Istanbul Bilgi University Publishing, which has been collecting and publishing important studies on the Yazidis, one of the ancient communities of Mesopotamia, since 2004, published Amed Gökçen's latest book, "Kadim Bir Nefes: Ezidi Ağıtları" (An Ancient Breath: Requiems of the Yazidis). Gökçen is a writer and academic in the Department of History at Bilgi University, and the book is expected to fill an important void, as there are not many academic resources available concerning present-day Yazidis. The book launch took place at Bilgi University's Santralistanbul Campus Energy Museum on May 25, overseen by Sheik Hüseyin Ulucan - one of the significant religious representatives of the Yazidi community - Koçek Mervan Babiri from Iraq and singer Rizgane Awaz from Armenia. The launch featured examples of Yazidi requiems and folk songs. In the opening speech, the dean faculty of arts and sciences, Aydın Uğur, said: "As Bilgi University, we have two main objectives. First of all, we protect and pass cultural and scientific richness down to the next generations. Secondly, we analyze traditions through scientific methods and take action to develop what lies in their cores. That is how we approach Yazidi culture." He said they are working to protect it while bringing the pieces together to shed light on Yazidi culture.Gökçen spoke at the event and expressed his joy in publishing his second book on which he focuses on the tough journey and story of the Yazidis. "This study showed me that there is not a single understanding of Yezidism. I also had a chance to see the diversity of Yazidi culture in different regions. The text, which is composed of four religious and three traditional songs and my notes on them, is a source that should be archived," Gökçen said, adding that his book is a result of an ongoing study since 2004. "I tried to transfer what I have learned in the most natural way," he said. Furthermore, Gökçen said he is currently working on another book on Yazidis: "Our next study will mostly focus on up-to-date information, and feature more maps, drawings and architectural designs." "Kadim Bir Nefes: Ezidi Ağıtları" is the result of a study conducted by Gökçen on oral Yazidi culture since 2004 across Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Georgia, Armenia and Germany. The project also includes an archive of seven CDs featuring folk songs, "qewl" (religious hymns), "beyt" (poems), stories, sermons and prayers belonging to Yazidi culture. Gökçen's work, which is the largest sound archive on Yazidis, can be purchased from Istanbul Bilgi University Publishing and can be found in bookstores.