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Y-DNA Haplogroup Atlas

A · BT · CT · F · K · P · P1 · Q-M242 · Q1-F1096 · Q1b-M378 · Q-BZ3900

Haplogroup Q-BZ3900

Q1b1b-BZ3900

Macro-haplogroup
Q
Parent clade
Q1b-M378
Formed (estimate)
c. 7,000–10,000 years before present
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 3,000–5,000 years ago

Overview

Q-BZ3900 is a significant Central Asian and West Asian branch within Q1b-M378. It represents a major diversification event within the Eurasian Q1b network that unfolded during the Neolithic to Bronze Age transition. The clade appears strongly among Indo Iranian speaking groups and in regions historically connected with steppe Iranic expansions. Its age and geographic structure link it to populations inhabiting the Iranian plateau, the Hindu Kush, southern Central Asia and adjacent regions. Q-BZ3900 helps clarify the deep West Eurasian component of haplogroup Q and demonstrates that Q1b was not restricted to Jewish associated clusters but was more broadly distributed in ancient Iranian and Central Asian populations.

Geographic distribution

Q-BZ3900 is found at low to moderate frequencies in Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, and in parts of Pakistan and northwest India. It also appears among some Caucasian and Turkic groups of Central Asia. The lineage's presence among Iranic speaking populations such as Pashtuns, Tajiks and some Kurds suggests an ancient integration into West Iranian and Indo Iranian paternal structures. Scattered occurrences in Anatolia and the Levant likely reflect secondary westward flows.

Ancient DNA

  • Although no ancient sample has yet been assigned precisely to BZ3900, its formation period overlaps with the Late Neolithic and early Bronze Age cultures of the Iranian plateau.
  • The regional distribution aligns with known population movements during the expansion of early Iranian languages and the growth of urban societies in southwestern and central Asia.
  • Further resolution from future ancient DNA may link BZ3900 bearing lines to Chalcolithic and Bronze Age groups in Iran and Bactria Margiana.

Phylogeny & subclades

Q-BZ3900 forms a clear downstream cluster under Q-M378 on YFull. Its internal structure includes several microclades that differentiate Iranian plateau samples from those of Central Asia. While not as heavily sampled as Q-L245, the branch shows stable bifurcations corresponding to regional demographic histories.

  • Q-BZ3900*
  • Q-BZ3900 regional microclades in Iran and Central Asia

Notes & context

Q-BZ3900 is an essential component for reconstructing Q1b diversity in Eurasia. It demonstrates that Q-M378 includes more than Jewish associated clades and likely represents a deep West Eurasian presence connected to the Iranian plateau and Indo Iranian expansions.