Abstract:
This study investigates the Y-chromosome genetic diversity of the Turkmen population in
Turkmenistan, analyzing 23 Y-STR loci for the first time in a sample of 100 individuals. Combined
with comparative data from Turkmen populations in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Russia, and Uzbekistan,
this analysis offers insights into the genetic structure and relationships among Turkmen populations
across regions across Central Asia and the Near East. High haplotype diversity in the Turkmen of
Turkmenistan is shaped by founder effects (lineage expansions) from distinct haplogroups, with
haplogroups Q and R1a predominating. Subhaplogroups Q1a and Q1b identified in Turkmenistan
trace back to ancient Y-chromosome lineages from the Bronze Age. Comparative analyses, including
genetic distance (RST), median-joining network, and multidimensional scaling (MDS), highlight
the genetic proximity of the Turkmen in Turkmenistan to those in Afghanistan and Iran, while
Iraqi Turkmen display unique characteristics, aligning with Near Eastern populations. This study
underscores the Central Asian genetic affinity across most Turkmen populations. It demonstrates
the value of deep-sequencing Y-chromosome data in tracing the patrilineal history of Central Asia
for future studies. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of Turkmen
genetic ancestry and add new data to the ongoing study of Central Asian population genetics.
