ARPA | Armenian DNA; Unique(?) & Relevant {Hreshdagian}

Abstract: The Armenian DNA Project is an important resource for Armenians researching their family history and their deep ancestry through genetic testing. By reaching thousands of years into the past, we aim to understand the genetic makeup and deep genetic history of the Armenian people. In the process, we hope to make sense of the historical impact of population migrations, invasions and expansions. DNA testing also helps people interested in genealogy trace their ancestors and find relatives. This is particularly important considering the variability of Armenian last names and the destruction of many genealogical records of Ottoman Armenians during the Genocide. This lecture will start by giving an overview of ancestry research through DNA. It will review the DNA results of Armenians tested by the project and by academic researchers. It will finish with an exposé of the most important recent findings which touch upon the following questions: What is an Armenian from a genetic point of view? Is there a typical Armenian genetic group? Are there regional genetic variations amongst Armenians? Are Armenians native to the region or not? If not, where could they have come from... and when? What languages did the ancient Armenians speak? How do Armenians compare genetically to other ethnic, religious and linguistic groups from the region? Peter Hrechdakian: holds a B.A. in Economics and Philosophy from Cornell University and a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. He is the CEO of the Unifert group, a multinational fertilizer trading and agricultural chemicals distribution company with headquarters in Brussels, Belgium and Beirut, Lebanon. In his spare time he has been deeply involved with the archeogenetics of Armenian DNA. In September 2009 he and volunteer co-administrators Mark Arslan and Hovann Simonian launched the Armenian DNA Project at Family Tree DNA, which now has more than 500 members. The project works in close cooperation with academic researchers studying Armenian DNA such as Prof. Levon Yepiskoposyan.