The annual religious olive-pressing tradition in Dohuk - in pictures

  • Members of the Yazidi religious community take part in an annual olive-pressing tradition, at a temple in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region. All photos:AFP
    Members of the Yazidi religious community take part in an annual olive-pressing tradition, at a temple in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region. All photos:AFP
  • Each year, more than 300 volunteers pick and squeeze olives from the Lalish temple grove, in a valley near the Kurdish city of Dohuk
    Each year, more than 300 volunteers pick and squeeze olives from the Lalish temple grove, in a valley near the Kurdish city of Dohuk
  • Volunteers fill canvas bags with olives
    Volunteers fill canvas bags with olives
  • A canvas bag is washed before it is used
    A canvas bag is washed before it is used
  • The oil is used daily to light the temple's 365 sacred lamps, numbered to the days of the year
    The oil is used daily to light the temple's 365 sacred lamps, numbered to the days of the year
  • It is also used for other religious occasions, such as the Yazidi New Year
    It is also used for other religious occasions, such as the Yazidi New Year
  • Straining the oil to remove solids and impurities
    Straining the oil to remove solids and impurities
  • Many hands make light work
    Many hands make light work
  • The tradition has been passed down for generations
    The tradition has been passed down for generations
  • Pouring the freshly pressed olive oil into a boiling cauldron
    Pouring the freshly pressed olive oil into a boiling cauldron
  • Keeping the fire burning under the cauldron, while boiling the freshly pressed olive oil
    Keeping the fire burning under the cauldron, while boiling the freshly pressed olive oil
  • Time for a break
    Time for a break