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Y-DNA Haplogroup Atlas

A · BT · CT · CF · F · J · J2-M172 · J2a-M410 · J2a-M67 · J2a-Y17695

Haplogroup J2a-Y17695

Macro-haplogroup
J
Parent clade
J2a-M67
Formed (estimate)
c. 8,100 to 10,600 years before present
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 2,300 to 3,600 years ago

Overview

J2a-Y17695 is a downstream highland-centered branch of the J2a-M67 radiation and is closely associated with upland populations occupying the Armenian plateau, eastern Anatolia and the upper catchments of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Its early formation corresponds to the stabilization of early Holocene agro-pastoral communities that developed permanent highland villages, terrace-based agriculture and small-scale metallurgical practices. During the Bronze Age, Y17695-bearing populations became integrated into the demographic and cultural fabric of the Kura Araxes derived highland systems and later polities controlling strategic mountain passes and plateau basins. The lineage’s downstream structure shows a pattern of microregional founder effects in specific valleys and upland plains, indicating localized demographic growth rather than extensive lowland or coastal expansions. Iron Age and classical highland communities in eastern Anatolia and northern Mesopotamia display strong continuity with these derived microbranches.

Geographic distribution

Armenia, eastern Turkey, northwest Iran, northern Iraq; minor presence in Georgia and very low levels in northern Syria.

Ancient DNA

  • Early Bronze Age Armenian plateau individuals show upstream J2a-M67 signals compatible with ancestral Y17695.
  • Chalcolithic Upper Tigris sites contain J2a variation consistent with early phases of this lineage.
  • Eastern Anatolian Bronze Age burial assemblages carry paternal markers aligned with Y17695-related branches.
  • Iron Age highland populations of northern Mesopotamia preserve downstream components of the clade.
  • Classical upland settlements maintain genetic continuity that fits the diversification times of Y17695.

Phylogeny & subclades

A highland-oriented branch under J2a-M67, with internal microclades concentrated in the Armenian plateau and eastern Anatolian uplands.

  • Y17695*
  • Armenian plateau microbranches
  • Upper Tigris derived clades

Notes & context

Y17695 is an informative lineage for reconstructing the demographic stability of highland communities linking the Armenian plateau and northern Mesopotamia from the Chalcolithic through the classical period.