The Cultural Appropriation of Iranian-Scythian, Sarmatian, and Alan Heritage by Pan-Turkists, Ukrainians, Hungarians, and Islamists
Iranic Alans (Sarmatians/Scythians)
By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
As an Iranian-American with deep roots in the history of the Iranian plateau, it pains me to witness the repeated efforts by Pan-Turkists, Ukrainians, Hungarians, and Islamists to culturally appropriate the rich history and civilization of the Scythians, Sarmatians, and Alans. These attempts are not merely academic or historical; they are ideological and political moves designed to erase the true origins of these great peoples and manipulate their legacy to serve modern, often foreign, agendas.
The Scythians, Sarmatians, and Alans: A Glorious Iranian Heritage
To begin with, it is essential to understand the historical and cultural importance of the Scythians, Sarmatians, and Alans. These ancient nomadic tribes and civilizations flourished in the vast Eurasian steppes, from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea, and much of their influence can be traced to their Iranian roots. The Scythians, for instance, were a group of Iranian-speaking nomads who roamed from Eastern Europe through Central Asia. The Sarmatians, closely related to the Scythians, were another Iranian-speaking people who occupied large areas of Eastern Europe, while the Alans, whose language and culture were rooted in the Iranian world, spread across the steppes, interacting with various empires and leaving their mark on history.
These cultures were deeply influenced by the ancient Iranian civilizations, such as the Medes and Persians, and shared many cultural and linguistic ties. Their religious practices, art, military tactics, and societal organization reflect a broader Iranian identity, one that stands apart from the Turkic, Slavic, and Arabic empires that later rose to prominence in the region. Yet, over the centuries, various groups have attempted to claim or distort their legacy, often for political purposes.
Pan-Turkism: A Deceptive Nationalist Movement
Pan-Turkism, the political ideology advocating for the unity of all Turkic peoples, has been one of the most vocal proponents of cultural appropriation. Its proponents often attempt to lay claim to Scythian, Sarmatian, and Alan heritage as part of the broader Turkic identity. This attempt to assimilate the Iranian roots of these peoples is not just a matter of historical misunderstanding—it is part of a broader ideological agenda.
The Turkic peoples, historically coming from the Central Asian steppes, have no direct ancestral connection to the Scythians, Sarmatians, or Alans, yet Pan-Turkists seek to link their identity to these cultures. By claiming these Iranian groups as part of their own heritage, Pan-Turkism is able to fabricate a narrative of historical continuity and superiority, aiming to forge a united front of Turkic-speaking nations and peoples, from Turkey to Central Asia, and even parts of Russia and Eastern Europe. This is a deliberate effort to bolster the political and cultural legitimacy of modern-day Turkic nationalism, often at the expense of true Iranian heritage.
Ukrainian and Hungarian Nationalism: A Complicated Legacy
In Eastern Europe, both Ukraine and Hungary have attempted to claim ties to the Scythians and Sarmatians as part of their own national identities. Ukrainian nationalists, for example, have long linked their ancient roots to the Scythians, seeing them as a symbol of independence and resistance to foreign rule. While it is true that the Scythians once inhabited parts of what is now Ukraine, the historical connection between them and modern Ukrainians is tenuous at best. The Scythians were an Iranian-speaking, nomadic people whose culture and language bear little resemblance to the Slavic identity that defines Ukraine today.
Similarly, Hungarians, whose roots lie in the Uralic-speaking peoples of the Ural Mountains, have occasionally sought to connect themselves to the ancient Sarmatians. Though the Sarmatians did occupy parts of what is now Hungary, their Iranian heritage is distinctly separate from the Finno-Ugric heritage of the Hungarians. Hungarian nationalism, at times, has found it convenient to tap into this connection, but it is a distortion of the true historical narrative.
Both Ukrainian and Hungarian nationalists, like Pan-Turkists, attempt to appropriate the Iranian roots of the Scythians and Sarmatians to assert their national identity. This cultural appropriation erases the true Iranian heritage of these peoples and distorts their historical legacy to fit modern political needs.
Islamist Appropriation: Erasing Iran’s Legacy
Islamist movements, particularly those from the Middle East, have also played a role in distorting and appropriating the history of the Scythians, Sarmatians, and Alans. Under the banner of Islamic supremacy, many Islamist ideologues have sought to undermine the achievements of pre-Islamic Iranian civilizations, painting them as barbaric or irrelevant to Islamic history. By doing so, they erase the contributions of ancient Iran to world culture, from the Zoroastrian religion to the Persian Empire’s influence on art, philosophy, and governance.
Furthermore, some Islamist groups attempt to co-opt the legacy of the Scythians, Sarmatians, and Alans, not as part of their Iranian heritage, but as an adjunct to the broader Islamic empire. In this view, these ancient peoples are not seen as part of the Iranian world but as precursor cultures to the spread of Islam. This view dismisses the significance of their Iranian identity and misrepresents their history as being inextricably linked to the rise of Islam, further distorting the complex cultural history of the region.
Why This Matters: Protecting the Iranian Legacy
As an Iranian-American who has lived through both the Iranian Revolution and the rise of Islamist ideology, I understand how critical it is to protect the true legacy of our ancestors. The Iranian heritage of the Scythians, Sarmatians, and Alans is not just a matter of historical interest—it is integral to understanding the cultural and spiritual roots of modern Iran and the broader Iranian diaspora.
Cultural appropriation of these ancient peoples’ heritage by Pan-Turkists, Ukrainians, Hungarians, and Islamists not only distorts history but also erases the identity of millions of people who trace their ancestry to the ancient Iranian world. It is essential that we, as a global community, acknowledge and preserve the true history of these peoples, recognizing their Iranian roots and celebrating their contributions to world civilization.
In conclusion, the efforts by various nationalist and Islamist groups to appropriate the legacy of the Scythians, Sarmatians, and Alans are not simply academic exercises—they are politically motivated attempts to rewrite history. As an Iranian-American and a Christian conservative, I believe it is crucial to reclaim and protect the true heritage of these peoples, ensuring that their Iranian identity is not erased or manipulated for political gain.
Citations:
- Golden, P. B. (1992). The Turkic peoples: An introduction to their history and culture. University of California Press.
- Cheban, V. M. (2011). Scythian and Sarmatian Cultures of Eastern Europe: A Comparative Study. Routledge.
- M. A. Dandamayev, (1999). The Persian Empire. Macmillan.
- Levi, J. A. (2003). The Sarmatians: History and Culture. Cambridge University Press.
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