Discovery: Light shed on the eastern origins of the Szeklers

According to a new study, the population of Szeklers in the Odorheiu Secuiesc (Székelyudvarhely) region is predominantly Central and South-Eastern European in composition, MTI reports, citing a statement by the Eötvös Loránd Research Network (Eötvös Loránd Kutatási Hálózat, ELKH). In the study, led by colleagues of the ELKH Humanities Research Centre Archeogenomics Institute (BTK AGI), ancestral paternal and maternal lineages were analysed.

The researchers evaluated the results using population genetics and phylogenetic methods in the context of modern and ancient populations geographically or historically related to Szekler, Origo reports. In a paper published in the journal Genes in January 2023, they published the first complete mitochondrial genomic database and detailed Y-chromosomal profiles from the region.

The villages

The experts examined samples from people whose ancestors came from this region and lived in villages around Odorheiu Secuiesc for generations. The sample collection took place in 2019 in the villages of Inlăceni (Énlaka), Firtănuș (Firtosmartonos), Ulieș (Kányád), Mugeni (Bögöz), Goagiu (Gagy), Avrămești (Szentábrahám), Cechești (Csekefalva), Dobeni (Székelydobó), Văleni (Patakfalva) and Forțeni (Farcád).

The history of the Szeklers can be traced back to the 12th century in the region. There are several scientific theories about their origins, 24.hu reports. Recent findings show a predominantly local, i.e. East-Central and South-East European, composition of the population, with moderate mixing with neighbouring populations.

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European and some eastern genes

The researchers found a high degree of heterogeneity in both maternal (mitochondrial) and paternal (Y-chromosomal) genes within and between villages. Among both maternal and paternal lineages, they identified mainly European types in similar proportions. However, in both cases, some eastern lineages were also present.

Phylogenetic analyses have confirmed the presumed eastern origin of some maternal and paternal lines. And, in some cases, they can be linked to ancestral DNA data from the Migration Period (5th-9th century AD) and the Hungarian conquest period (10th century AD).

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Dataset of Szeklers in line with previous studies

According to the experts, the current Szekler dataset complements previous studies in Szeklerland and is broadly consistent with their observations. They added that, in addition to revealing the genetic diversity of the present-day Szekler population, it is of great importance to investigate the genetic continuity or transformation between the present-day and ancient populations and to trace the population history of the Szekler people.

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Source: Origo, 24.hu