Instantly made homeless, tens of thousands of Yazidi families have sought shelter in Iraqi Kurdistan after being chased from their homes, often at gunpoint, by ISIS. Kurdish photographer Warzer Jaff spent a week documenting the exodus of the Yazidis from their ancient homeland. This portrait shows the family of former soldier Hajji Khalaf, 28, from Sinjar. With him is daughter Alisa, 3; son Ezel, 4; wife Thawra, 24; and daughter Alifa, 6.
Yazidi refugees braced for life in exile —
Instantly made homeless, tens of thousands of Yazidi families have sought shelter in Iraqi Kurdistan after being chased from their homes, often at gunpoint, by ISIS. Kurdish photographer Warzer Jaff spent a week documenting the exodus of the Yazidis from their ancient homeland. This portrait shows the family of former soldier Hajji Khalaf, 28, from Sinjar. With him is daughter Alisa, 3; son Ezel, 4; wife Thawra, 24; and daughter Alifa, 6.
Warzer Jaff/CNN
"I am fascinated with the deep sadness in their eyes," Jaff says. "You don't see one single happy face."
Yazidi refugees braced for life in exile —
"I am fascinated with the deep sadness in their eyes," Jaff says. "You don't see one single happy face."
Warzer Jaff/CNN
A mother shows the identity card that belonged to her 20-year-old daughter Baran, who was killed by shrapnel while pulling a child to safety.
Yazidi refugees braced for life in exile —
A mother shows the identity card that belonged to her 20-year-old daughter Baran, who was killed by shrapnel while pulling a child to safety.
Warzer Jaff/CNN
"I don't want to live with Arabs anymore. They take our land, they kidnap our woman. And they kill us, why should I live with them?" asked a 75-year-old Yazidi named Ali Khalid.
Yazidi refugees braced for life in exile —
"I don't want to live with Arabs anymore. They take our land, they kidnap our woman. And they kill us, why should I live with them?" asked a 75-year-old Yazidi named Ali Khalid.
Warzer Jaff/CNN
Nova Sharif, a 19-year-old high school student from Sinjar, now living in the Nawroz refugee camp in Syria.
Yazidi refugees braced for life in exile —
Nova Sharif, a 19-year-old high school student from Sinjar, now living in the Nawroz refugee camp in Syria.
Warzer Jaff/CNN
This 6-day-old girl was born on Sinjar Mountain. Her mother might name her "Hajar," meaning migrant or as the family interpreted it, "Exile."
Yazidi refugees braced for life in exile —
This 6-day-old girl was born on Sinjar Mountain. Her mother might name her "Hajar," meaning migrant or as the family interpreted it, "Exile."
Warzer Jaff/CNN
Baby Hafar with her mother, Nariman Barkath, 20; her husband, Khairi Khalaf, 22; and Khairi's little sister.
Yazidi refugees braced for life in exile —
Baby Hafar with her mother, Nariman Barkath, 20; her husband, Khairi Khalaf, 22; and Khairi's little sister.
Warzer Jaff/CNN
Dalia Jalal, 12, seen in the Nawroz refugee camp in Syria.
Yazidi refugees braced for life in exile —
Dalia Jalal, 12, seen in the Nawroz refugee camp in Syria.
Warzer Jaff/CNN
A rare moment of childlike innocence: "I like the bright colors and the flowers," said this girl, after eyeing the long dress.
Yazidi refugees braced for life in exile —
A rare moment of childlike innocence: "I like the bright colors and the flowers," said this girl, after eyeing the long dress.
Warzer Jaff/CNN