A huge Yazidi temple is under construction in a small Armenian village, intended as a symbol of resilience for a persecuted religious tradition, the Guardian reports.
The temple is being built in Aknalich, about 35km from Yerevan, the Armenian capital. Seven domes will surround a central arched roof, crowned with a gold-plated sun. At 25m high, it will be built from Armenian granite and Iranian marble and house a 200-square-metre prayer hall.
The complex will also include a conference hall, seminary and museum.
“This temple is important for us because our community is facing extinction. Our community is displaced around the world, and we need temples in each place for our children to keep their culture and identity,” said Ahmed Burjus of the UK branch of Yazda, a global Yazidi organization.
The project is being funded by Mirza Sloian, a Yazidi businessman based in Moscow.
The construction works are scheduled to be completed next year.
