Recent discussions on the genetic makeup of modern Turks have spotlighted the historical presence of Greek DNA, though its exact proportion remains elusive, according to experts.
Geneticists and university studies suggest that centuries of coexistence, particularly during antiquity and the Byzantine period, have left a measurable Greek imprint on Turkey’s population.
Kostas Triantafyllidis, a renowned geneticist and former chairman of the Department of Biology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, explains that modern Turks exhibit genetic diversity reflecting historical intermixing with various groups, including Greeks. However, he notes that the precise percentage of Greek ancestry is difficult to pinpoint due to limited targeted research and the complexity of genetic analysis.
Studies also reveal minimal genetic differences between religious communities in regions like the Rhodope Mountains, hinting at a shared heritage shaped by cultural and historical interactions. While the Greek genetic contribution is acknowledged, broader scientific efforts are needed to quantify its scope.
Personal stories add a human dimension to these findings. Jale Karaaslan, a young Turkish woman living abroad, recently discovered through a DNA test that 46.2% of her ancestry is Greek, prompting a surprised reaction: “What Greek?” Similar accounts from other Turkish citizens underscore the deep, often unexpected, ties between the two nations. Experts caution, however, that results from commercial DNA tests vary based on methodology and databases.
The genetic profile of modern Turks reflects a rich historical tapestry, with Greeks among the many populations that have shaped it. As personal discoveries fuel curiosity, scientists call for more extensive research to unravel the full extent of this ancestral connection.
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