Cultural assimilation Iranian peoples

in matters relating culture, various turkic-speaking ethnic groups of iran (notably azerbaijani people) , afghanistan (uzbeks , turkmen) conversant in iranian languages, in addition own turkic languages , have iranian culture extent term turko-iranian can applied. usage applies various circumstances involve historic interaction, intermarriage, cultural assimilation, bilingualism , cultural overlap or commonalities.

notable among synthesis of turko-iranian culture azeris, culture, religion , significant periods of history linked persians. theories , genetic tests suggest azeris genetically more iranian turkic.

the following either partially descend iranian peoples or regarded possible descendants of ancient iranian peoples:

turkic-speakers:

azeris: although azeris speak turkic language (modern azerbaijani language), believed descendants of ancient iranians. thus, due historical ties various ancient iranians, cultural ties persians, azeris associated iranian peoples (see origin of azerbaijani people , iranian theory regarding origin of azerbaijanis more details).
turkmens: turkmen people believed mix of iranian , turkic ancestry. genetic studies on mitochondrial dna (mtdna) restriction polymorphism confirmed turkmen characterized presence of local iranian mtdna lineages, similar eastern iranian populations, high male mongoloid genetic component observed in turkmens , hazara in east iran , afghanistan frequencies of 20%. indicates ancestral combination of iranian groups , mongol modern turkmen have inherited , appears correspond historical record indicates various iranian tribes existed in region prior migration of turkic tribes believed have merged local population , imparted language , created of hybrid turko-iranian culture.
uzbeks: modern uzbek people believed have both iranian , turkic ancestry. uzbek , tajik modern designations given culturally homogeneous, sedentary population of central asia. local ancestors of both groups – turkic-speaking uzbeks , iranian-speaking tajiks – known sarts ( sedentary merchants ) prior russian conquest of central asia, while uzbek or turk names given nomadic , semi-nomadic populations of area. still today, modern uzbeks , tajiks known sarts turkic neighbours, kazakhs , kyrgyz. ancient soghdians , bactrians among ancestors. culturally, uzbeks closer sedentary iranian-speaking neighbours rather nomadic , semi-nomadic turkic neighbours. uzbek scholars, i.e. ahmadov , askarov, favour iranian origin theory.
uyghurs: uyghurs descendants of saka people in buddhist kingdom of khotan.


slavic-speakers:

linguists suggest names of south slavic peoples, serbs , croats, of iranian origin. entertain such connection propose sarmatian serboi , alleged horoathos tribes might have migrated eurasian steppe lands eastern , central europe, , assimilated numerically superior slavs, passing on name. iranian-speaking peoples did inhabit parts of balkans in late classical times, , have been encountered slavs. however, direct linguistic, historical or archaeological proof such theory lacking. (see also: origin hypotheses of serbs , origin hypotheses of croats)


indo-aryan speakers

speakers of indo-aryan languages share linguistic affinities speakers of iranian languages, suggests degree of historical interaction between these 2 groups.


swahili-speakers:

shirazis: shirazi sub-group of swahili people living on swahili coast of east africa, on islands of zanzibar, pemba , comoros. local traditions origin claim descended merchant princes shiraz in persia settled along swahili coast.






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