Arabian Peninsula YDNA Project - Family Project Website

Arabian Peninsula YDNA Project

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Group Administrator: saeed.alromaithi@gmail.com
Group Co-Administrator: j_aljasmi@yahoo.com

Project Background:

Arabian Peninsula YDNA Project

For the first three or four centuries after the death of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the genealogy of Arabs from the Arabian Peninsula have been widely known and documented. As Arabian tribes grew, split and regrouped, new names have appeared by time that cannot be exactly tracked and linked back to the old and classical tribes that existed more than 1000 years ago.

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YDNA research progresses have opened new realms for research to try and find any lost connections between tribes that originated in the Arabian Peninsula and possibility further identify their Adnanite or Qahtanite lineages.

YDNA General Information

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is a kind of helix (double twisted) string of molecules containing genetic instructions. DNA comes packed into chromosomes which are associated groups of DNA segments known as genes. Females have 23 XX chromosomes while males have 22 XX chromosomes and one XY chromosome. The Y in the XY chromosome is passed from father to son and is not influenced by the mother. By tracing unique characteristics in the Y chromosome we may trace male ancestry.

In the case of Y DNA: A mutation occurs in a portion of the DNA of an individual's Y chromosome that will differentiate him from everybody else. He will pass his now unique DNA onto his male descendants who will do the same to theirs until further down the line another change occurs in the DNA of one other descendant and so the process will begin again. The result is that we may use these differences to distinguish between major groups and subgroups and so classify humanity into different Y DNA (groups) or Haplogroups.

Haplogroups are YDNA groups defined by comparative differences in a relatively stable section of the DNA known as SNP "Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms". Also, known gene markers (Mutations) on known locations of any man on his male DNA (or the Y-DNA) can be used to predict the haplogroup and are used to compare different persons for genetic relations. Family Tree DNA offer tests of most stable 12 markers to predict haplogroup and to be used for comparing persons YDNA. If related genetic relative found or simply a person wishes to increase his test accuracy, then higher marker tests are offered such as 37 marker test and 67 marker test. If haplogroup confirmation is needed, then deep SNP test is required. Further sub grouping of haplogroup is found by carying additional selective SNP tests.

Researchers have already defined about 30 haplogroups but number is increasing while more and more DNA is being tested. Each native nation of main parts of the world carries specific Haplogroup which relates them to their ancestor father who first founded the race. Subgroups (or subclades) have also been identified within the same haplogroup to define smaller groups within the same big group who share one clad ancestor.

Here is a rough world predicted haplogroup distribution map:

Basically, people within the same haplogroup share one common ancestor. Then based on YDNA markers (mutations in genes) their clad/tribal relations can be found all the way to brothers of the same family which are expected to be full match. Closeness is normally calculated by genetic distance calculator developed by genealogy researches. Most famous one used is Time to Most Recent Common Ancestor (or TMRCA) calculator generated by Family Tree DNA Project.

For further information on the subject, you can visit Family Tree DNA main home page at:

www.familytreedna.com/

The National Geographic Gnographic and IBM joint project at:

ww3.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/

Family Tree DNA - Genealogy by Genetics, Ltd.
World Headquarters
1445 North Loop West, Suite 820 Houston, Texas 77008, USA
Phone: (713) 868-1438 | Fax: (832) 201-7147
Contact Us
All Contents Copyright 2001-2004 Genealogy by Genetics, Ltd.
Project Background, Goals, Results and News are copyright of the specific Surname Project

Project Goals:

Any man from the Arabian Peninsula, or whose origins are from there, can learn more about his ancestries and their relations to the known Arabian tribes' haplogroup. He can possibly determine if he is of
Adnanite or Qahtanite lineage, and confirm his linage to known branches within these two groups he belongs.

We welcome all who have oral or written tradition of their Arabian Peninsula Linage for the sake of knowledge, research and friendship. We aim to expand and confirm our knowledge of each other while respecting our differences as per guidance from the Surat AlHujorat in the Qura'an, verse 13 that says:

"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)."

A person interested to join is advised to start with the basic 12 marker Y-DNA test. As more information is gathered from participants it is possible to upgrade this test to add more information.

We ecourage all to invite others to join in order to refine our findings. The more people we have the better clear we become about our findings.

All interested persons from tribes or families that are currently living in the Arabian Peninsula can get in touch with us for instruction how to obtain free test kits.

Project News:

May 15th 2006:

Arabian Peninsula DNA Project was launched

September 7th 2006:

Brief description about some member's geneologies added.

October 8th 2006:

Further sub grouping is identified based on SNP results obtained for some group members and results of researches found.

December 14th 2006:
Founder of the project and administrator of the homepage our dear friend Mohammad Abdulla Humaid Belhoul (AlShebani) passed away in a tragic car accident.

Our cherished friend Mohammad was a good example of a sophisticated literate person, a delightful colleague and a true Moslem. He touched the lives of all who knew him with an everlasting memory of a great man. We pray almighty Allah to have mercy on his soul and to grant him the highest ranks in heaven alongside the dearest of all, our prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. We also pray Allah the abilities to maintain and further develop the project that our friend had founded. We ask you all to pray for his soul to rest in peace.

January 18th 2008:

Updated Phylotree and TMRCA for 12, 25 markers for J2 haplogroup members

January 20th 2008:

Updated YDNA J haplogroup research summery

August 15th 2008:

Updated Phylotree and Genetic Distance mapping for 12, 25 & 36 markers for J1 haplogroup members

October 10th 2008:

Updated project page with new information.

Project Results:

YDNA J Haplogroup Research Summery
1-YDNA (J, J1, J2) are believed to have been generated some 10,000 to 15,000 years ago in the Arabian Peninsula and the Levant (source is National Geographic Genetic Project)

2-(J1) Haplogroup is believed to have generated more in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula and south of the Levant while (J2) is believed to have generated earlier in northern part of the Fertile Crescent around current northern Iraq, turkey, Syria and Lebanon. (Source is National Geographic Genetic Project)

3- Based on research findings, highest population that caries J1 haplogroup are Arabs. So, it is assumed that J1 haplogroup is the only Arab haplogroup including both of its main subgroups Qahtanite tribes and Adnanite tribes.

4-(J1) Haplogroup is more common in Arabs (about 62.5% of Bedouins) (source is Semino et al.: Origin, Diffusion, and Differentiation of Y-Chromosome Haplogroups E and J: Inferences on the Neolithization of Europe and Later Migratory
Events in the Mediterranean Area). Wikipedia indicate such percentage to be as high as 82% but no reference is found. (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haplogroup_J_(Y-DNA).

5-All chromosomes classified as J* (because of not belonging to J2) were considered members of J1 by Cruciani et al. (2002), Nebel et al. (2001), and Bosch et al.(2001). (source is Semino et al. : Origin, Diffusion, and Differentiation of Y-Chromosome Haplogroups E and J: Inferences on the Neolithization of Europe and Later Migratory
Events in the Mediterranean Area).

6-(J1) haplogroup had expanded outside of the Arabian Peninsula all over history but distinctively during two main periods. It had expanded out from the Fertile Crescent about 7000-9000 years ago during the Neolithic times (last part of the stone age). The other period was during Arab migration with the expansion of Islamic empire on 6th century AC. (source Nadia Al-Zahery et al research).

7-(J1) Haplogroup people who migrated during Neolithic periods are believed to belong to very old Perishing Arabian tribes that are extinct and difficult to trace (Aad, Thamoud, etc), while J1 haplogroup people who migrated with Islamic empire expansion are believed to belong to more recent known Arabian tribe names.

8-Arab people with J1 haplogroup who migrated during Islamic empire expansion have markers YCAIIa=22 & YCAIIb=22 motif based on Infinite Alleles Model of YCA markers. (Source is Semino et al.: Origin, Diffusion, and Differentiation of Y-chromosome Haplogroups E and J: Inferences on the Neolithization of Europe and Later Migratory Events in the Mediterranean Area). But many researchers disagree with such belief highlighting fast mutation rate characteristic of such markers could possibility match even when tested persons are not related (as a result of Infinite Alleles Model).

9-Ashkenazi Jews (Jews of Germany and eastern Europe) have also been found to carry J1 haplogroup making the largest J1 group in National Geographic database (source is National Geographic Genetic Project)

10-About 82% Samaritans Israelites from Jerusalem (Israelites who are descendants of early Israelites before time of Moses PBUH) haplogroup is J in all four families that are currently existing. Half that group is J1 haplogroup and the other half is J2 haplogroup (source is Answers.com).

11-Cohenim Jews (believed to be descendants of Aaron brother of Moses PBU them) haplogroup is found to be mainly J1 (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y-chromosomal_Aaron) & (http://www.familytreedna.com/public/Cohen/index.aspx?fixed_columns=on).

12-About 30% of all Jews and small percentage of Arabs (by statistics) are J2 haplogroups. (Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haplogroup_J_(Y-DNA)).

13-(J1) haplogroup members with marker DYS 390 = 23 has been identified as the "Sana'a Modal Haplotype" (source Thomas et al 2000 research) (Sana'a: current capital of Yemen).

14-(J1) haplogroup marker DYS 388 = 17 was found almost exclusively in Arabs, while allele 16 was more common among Jews. (source Nebel et al. 2002 research).

15-To confirm J haplogroup type (J1 or J2), deep SNP tests must be used. For J1, M267 SNP must be positive. For J2, M172 SNP must be positive.

16-Latest researches believe that J2 is a Phoenicians gene and is found at high frequencies at Phoenicians inhibited lands (source is National Geographic Genetic Project)

Majority of cited papers are found on the following links:

International Society of Genetic Genealogy homepage at:

http://www.isogg.org/tree/ISOGG_All_Papers.html

FTDNA published papers list at:

http://www.familytreedna.com/ydnapapers.html

For Jews related researches as references of Semitic haplogroups, the following page is a good reference:

http://www.khazaria.com/genetics/abstracts-jews.html

Brief Descriptions of Participants' Genealogies (written by project members):

1) Shamsi belongs to the tribe of Nuaim, mainly found in UAE and Oman. They say that they belong to the Azd tribe, from the same branch as Aws and Khazraj, i.e the Ansar and companions of the Prophet (SAW). They are not from Adnan, but from Qahtan.

2) Al-Rashdi belongs to the Rawashid tribe (mainly found in Oman and Yemen), one of the Kathiri clans who trace their lineage to the classical tribe of Hamdhan. They are of Qahtanite lineage.

3) Al-Muhairi, Al-Hamli & Al-Romaithi belong to the tribe of Beni Yas, mainly found in the UAE. There are several opinions about the origins of this tribe, however the results so far support the historians and geneologists who claim that they are of Qahtan lineage, since they are, or at least Al-Muhairi, is very close to Al-Shamsi. Also they are not very far from Al-Rashdi.

4) Al-Za'abi belongs to the tribe of Za'ab mainly found in the UAE. There are several opinions about the origins of this tribe, however, the results so far support the historians and genealogists who claim that they are of Qahtan lineage, since Za'abi is very close to Shamsi.

5) Dridi belongs to Drid, a branch of the Beni Hilal tribes who migrated along with the tribe of Beni Sulaim in the 4th century A.H from the Arabian peninsula and spread through North Africa. They are of Adnanite lineage and they meet with Beni Hashim in Mudar son of Nizar, 18 generations from the Prophet (SAW).

6)Khowasah (a family originating from Alexandria Egypt) have a tradition that their ancestor is the medieval mystic Ali Al-Khawas who lived in the 10th century A.H. Little is know about the ancestors of this person. However, the 12 marker DNA results are close to the other participants of Qahtanite lineage.

7) Shareef Ali is supposedly a descendent of the Prophet whose ancestors lived in the Arabian Peninsula and Hadramout, Yemen, before settling in Somali lands. Many of Hajji Ali's descendents are of the view that he is an Idrisid through Hasan b. Ali b. Abi Talib. An investigation into the ancestry of Somali Ashraf clans revealed that none claim descent through the Idrisids and his descent through the Ba'Alawi clan of Hadramout is more likely. Elders of the Somali Ashraf clan, Hasan al-Kawayni, testify that Hajji Ali was from their clan. They narrate, in agreement with his descendents in Silte, Ethiopia, that he traveled from Somali lands to Harar, Ethiopia, where he settled for a period. From Harar, he launched a military campaign into southern Ethiopia, where he settled and left descendents. According to the Kawayni clan: He is al-Hajj Ali b. Saa'id b Hasan al Kawayni b. Umar b. Ali b. Adem b. Ibrahim b. Musa b. Muhammad b. Muhammad b. Muhammad b. Ahmed b. Alawi b. Shaykhan b. Alawi b. Muhammad b. Ahmed b. Abu Bakr Kharbashan b. Abdurahman b. Abdullah Aboud b. Ali b. Muhammad Mowla al Dawaylah (whose lineage is documented in the Alawi tree in Tarim, Hadramout).

8) Shaibani belongs to the Beni Shaiban tribe,mainly found in Oman. Omani historian and genealogist , Al-Siyabi, asserts that they belong to the same classical tribe of Beni Shaiban, an Adnanite tribe which meets with the Beni Hashim in Nizar son of Ma'ad, 19 generations from the Prophet (SAW).

Phlyotrees for members:

Phylotree of 12 markers for J1 hablogroup members

Phylotree of 25 markers for J1 hablogroup members

Phylotree of 36 markers for J1 hablogroup members

Genetic Distance as per FTDNA and Time to Most Recent Common Ancestor (TMRCA)
Considering an average generation gap of 20 years

Genetic Distance as per FTDNA for J1 haplogroup members

Note:
Dean McGee YDNA Comparison Utility, Megasoftware and Phylip softwares were used to calculate and develop trees and tables.

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