AHLI HAQQ

(People of the Truth or Spirit)

This is an ancient indigenous Kurdishreligionthat still persists inIraqiandIranianKurdistan, where with some exceptions it corresponds withGurani-speaking Kurds. It is also calledKakai, Yarsanism, Aliul-lahi, orAlli-Ilahi(those who deify Ali). It shares many tenets with theAlevisandYezidis. Its usage of religious dissimulation (taqiya, similar to that practiced by the Shiites) to confuse opponents and thus survive probably helps identify it with more mainstream Shiism. The main Ahl-i Haqq shrine at Baba Yadigar is also venerated by Shiite Kurds.

See alsoGhulat.