Mapping Middle Eastern DNA

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted July 23, 2007 in DNA Around the World, DNA and Genealogy

As a Chinese-American, I haven’t found genetic genealogy to be all that intriguing. That’s mostly out of ignorance since I haven’t done much research into my personal family history let alone China’s long history and lineages. Genealogy DNA testing companies also tend to focus very little on East Asians with only occasional stories about Y-DNA testing for a relationship to Genghis Khan or Confucius.

People of Middle East descent may feel the same way but hopefully not for long. Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences in Dubai have signed an agreement to be part of the Genographic Project via Family Tree DNA. They plan to create a database for the Middle Eastern population. Y-DNA and mtDNA tests are offered at DNAancestry.ae although much of the information there is a duplicate from Family Tree DNA and not specific to Middle Eastern populations. For example, their case studies are of Donald Trump, Brat (sic) Pitt and Pamela Anderson which actually take you to a blank form at Ancestry.co.uk!

On a more serious note, I wonder if knowledge of genetic similarities and differences between these countries could influence their relationships with one another - for the better or for the worse.

NB: According to WorldAtlas.com, the Middle East includes these countries: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.

Tags: middle east, genetics, genes, dna, genealogy, genographic project, family tree dna

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3 Comments »

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2007-07-26 10:14:59

[...] at EyeonDNA posted about genetic genealogy in the Middle East: “Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences in Dubai [...]

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Comment by Pankaj Sohaney

2007-08-26 11:38:11

Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences is proud to announce its association with Family Tree DNA to allow the Middle eastern population to be tested for genealogical and ancestral purposes.

This association will add a new dimension and important level of diversity to the data being collected from the growing numbers of individuals that are seeking to know more about their origins and family relationships.
Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences has put in place a vast distribution network covering the length and breadth of the Middle East

If your goal is to verify relationships, or discover more about your recent or deep ancestral origins, you can compare your DNA to as many others as you wish. The DNA wall chart tells the story of your ancient ancestors, based on scientific analysis of DNA you inherited from your father or mother. From a simple mouth swab, it traces your genetic line back to the beginnings of humanity in Africa and compares with the database of genetic information from thousands of men and women living all across the planet.

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Comment by Hsien

2007-08-26 15:31:50

Thanks for the ad-like comment, Pankaj of Eastern Biotech.

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