Who am I?

Who am I?
by Jahanshah Javid
09-Apr-2010
 

Ever since I heard about genealogical DNA tests I have been wanting to get one [see results]. Just now I ordered a kit from Family Tree DNA. I will receive it in the mail, send a sample of my saliva and get the answer a few days later. This is the description of the test:

"This is the combination of a male specific Y-chromosome test and a maternal lineage mitochondrial test. A discount is provided for ordering the Y-DNA 67 test and the mtDNA full sequence, the most comprehensive and highest resolution mtDNA test, together for one person. Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines. A Y-haplogroup is determined and backed by our SNP Assurance Program. The mtDNA full sequence allows placement in a current haplogroup and subclade. When another person shows identical results within our database, if both parties have signed the Family Tree DNA Release Form, then we will inform them of the match. The customer will also receive a certificate and report describing the testing process and the meaning of sixty-seven marker and mtDNA full sequence matches."

This should be interesting. My father's parents are from southern Iran (Bushehr, Behbahan, Shiraz, Ahvaz...). My mother's father was a Bakhtiari and her mother was born to parents in Idaho, USA, with English, Irish, Scottish ancestry. Or so we've been told!

Will let you know as soon as I get the results.

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more from Jahanshah Javid
 
Marjan Zahed Kindersley

To Sean aka Raoul1955 Thank you

by Marjan Zahed Kindersley on

for your post!

Lucky you! Physics - imagination, logic, overview, clarity... Wonderful!

(For a layperson it isn't easy to rummage through all the info, especially with the hindrance of a phenomenon called "popular science".)

"but most humans DO NEED categorizing themselves and others.  This
process makes their lives easier to handle, just like subscribing to an
ideology makes some people's lives easier. 
"

But does it in fact make their lives easier? "Single-strand identities" are extremely dangerous, not only to others outside the categorization, but the self-categorization can end up as Jew number one million two hundred and thirty six thousand in Auschwitz....

Closed systems of "Ideologies" also can have a tendency to murder others who don't agree and e.g.with the burqah-brigade it often ends up in rickets and endogamy can't possibly be that helpful either.(I'm still trying to get my head round the Ashkenazi studies...)

Me? I'm fixed on flexibility. ;)(And it all ending up in "tweaky" degrees...)

"I don’t mind the genetics’ testing to determine one’s predisposition to
various health related issues, other than that it [the test] is..."

Totally agree. (however this might cause major problems too, as e.g.they are subject to "interpretation" and consequent possibility of abuse.)

Why did you say "proclaim"? (As you seem to be very precise with the words you use, I wonder...)

For others this might be of interest (although, yes, all human, but sometimes I can't help thinking if some people have been struck by a pea gene or iguana!):

CARTA's "The Evolution of Human Biodiversity" will be up soon on UCTV

//www.uctv.tv/carta/

2minute introduction by Ajit Varki

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCPnE_dlBKo

 

Thank you for your thoughts, Sean...

 


Raoul1955

To 'Marjan Kindersley'

by Raoul1955 on

My degrees are in physics, hence my view of 'genetics' is as meaningful as those of average folks who have read general science material. :-)    What you have written is pretty much what geneticists proclaim, but most humans DO NEED categorizing themselves and others.  This process makes their lives easier to handle, just like subscribing to an ideology makes some people's lives easier.

I don’t mind the genetics’ testing to determine one’s predisposition to various health related issues, other than that it [the test] is...

Sean


Marjan Zahed Kindersley

Raoul1955 and Monda

by Marjan Zahed Kindersley on

Raoul, thanks for the dopamine hit! ;)

'Wish I'd been taught science properly at school...Genetics is so complex and complicated...

What are your own views on the subject of this blog, please?

Do you have a science background?

Monda, Funnily enough, of course, I think Phil is fun. 

Thanks for your sweet post.

By the way, I worked it out that there can't be a national gene, very simply, because nations are "man-made", e.g. otherwise the - non-existing - Czechoslovakian gene would have suddenly disappeared in 1993...


I Have a Crush on Alex Trebek

If you have a drop of Arab blood in you....

by I Have a Crush on Alex Trebek on

You must turn this web site over to true Iranian ownership.


Raoul1955

Marjan Zahed Kindersley's Response

by Raoul1955 on

is the only meaningfully relevant piece posted.  BUT, most humans do not have the intellectual acuity to digest the scientific points she has mentioned.


ناتور دشت

My cousin, JJ

by ناتور دشت on

I'm sure you have heard of the 6 degrees of separation theory. But I have to confess that some days when I witness your dictatorial way of living when innocent voices are brutally silenced by your mighty finger, I wish it was 6 zillion degrees of separation between us!


Anvar

Who are you? You are my brother!

by Anvar on

Humans share 50% of their DNA markings with bananas, 60% with fruit flies, 98% with chimpanzees, and over 99% with other humans.  Many a times, the incidental 1% difference in the markings, that may manifest itself in our gender or the color of our skin, becomes the cause of oppression and prejudice against each other.

The incidental genetics should never be a cause of pride or shame; and they should never be a reason for friendship or a cause for enmity.  

As intriguing and interesting the science of genetics is, we had better acknowledge that in addition to our genetic makeup we are also spiritual beings.  Until we learn to feel attachment on a spiritual level, we always run the risk of detachment based on pride and prejudice according to our genetic differences.

This belief in the concept of oneness of humanity convinces me to think of other human beings as my brothers and sisters.  Regardless of the results of your DNA test, you are essentially my brother – in spirit.

Anvar


default

JJ

by sag koochooloo on

Don't be surprised if you have some Mexican in your heritage somewhere. It's that cute little face and your wardrobe.      :-)

//iranian.com/Images/Cover/2001/August/aug20a.jpg

Arrrrrrrrrrreeva Ariva Vandaleh Vandaleh!!!


default

About heritage

by Gavazn on

I remember when I was little there was this story of a very racist comedian who took part in a program to find out his heritage. After the DNA test they found he had African blood in him. He tried to commit suicide several times after that. All these years he was telling racist jokes and belonged to some type of fascist movement, then being told he had black heritage! Karma! 


ThePope

JJ jaan,

by ThePope on

be truthful no matter what the results,,,; even
if they trace your ancestry to dinosaurs...!! lol   :o) 


Peter Pan

Here. Meet your ancestors

by Peter Pan on


Jahanshah Javid

:D

by Jahanshah Javid on

Very good point mimi.shishi! :)))


mimi.shishi

No offense...

by mimi.shishi on

 ...but why the hell should we care about your DNA?

 


SamSamIIII

JJ, Like you I am

by SamSamIIII on

 

Born in Tehran but half Bakhtiari(the knights of Cyrus:) & half Nahavandi(the knights of Yazdgird III in his last battle against Arabs in Nahavand) . You dont need a DNA test to know who you are but a dosge of Shahnameh as all Bakhtiaris get to inject spirit of true Iran into your vein & in your case a bit of Celtic & Gaelic myth of those long separated kinzmen of Iranian nomads of Eurasia. But if you find em boring, a baba karam will do & this dude;

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FMYBdPdWbM

 

Path of Kiaan Resurrection of True Iran Hoisting Drafshe Kaviaan //iranianidentity.blogspot.com //www.youtube.com/user/samsamsia


yolanda

.....

by yolanda on

I am just curious how much the test costs......I think it is super interesting to be a mixed person.....unfortunately I am not mixed.......I look forward to your test result.....I am also curious about the accuracy of the test result.....lets see what happens.......

Thank you for your unique blog!


default

Interesting!

by ariane on

That is so interesting!

I have always been told that my moms family came from Caucasia. Hence the occasional Blue/green eyes and light complections.

My dad's side are said to be of Armenian background.

This has always been subject of inhanced and heated discussion in my family.

I have an Aunt from my dad's side who refuses any connection to the Armenian back ground what so ever.

It would be interesting to do this test.

Can you let me know when one can get this kit?

The nerd in me is kicking itself with anticipation. Pandora's box is open now:)

 

 


Sargashteh

Science of Self

by Sargashteh on

A while back I watched a course by teaching company called "Science of Self". The same thought went through my mind: Wish I could get a detailed DNA test to learn more about myself. I'm curious to know how yours will tun out Jahan. If you like you can take a look at the course here:

//www.teach12.com/ttcx/CourseDescLong2.aspx?cid=1592


Monda

You Marjan remain an AKHteest Forever and ever!

by Monda on

those fundamental philosophical debates are so very cool and self gratifying, especially when you're bored or around friends who are equally bored :o)) call me when you're in SF.

 

 


Monda

JJ, not one bit, over here

by Monda on

I mean, I am most curious about my ancestors' actual characters, their survival skills, who they wanted to be and couldn't because of the times and circumstances, all that yeah... but if you're asking if I am curious about their genetic makeups? then the answer would be No, not one bit! Read Marjan again: there are no Persian Genes. There are no genes for race, period. 

At a personal level, I could be half English for all I know and only half Iranian.  Does that matter to me?  No.  What does matter to me however, is the fact that I am Iranian, I love Iran and am interested in all things Iranian.

It's what we identify with, not what our genes label us as.

I only know that I don't have the genes for being a psychopath or even a schizoid personality disorder. Psychopaths, murderers and rapists don't come from specific nationalities, they are all over the place.  

You bored? Where is Mocha tonight?! 


Sargord Pirouz

The results should be

by Sargord Pirouz on

The results should be interesting, JJ. I can only guess that they'll point to roots somewhere in Eurasia (a big space!).

Surprises might be found in roots centering around the Altai Mountains (Turk or Mongol), or even Semitic-located origins.

I don't know what your Iranian family members look like, but in ours, there are some that look Turk-Mongol, Arab, Persian (even some fair skinned blondes) and my uncle could have passed for one of those ancient Sumerian figureheads. 

Interested to see how this turns out for you. 


Marjan Zahed Kindersley

@@@Monda@@@@ I herewith absolve you of all therapissshtiness

by Marjan Zahed Kindersley on

It's actually a fundamental philosophical question ...(within the context of DNA "manipulation/recognition etc."  HUGE, e.g. what is a disease, is there a core of essence  of an individual, if so, what is it....................)

 

I'm not going to have showers from now on!... ;)


Marjan Zahed Kindersley

Jahanshah JAAnam 'Can't believe you...

by Marjan Zahed Kindersley on

"Although I'm sure the test will not be that precise. I bet the results will say 3/4 Iranian, 1/4 other!"

There is no such thing as an Iranian gene!!!

All that can be determined is a pre-disposition TO certain very specific PRE-DISPOSITIONS of diseases and phenotypes (and combinations of ...). Possibly regional (susceptible to environment etc), but so what?

And no, I'm not particularly interested in my ancestors. I bear their inspiring name of ascetic "Zahed",but i could have been called Francis Crick and not bothered at all.

AND I can see the result already: me.

And deduce.

It would be exceedingly obnoxous, ludicrous and psychotically ego-centric  for me to take any form of "responsibilty" (term in discussion...) for them: whether axe murderers or the writer of Divane Zahed. ESPECIALLY in the context of the time of evolution, DNA etc....!

Fundamentally, I'm just another ape and not part of a particularly benevolent species...

If you can find ANY evidence of an Iranian gene, please let the entire scientific community know....

If "bored" //www.thesciencenetwork.org is an entire library of the most exhilarating scientific quests and discoveries.


Jahanshah Javid

Not curious about your ancestors?

by Jahanshah Javid on

Who's not curious about their ancestors? If I was born in a tent to Bakhtiari nomads (I wish I was) there would be no point to look-up my past. Bakhtiaris have been Bakhtiaris for thousands of years.

But precisely because I have such a mixed background, I would like science to tell me where my roots are. Although I'm sure the test will not be that precise. I bet the results will say 3/4 Iranian, 1/4 other!

Why am I doing this now? A) I'm bored, B) Science has made this possible for this first time, cheaply.

I'm was born curious. I want to know.


comrade

!

by comrade on

.


Monda

JJ, and here's a big Futhermore:

by Monda on

What do you even mean by that inquiry?!  if someone said to me, "Who Am I?", my first reactions would be (I deliberately omitted from my comment because I don't want to sound therapisty): Who do you Think you Are?, Who do you think you Should be?, Who do you think you are Not?, and most importantly: Why are you asking that question Now?

(if you have a middle aged woman get out of the shower to edit their comment 4 times, then you should at least realize how Wonderful You are, in your intelligence, transparence and good intentions) 


Monda

You are YOU and that is what matters

by Monda on

Science has already proven, "we are Not only the genes we are born with or from"... trust me and if you don't, then trust the findings by reading a few recommendations or just one good book on the topic. (but your DNA investigation does sound fun, do share the results baasheh?)

Also do pay attention to Marjan's comment, she's got a valid point there.  


Marjan Zahed Kindersley

I'm quite shocked

by Marjan Zahed Kindersley on

I'm hardly a scientist, but what on earth does this:

"This should be interesting. My father's parents are from southern Iran (Bushehr, Behbahan, Shiraz, Ahvaz...). My mother's father was a Bakhtiari and her mother was born to parents in Idaho, USA, with English, Irish, Scottish ancestry. Or so we've been told! 
"

have to do with geno/phenotypes (pheno, apart from the obvious...), DNA etc. (apart from certain very specific pre-dispositions of  enzyme production, as in e.g. lactose tolerance, hardly of major interest. Even the predominance of sickle cell anemia in certain groups is still in dispute...)???

There is NO RACE GENE!

Oh and by the way, whilst your DNA remains mostly your copyright, any synthesized version may no longer be yours, but patented....

Apart from the above, I simply don't understand why you and many others are doing this. 

I don't for various reasons, but to try to put it simply, it's because ultimately pre-dispotions may or may not manifest themselves according to the "dialogue" between the community of cells which form an organism and its environment. (Very much apart from the immediate psychology of powers of suggestion, self-fulfilling prophecies, prevention, expectations and wishes eg longevity,  whether to be a happy pig or a miserable Socrates etc....)

At the moment, I share quite a huge number of genes with Wini_Fred,gender-challenged, racially-confused (brown with white dots), the mouse, who fancies herself as a squealing mezzo-soprano, who simply won't leave my humble abode!


cyclicforward

This is totally cool JJ

by cyclicforward on

Let us know as soon as you get the result back. This is one nice story.