Iranian DNA Project- Background

Background

This project intends to establish connections between Iranian families by performing a Y-Chromosome (Y-DNA) or mitochondrial (mtDNA) test on any male or female with direct ancestry from Iran. Lines that trace back exclusively to Iran's territory are invited to participate in this project. Iran's population is not limited to the Persian-speaking majority; significant minorities include Azeris, Kurds, Balochis, the Talysh, Loris & Bakhtiaris, Iranian Arabs, Armenians, Assyrians, Turkmens and the Qashqai. Please refer to the map shown below (reduced, courtesy of columbia.edu@farsinet.com):


Due to Iran's ethnic heterogeneity, this project will focus specifically on ethno-linguistic divisions in the country. As such, Iranian-speaking lines from beyond Iran's borders, such as Pashtuns from Afghanistan, are not eligible to join this project. Iranian surnames are mostly recent in origin and became the status quo after government-led reforms in the 1920's. Most Iranian surnames are based on occupations, prior homesteads and also culturo-religious symbols.

Those living in the Middle-East who wish to participate in this project can do so through Eastern Biotech, a Biotechnology firm based in the United Arab Emirates, who work in partnership with Family Tree DNA. For more information, please visit their main site at http://www.easternbiotech.com