Genetic studies of ethnic groups in Afghanistan
DNA study results of the ethnic groups of Afghanistan refers to a body of population genetic research that uses DNA data to investigate the genetic origins, historical connections, and levels of admixture among the various ethnic groups residing in Afghanistan. These studies are typically based on genetic markers such as the Y chromosome, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and autosomal genome-wide data.
Afghanistan is home to numerous ethnic groups with diverse ancestral backgrounds, including Iranian, South Asian (Indic), Turkic, Mongolic, Arab, and others, all of whom share intertwined history and culture.
Background
Due to its geographical position at the crossroads of Central Asia, South Asia, the Iranian Plateau, and the Turkic–Mongolic world, Afghanistan has historically been a region of migration, settlement, and interaction among diverse populations. This long history of demographic movements and cultural exchange has resulted in a highly diverse and admixed genetic structure among Afghanistan's present-day populations.
Important note: The figures presented below represent average estimates derived from autosomal DNA studies in academic population genetics research. These percentages may vary depending on region, sampling strategy, and methodological approach. They reflect inferred ancestral genetic components rather than definitive or exclusive definitions of ethnic or cultural identity.
Results
| Ethnic group | Iranian | Turkic | Mongolic | South Asian (Indic) | Arab | Total | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pashtuns | 63% | 2% | 10% | 19% | 6% | 100% | Iranian-related |
| Tajiks | 76% | 2% | 13% | 8% | 1% | 100% | Iranian-related |
| Hazaras | 31% | 34% | 32% | 1% | 2% | 100% | Turkic-related |
| Uzbeks | 15% | 65% | 20% | 0% | 0% | 100% | Turkic-related |
| Turkmen | 10% | 75% | 15% | 0% | 0% | 100% | Turkic-related |
| Aimaq | 35% | 28% | 32% | 5% | 0% | 100% | Iranian-related |
| Baloch | 60% | 0% | 5% | 30% | 5% | 100% | Iranian-related |
| Nuristanis | 75% | 3% | 2% | 20% | 0% | 100% | Iranian-related |
| Pashayi | 49% | 8% | 8% | 35% | 0% | 100% | Iranian-related |
| Qizilbash | 25% | 55% | 7% | 0% | 13% | 100% | Turkic-related |
| Mongols in Afghanistan | 10% | 15% | 75% | 0% | 0% | 100% | Mongolic-related |
| Hindus | 14% | 6% | 5% | 67% | 8% | 100% | South Asian (Indic)-related |
See also
References
- ↑ Haber, Marc; Platt, Daniel E.; Ashrafian Bonab, Maziar; Youhanna, Sonia C.; Soria-Hernanz, David F.; Martínez-Cruz, Begoña; Douaihy, Bouchra; Ghassibe-Sabbagh, Michella; Rafatpanah, Hoshang (2012). "Afghanistan's ethnic groups share a Y-chromosomal heritage structured by historical events". PLOS ONE. 7 (3) e34288. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0034288. PMC 3314501. PMID 22470552.
- ↑ Cristofaro, Julie Di; Pennarun, Erwan; Mazières, Stéphane; Myres, Natalie M.; Lin, Alice A.; Temori, Shah Aga; Metspalu, Mait; Metspalu, Ene; Witzel, Michael (2013-10-18). "Afghan Hindu Kush: Where Eurasian Sub-Continent Gene Flows Converge". PLOS ONE. 8 (10) e76748. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0076748. PMC 3799995. PMID 24204668.