The Scythians Were Iranic, Not Altaic Turkic: A Scientific, Genetic, Linguistic, and Historical Analysis
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 Scytho-Sarmatian ancestry, I have long been fascinated by the origins of the Scythians, the ancient nomadic horse riders who roamed the vast Eurasian steppes. Recent attempts to appropriate Scythian heritage by some Altaic Turkic nationalists must be addressed with clarity. Using scientific, genetic, linguistic, and historical evidence, I will demonstrate why the Scythians were Iranic, not Altaic Turkic.
1. Scientific Evidence: Anthropology and Archaeology
Archaeological finds associated with Scythians, particularly their burial mounds (kurgans), show a clear connection to the broader Indo-European tradition. Their artifacts, including gold ornaments, weaponry, and horse gear, align more with Iranic-speaking groups. For example, Scythian art often depicts motifs such as griffins and stags, which are also prominent in Achaemenid Persian art, signifying shared cultural roots.
Furthermore, anthropological studies of skeletal remains reveal a predominantly Caucasoid physical type with distinct Indo-Iranian cranial features, such as elongated skulls and high nasal indices, differentiating them from Turkic populations of the Mongoloid type.
2. Genetic Evidence: Y-DNA and mtDNA Studies
Modern genetic studies have decisively linked the Scythians to Indo-Iranian populations. Key markers such as the R1a haplogroup, prevalent among Scythians, are closely associated with Indo-European migrations and are particularly dominant among Iranic peoples.
For instance, a 2019 study by Unterländer et al. analyzed DNA from Scythian remains and found a genetic continuity with earlier Andronovo and Srubnaya cultures, both associated with proto-Indo-Iranian speakers. In contrast, Turkic populations are predominantly associated with haplogroups like C-M217 and N, which are largely absent in ancient Scythian remainsinguistic Evidence: Iranic Languages and Scythian Names**
The Scythians spoke a language classified under the Eastern Iranic branch of the Indo-Iranian language family. The names of Scythian kings, such as Ariantas, Skiluros, and Idanthyrsos, as recorded by Greek historians, are linguistically Iranic. These names share roots with Old Persian and Avestan, the sacred language of Zoroastrian scripture.
Additionally, key Scythian terms like skuda (archer) are etymologically Iranic. The word skuda parallels the Avestan term skuδa, meaning archer or bowman, aligning with the Scythians’ renowned reputation as mounted archers. Turkic languages lack any historical or linguistic connection to these terms.
4. Historical Evidence: Accounts from Greek and Persian Sources
Ancient historians like Herodotus, who extensively documented the Scythians, described their customs, language, and dress in ways that align with Iranic traditions. For example, Herodotus mentions the Scythians' use of hemp for rituals, a practice also noted among early Iranic groups.
The Achaemenid Persians referred to the Scythians as Saka, a term firmly rooted in Iranic culture. Darius the Great's inscriptions at Behistun and Naqsh-e Rustam depict the Saka as distinct but related Iranic-speaking peoples. Furthermore, Scythian warriors served in the Persian army, suggesting shared linguistic and cultural understanding.
5. Misappropriation by Turkic Nationalists
The narrative that the Scythians were Altaic Turkic is a recent political construction, not a reflection of historical reality. This claim often stems from the misinterpretation of Scythian artifacts found in Central Asia, a region that later saw Turkic migrations. However, proximity does not equate to heritage. Turkic peoples began migrating into Central Asia centuries after the decline of the Scythians.
Furthermore, early Turkic groups, such as the Göktürks, had a fundamentally different cultural and linguistic identity, characterized by shamanistic traditions and a Turkic linguistic structure distinct from the Indo-Iranian linguistic family.
Conclusion
The Scythians were unequivocally Iranic in origin. Their culture, language, and genetic lineage connect them to the broader Iranic and Indo-European world, not to Altaic Turkic groups. Recognizing this truth is essential to preserving the historical integrity of the Scythian legacy and honoring the Indo-Iranian heritage that shaped the Eurasian steppes.
As an Iranian-American, I take pride in this rich ancestral history and urge scholars and enthusiasts to rely on evidence rather than revisionist claims. The Scythians belong to the proud Iranic tradition, a legacy of innovation, resilience, and freedom that continues to inspire today.
Citations
- Unterländer, M., Palstra, F., Lazaridis, I., et al. (2019). "Ancestral Origins of the Scythians: A Genetic Perspective." Nature Communications.
- Mallory, J.P., & Adams, D.Q. (1997). Encyclopedia of Indo-European Culture. London: Fitzroy Dearborn.
- Herodotus. Histories. Translated by Aubrey de Sélincourt. London: Penguin Classics.
- Harmatta, J. (1999). "The Scythians." In History of Civilizations of Central Asia, Volume II. UNESCO Publishing.
- Dandamayev, M.A. (1989). A Political History of the Achaemenid Empire. Brill Academic Publishers.
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