Sasun Armenians in Hovhannisyan et al. (2024)

 

Sasun Armenians in Hovhannisyan et al. (2024)

Hovhannisyan et al. (2024) published, for the first time, five genome-wide DNA samples of Sasun Armenians. Until now, we only had Y-DNA studies of Sasun Armenians, which showed that their Y-DNA pool differs somewhat from that of other Armenian subgroups (see picture 2). Various theories have been proposed to explain this difference based on historical records and local traditions.

The new paper examined this issue and found little difference between the autosomes of Sasun Armenians and other Armenian subgroups. This can be seen on the PCA, where Sasun samples plot close to other Armenians marked as E, W, and C, while Sasun is marked as S. All five Sasun samples fall on the southern side of the Armenian cluster, which corresponds well with their geographic location.

When the G25 coordinates of these samples become available, we will be able to examine them more closely.

Y-DNA Peculiarities

Understanding the distinct Y-DNA composition of Sasun Armenians will be difficult without ancient DNA from the region.

The haplogroup T likely had a homeland near or overlapping with the Sasun region. Meanwhile, the presence of R2 in Sasun may reflect a founder effect. Haplogroup R2 was prominent among Zagros Neolithic farmers and has recently also been identified among South Caucasus Neolithic populations.

Historical Context

The Y-DNA profile of Sasun may also be connected with the specific historical background of the region.

Assyrian sources mention a kingdom called Shubria in this area. The name of this kingdom derives from the older Sumerian term Subir. Very little is known about the Subir people, but later sources use the term Subarean language to refer to a Hurrian language. In the Iron Age, several Hurrian royal names are attested in this region. However, this does not necessarily mean that the earlier Subir populations were Hurrian as well.

The southern lowlands of Sasun had a Semitic presence, while in the north, in the Mush region, the Urumu tribes are attested. The Urumu, later known as Urme, were almost certainly an Armenian-speaking tribe.

Around 400 BCE, Xenophon described the Centrites River (modern Botan River) as the southern boundary of Armenian territory. Sasun lies north of this river, placing it clearly within the Armenian satrapy.

Conclusion

To fully understand the complex genetic history of Sasun and its surrounding regions, additional ancient DNA samples will be necessary