
Lalish, in northern Iraq's Nineveh Province, is the spiritual heartland for Yazidis.

Yazidis believe in one God as the creator of the world, but many have been raped or murdered by ISIS, which claims they are "devil worshipers."

The ancient Yazidi faith pre-dates Islam and Christianity.

About half a million people belong to the Yazidi community.

Thousands of Yazidis are still believed to be held by ISIS, in the parts of Syria and Iraq under its control.

Baba Sheikh, the spiritual leader of the Yazidis, says he hopes they will return home soon. "'I wish they all will come back -- we are going to welcome them warmly," he said.