interview, we asked her what it means for her to be Yezidi. She said: “For me, being Yezidi means that I carry an ancient history and culture with me, full of faith and perseverance.”
For Dunya, it is more than just religion. “It is not only a religion, but also an identity and a feeling of connection. She spoke about what she wants to preserve: respect for family, traditions, and love between people. And especially the stories. “The stories of our ancestors and our religious festivals are very important to me, because they remind me of my roots.” Those roots return throughout her story — like a compass that guides her, wherever she goes.
When we asked her about memories she never wants to lose, she went back to her childhood: “The moments from my childhood with my family and the atmosphere of celebrations and gatherings in our community.” For her, these are more than memories — they are a feeling. “Those moments were full of joy and gave a sense of safety.” They still carry her today. “These memories give me strength, wherever I am, and remind me of who I am and where I come from.”
Her journey has changed her. “I have discovered that I am stronger than I thought and that a person can start again, even after difficult experiences.” Within Nowruz, we often see this: young people who carry their story, but also rebuild themselves. As Dunya says, she has learned to adapt and to appreciate the small things in life — step by step, without losing her foundation.
When we asked her about the future, she stayed close to herself: “I hope to build a stable life and achieve my goals in my studies and work.” But her vision goes beyond herself. “I want people to understand that Yezidis are a people who love peace and life.”
In Dunya, we see what Nowruz stands for: a story that may be told quietly, but is deeply rooted — like a tree that stands strong because her roots run deep.
