Heirs to Forgotten Kingdoms: Journeys into the Disappearing Religions of the Middle East

The Middle East is one of the birthplaces of civilization. Religions have existed for a millenia in the region. Even after Islam came to dominate, minority religions were often still tolerated. Some maintain themselves by mandating marriage within the sect. (Though this is countered in some with a lack of allowing further converts.)

Gerard Russell had worked as a diplomat in the Middle East. In this book he explores the religions from a personal basis. He attempts to meet up with the remaining members of various sects to find out about their believes, history and culture. Some of the religions are very small, with members persecuted and seeking asylum in other locations. Practitioners may be in war zones or other areas of major conflict. 

The Zoroastrian religion was once a major religion nearly 3 millennia ago as part of the Persian empire. They have been persecuted in Iran since Islam came to dominate. They are often accused as "fire worshippers". A more significant population continues to exist in India.  

The Druze are scattered in various middle eastern countries, including Israel. Their religion is very similar to Islam, yet they often do not consider themselves Muslim. This has lead to persecution as infidels. Only the clerics study the religious works, leaving many others as "ignorants". 

Mandaeans believe Adam to be the founder of their religion, with John the Baptist as one of the most important prophets. They are baptized at multiple key times in their lives. They had a key population in Iraq which has disappeared since the invasion.

Ezidis (or Yazidis) are most common in the Kurdish regions. Copts are primarily in Egypt.

While there are plenty of details about each of these religions, most was obtained by personal conversation rather than scholarship. This provides additional insight into how the people really live as well as their future.