Though the Kurdish Yazidis of Armenia are small in number, they have done the most to defend their identity. They have jealously guarded their national customs and have resisted the pressure to be absorbed into the Armenian lifestyle. The Kurds are noted for their elaborate and colorful national costumes. The men's attire consists of baggy, colored trousers and plain shirts with huge sleeves split at the wrist and tied at the elbow. Brilliantly colored vests and sashes are also worn.
Women wear brightly embroidered, heavy clothing.
While most of the Northern Kurd of Armenia are Shia Muslims , a significant number are Yazidis. Their beliefs draw heavily on the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrinism . They believe that there is a universal struggle between darkness and light. Traditional Muslim Kurds have long persecuted the Yazidis, whom they view as heretics. The Northern Kurd of Armenia have walked in the darkness of Islam and Zoroastrinism for many years.