Hello! I’m Zaeem Khalat Ilyas, a proud Yazidi born and raised in the beautiful northern Ninawa region of Iraq. As a son of the Ninawa plains, I grew up surrounded by the breathtaking Lalish Temple, the ancient Assyrian dams and temples of Sanharib, and the stunning churches of Hormiz and Mart Maty. This land is not just my home, but also my heritage, and I am deeply connected to its history and culture.

You may have seen me on Yes Theory's video, where I had the privilege of being the Lalish Tour guide. I’ve appeared twice, sharing the unique beauty and rich traditions of my homeland. This experience fueled my passion for guiding and inspired me to start offering private tours in this incredible region.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Zakho, and alongside my career in engineering and entrepreneurship, I lead my own eco-friendly mobile car wash startup, Lazwash. I am also deeply involved in youth development initiatives and have represented Kurdish youth at several international forums.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m here to connect with people from all over the world, share my culture, and learn about yours. One of my main goals is to teach the world about the Yazidi religion—a beautiful yet misunderstood and slowly vanishing faith. Through Couchsurfing, I hope to foster cultural exchange, understanding, and appreciation for my community’s history and traditions.

Interests

• religion
• sustainability
• cultural exchange
• youth empowerment
• travel & exploration
• videography & storytelling

Music, Movies, and Books

I love Kurdish music, but i also listen to Turkish,English, Persian music.

And my favourite movie is Love and other drugs

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have guided Yes Theory team and some other amazing people

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach English and Kurdish, also I’m good at singing

What I Can Share with Hosts

I’d love to share with you the rich history and traditions of the Yazidi people and take you on a journey through our beautiful landscape, from the sacred Lalish Temple to the ancient Assyrian sites and beyond. Whether you’re interested in exploring our culture, learning about our history, or just having a great conversation over tea or coffee, I’m here to make your experience memorable.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, France, Germany, Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Iraq