Genetics of Persians

The genetics of Persians, who inhabit modern-day Iran and are part of a broader ethnic and cultural group historically linked to ancient Persia, provide fascinating insights into their long and complex history. Studies of Persian genetic makeup reveal a mosaic of influences shaped by millennia of migrations, invasions, and trade interactions. Ancient Persians are believed to have originated from the Indo-Iranians, a branch of Indo-Europeans who migrated into the Iranian plateau around 2000 BCE. This early population mingled with indigenous groups and later saw genetic input from the Elamites, who had a civilization in southwestern Iran, as well as from neighboring Mesopotamians. Throughout history, Persian genetics have been influenced by significant historical events, including the conquests of Alexander the Great, the Arab expansion following the rise of Islam, and the Mongol invasions. These periods introduced genetic material from Greeks, Arabs, and Central Asians into the Persian gene pool. Despite these interactions, modern Persians retain a strong genetic continuity with ancient populations of the Iranian plateau. Genetic studies have shown that most Persians share significant ancestry with other populations from the broader region, such as Caucasians, Anatolians, and South Asians, while also exhibiting some unique genetic markers that distinguish them from their neighbors.