Exploring the Factual Basis of the Persistent Myth that Jews in Ukraine are Descendants of Turkic Khazars

For decades, a narrative has persisted that the Jewish community in Ukraine is a descendant of the Turkic Khazar people. This perspective gained steam in the 19th century with a hypothesis that postulated a significant Khazar contribution to modern Jewish populations. However, the factual basis for this argument is quite thin, supported more by speculation than substantial evidence.

The Historical Context of the Khazars

The Khazars were a Turkic people who established a powerful state in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus from the 7th to the 10th centuries. They are known to have converted to Judaism in the 8th century, a significant but much debated event in historical and religious scholarship. The claim is that if this conversion was widespread among the Khazar people, it would have significantly influenced modern European Jewish populations.

Ancient Conversion and Modern Genetics

While there is evidence that some Khazars did convert to Judaism, the extent and nature of this conversion remain a subject of academic debate. Anti-Semitic groups often invoke this idea to challenge the legitimacy of modern Jewish identity, suggesting that since many ancient Jews were converts, the modern Jewish gene pool is not purely of Semitic origin. However, genetic studies have not found significant Khazar DNA in modern Jewish populations, particularly those in Russia and Ukraine.

The genetic testing of modern Ashkenazi Jews in Russia and Ukraine shows a strong genetic heritage similar to other Ashkenazi Jewish populations, primarily Levantine and Italian/Greek origins. This suggests that the limited genetic contribution from Khazars, if any, would be negligible and not enough to make a significant impact on the broader Jewish genetic landscape.

Theoretical Implications and Genetic Evidence

The hypothesis that Russian and Ukrainian Jews are of Khazar descent is largely based on theoretical musings rather than concrete evidence. Genetic evidence contradicting this theory is robust. It has been observed that non-Khazar Jews did not intermarry with Khazar commoners due to religious and social differences. The isolation of the Khazar community and their assimilation elsewhere, such as Anatolia, Persia, and Baghdad, make it highly unlikely that they would have contributed significantly to the Jewish populations in Eastern Europe.

Conclusion and Reactions

The myth of Khazar Jewish ancestry, while intriguing, lacks substantial factual support. Genetic testing has shown that the Jewish population in Ukraine shares similar genetic backgrounds with other Ashkenazi Jewish communities. The persistent hypothesis serves more as a tool for anti-Semitic sentiment rather than a scientifically sound argument. It is important to base such claims on evidence and not on speculative theories.

Beyond the genetic aspect, it's worth noting that the global Jewish population, including those in Europe, shares a mix of genetic heritage. For instance, world Jewry is estimated to have between 2-4% Neanderthal DNA, a fact often cited but not a measure of genetic purity. This further underscores the complexity and diversity of Jewish ancestry.

In summary, while the Khazar hypothesis has been intriguing, the weight of genetic evidence refutes it. The persistent myth about Khazar ancestry remains unsupported by factual data and continues to serve as a controversial topic in both academic and social discourse.