My Scythian vs. Turk DNA: Understanding My Ancestral Journey

Scythian (Left) Turk (Right)

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Former Pagan, Christian Conservative LDS Priest

As an Iranian-American descended from the royal lineage of the Safavid dynasty, I have always taken an active interest in my ancestry. The story written in my DNA is one of incredible complexity—one that bridges the ancient world of the Scythians, Sarmatians, and Alans with the enigmatic origins of the Turks. My genetic makeup reveals a surprising blend: 10% Turkish DNA alongside my Alan (Iranic Scythian/Sarmatian) Y-DNA. But as someone whose ancestors helped shape the fabric of ancient and medieval civilizations, I find myself asking, What are the true origins of the Turks, and how do they differ from the Scythians and Alans?

My Alan Y-DNA: A Lineage of Nomadic Horse Lords

The Scythians and their descendants, the Sarmatians and Alans, were a proud Iranic-speaking people of the Eurasian steppes. Their culture revolved around mastery of the horse, warrior traditions, and an intricate web of spiritual beliefs rooted in Zoroastrianism and steppe animism. Historical records and archaeological findings demonstrate their influence stretching from the Pontic Steppe to Europe and even as far east as China.

My Alan Y-DNA links me directly to this legacy, a people who carried the torch of Iranic civilization through migrations that shaped the ancient and medieval worlds. The Alans, in particular, left an enduring mark by merging with Gothic, Roman, and other societies after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, spreading their cultural and genetic footprint.

The Turks: A Distinct Steppe Origin

In contrast, the origins of the Turks lie not in the Iranic sphere but in the Altaic-speaking tribes of Central Asia, specifically in the Altai Mountains and surrounding regions. The earliest Turks were part of the Xiongnu Confederation, a nomadic empire that threatened China’s northern borders as early as the 3rd century BCE. Over time, these Altaic peoples, including the Göktürks of the 6th century CE, became prominent in the steppe world, carving out vast empires through their military and political prowess.

Unlike the Scythians and Alans, who were predominantly Iranic-speaking and Zoroastrian in their spiritual practices, the Turks were animists and later converted to Buddhism, Nestorian Christianity, and, eventually, Islam as their influence spread westward. Their language, culture, and physical characteristics set them apart from the Iranic nomads of the steppes.

My 10% Turkish DNA: Historical Interactions

The presence of Turkish DNA in my genetic makeup likely stems from the interactions between Iranic peoples and Turkic groups during the rise of the Turkic empires, particularly the Seljuks and later the Ottomans. The Safavid dynasty, from which I trace my royal lineage, ruled during a time when Turkic influence was at its height. While the Safavids were Persianized and committed to Iranic culture, their interactions with Turkic soldiers, courtiers, and allies would have naturally left genetic traces.

The Safavid dynasty itself rose to power in the early 16th century, leveraging a mix of Persian, Kurdish, and Turkic forces. My Turkish DNA could reflect this historical blending, while my Alan Y-DNA preserves the deeper legacy of my Iranic forebears.

Scythians vs. Turks: Distinctions in Culture and Identity

Despite their shared steppe origins, the Scythians and Turks developed along very different cultural and linguistic lines:

1. Language: The Scythians and Alans spoke Iranic languages, part of the Indo-European family, while the Turks spoke Turkic languages, part of the Altaic family.
2. Religion: The Scythians followed a proto-Zoroastrian faith that revered fire, the elements, and an array of deities associated with nature. In contrast, the early Turks practiced Tengriism, which emphasized sky worship and shamanistic traditions.
3. Physical Traits: Genetic studies show that the Scythians and Alans were predominantly of West Eurasian origin, while early Turks were East Eurasian, with later mixing as they expanded westward.

Why This Matters

Understanding these differences is more than an academic exercise for me; it is a way of reclaiming the narrative of my ancestors. The Scythians and Alans played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and genetic heritage of Europe and the Near East, while the Turks represent a separate and equally fascinating lineage of steppe conquerors. Knowing that my DNA carries the story of both helps me see how history intertwines in unexpected ways.

As an ex-Muslim and Christian Conservative LDS, I find it particularly important to reflect on how these histories inform modern identity. The forced Islamicization of Iran destroyed much of the Iranic heritage of my ancestors, replacing it with Arab and Turkic influences. Yet, the remnants of Scythian and Sarmatian culture survive in the customs, values, and even the genetics of Iranian peoples like myself.

Conclusion

My DNA reflects a bridge between ancient worlds—Scythian and Turk, Iranic and Altaic. These stories are written not only in history books but in the very essence of who I am. While my Alan Y-DNA ties me to a proud Iranic legacy of warrior-nomads, my Turkish DNA speaks to the historical blending of cultures that occurred during the Safavid period and beyond. Understanding these origins helps me embrace both the complexity of my ancestry and the enduring legacy of my Scythian and Sarmatian roots.

Citations

1. Golden, P. B. An Introduction to the History of the Turkic Peoples. Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, 1992.
2. Melyukova, A. I. "The Scythians and Sarmatians." Cambridge History of Early Inner Asia. Cambridge University Press, 1994.
3. Harmatta, János. "The Rise of the Sarmatians." History of Civilizations of Central Asia. UNESCO, 1994.
4. Sinor, Denis. The Cambridge History of Early Inner Asia. Cambridge University Press, 1990.
5. Beckwith, Christopher I. Empires of the Silk Road: A History of Central Eurasia from the Bronze Age to the Present. Princeton University Press, 2009.