Episode 1

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Published on:

8th Jun 2025

The Yazidi People—A Journey Through History and Culture

The Yazidi people have a rich, complex and turbulent history - and yet their culture is full of unique traditions, beliefs, and practices.

Join us for this episode and discover the traditions of this ancient culture.

References used in this show

The following books and articles have been used to assist in the production of this show. Please help our show and click on either of the links to purchase the book(s).

  • Shadow on the Mountain: A Yazidi Memoir of Terror, Resistance and Hope - Shaker Jeffrey’s life is a testament to bravery and resilience. Raised in Iraq, he learned English from American troops and became a **combat interpreter** for the U.S. government at a young age. When ISIS attacked his Yazidi community, he narrowly escaped and began working as a vital link between trapped civilians and the military. Disguising himself as an ISIS fighter, he led daring missions to rescue over **1,000 civilians**, including enslaved Yazidi girls. Despite his incredible efforts, he could not save his fiancée. His story highlights the human cost of conflict and the extraordinary courage found in adversity.
  • The Last Girl: My Story of Captivity and My Fight Against the Islamic State - JOINT WINNER OF THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE Nadia Murad’s memoir recounts her harrowing journey from a peaceful Yazidi childhood in Iraq to surviving ISIS captivity and rebuilding her life in Germany. After losing six brothers and her mother, she refused to be silenced, becoming a global advocate for survivors of human trafficking. As a **Nobel Peace Prize winner**, a subject of *On Her Shoulders*, and the **UN's first Goodwill Ambassador for Survivors' Dignity**, her story is one of resilience and hope. Through courage and testimony, she sheds light on atrocities while inspiring action for justice and human rights worldwide.
  • Land Between the Rivers: A 5000-Year History of Iraq - Bartle Bull's *Land Between the Rivers* explores Iraq’s 5,000-year history, from Gilgamesh’s reign to the 1958 coup. The book highlights Iraq’s role as a crossroads of civilizations, shaping global culture, religion, and politics. Bull combines meticulous research and firsthand experience to examine how the region has balanced tradition and power, humanism and conflict. The work is praised for its depth, ambition, and narrative brilliance, offering insights into Iraq’s legacy, from Babylon’s influence to the Sunni-Shia divide. Acclaimed for its storytelling, it presents Iraq as a vital force in history, shaping ideologies and civilizations throughout the centuries.
  • The plight of the Yazidi people - Video

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About the Podcast

Global Tapestry
Exploring world cultures and weaving narratives of cultures and nations

Ever wondered about the captivating tales and traditions of cultures around the globe?

Global Tapestry takes you on adventures exploring world cultures and highlighting minority groups in an incredibly relevant, compelling and personal manner.

By subscribing to Global Tapestry, you will go on an enlightening journey inflected with tales from the heart-pumping adventures of world cultures and minority groups.

You’re not just a listener - you’re part of transforming awareness into respect!

About your hosts

Graham Green

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Educator, A.I. evangelist, educational consultant, cultural observer, podcaster and writer - all focusing on the educational and informational requirements of students and clients originating from a variety of cultural groups.

Graham has a strong background in the education and management sectors and is well qualified and experienced in the development, management and presentation of language and cultural training programs. Graham currently teaches at TAFE Queensland and has previously taught at the University of Canberra, the University of Southern Queensland, Pine View College - and, was a senior lecturer at the Aviation English Academy. He has also acted as an advisor and consultant for several international educational and testing programs for the aviation sector – including working in an advisory role for aviation, language and cultural training programs in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mainland China and Indonesia.

Isabelle Zhang

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Isabelle Zhang is a passionate educator currently pursuing her Master of Education in Special and Inclusive Education at the University of Southern Queensland. Born in Malaysia and of Chinese Malaysian heritage, Isabelle moved to Australia with her family at the age of eight and now resides in Toowoomba, Queensland.

With a Bachelor of Education as her foundation, Isabelle brings a strong commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments that support diverse student needs. Her multicultural background and fluency in English, Mandarin, and Malay enrich her ability to connect with students and families from varied cultural contexts.
Isabelle has travelled extensively, gaining valuable global perspectives that inform her inclusive teaching philosophy. She is dedicated to making education accessible and empowering for all learners.