The Myth of Iranian Ethnicity: Genetically Proving the Azerbaijanis as Oghuz Turk Tribes

For many years, Azerbaijani Turks have been portrayed as ethnic Iranians, despite historical and genetic evidence that contradicts this claim. This article aims to explore and debunk the myth that Azerbaijanis are ethnic Iranians, focusing on their genetic origins and historical context.

The Historical Rulers of Iran

The Seljuks, Kharazmids, Ghaznavids, Safavids, and Qajars are all notable regimes that have ruled Iran. However, these rulers did not consider themselves as ethnic Iranians. The title 'Shahanshah' (King of Kings) which they adopted was a way to legitimise their rule over conquered territories, not an indicator of their ethnic identity. Similarly, historical figures like Queen Victoria did not consider themselves as Indian when holding the title of 'Empress of India'. This highlights that the titles of rulers do not determine their ethnic background.

Genetic Proximity Map and Tribes

Several tribes that form the Azeri population, such as the Shahsevans, Qarapapaqs, Ayrums, Bayat, Qajars, and others, are Oghuz Turk tribes, not Iranians. Genetic studies have provided compelling evidence that these tribes share a closer genetic relationship with Caucasian peoples like Georgians and Armenians, rather than with Iranian groups such as Kurds and Persians.

A comparative study conducted in 2013, which analyzed complete mitochondrial DNA diversity in Iranians, revealed that Iranian Azerbaijanis are more closely related to the people of Georgia than to other Iranians, including Armenians. This genetic evidence strongly supports the argument that Azerbaijanis are not genetically Iranian, but are rather a distinct ethnic group.

Further Genetic Evidence

According to further research, Azerbaijanis who have any Iranian genetic makeup likely acquired it through intermarriage with native Iranians, not the other way around. Genetic proximity studies further indicate that Azerbaijanis are genetically closer to Caucasians such as Georgians and Armenians. This is evident from a genetic proximity map of a Sasanian-era Persian male, which shows that while the Sasanians are closely related to Iranian tribes, this is not the case with Azerbaijanis when compared to Caucasian groups.

Influence of Religion and Politics

The only thing that ties Azerbaijanis to Persian identity is the Shia religion. In fact, it was the Azeri people who converted the Persians to Shia Islam, which was historically Sunni. The current Iranian regime, which is Islamist, uses Islam to control the Turkic Azeri population, employing symbols from the Pezeskan era to maintain dominance.

The impending Iranian civil war, which is expected to involve secularists and Islamists, could result in independence for South Azerbaijan and the Kurds. As the Iranian royal family becomes less relevant and the economy crumbles, supported by Turkey, the North Azerbaijani Republic, Israel, and the Gulf Arab countries, Iran will likely disintegrate. However, recognition of the Azerbaijani ethnic identity by secularists could lead to a less violent outcome.

By understanding the genetic and historical evidence, it is clear that the Azerbaijani Turks have a distinct ethnic identity that is separate from that of the Iranians. Further recognition and respect for this identity could lead to a more peaceful resolution in future conflicts.