Do We Know of Any Jewish People with Recorded Lineage That Can Trace Themselves Back to Turkic Khazar Converts?

The origins of the Jewish people have long been a subject of much debate, with various theories and claims surmising different routes of migration and assimilation. One such theory involves the potential genetic and cultural ties between Jews and the Khazar people, a Turkic group that converted to Judaism in the 8th century CE. This article explores the possibility of tracing Jewish lineages back to these Khazar converts, focusing on contemporary evidence and research.

Khazar Influence on Modern Jewish Surnames

One intriguing piece of evidence supporting a Khazar influence on contemporary Jewish surnames is the name “Kozaryn.” This surname, which still exists in Poland, can be found through online records, with over 100 examples as of recent research. While this may seem like a tenuous connection, it is noteworthy that the old Commonwealth of Poland was a melting pot of various ethnicities and cultures. Therefore, the possibility of a Khazar descent being traced back to this surname is not entirely out of the realm of possibility.

It is important to note that the surname “Kozaryn” has predominantly survived through Catholic families, suggesting that potential Khazar ancestry may lie far in the past. Nevertheless, the existence of this surname remains an interesting avenue for further investigation into the complex web of Jewish ancestry.

Tracing Lineages Back to the 9th Century CE

Historically, genealogical records for most ordinary individuals, including those of European descent, rarely extend beyond the 9th century CE. This poses a significant challenge when attempting to trace Jewish lineages back to this period. It is highly unlikely that any individual can trace their lineage with absolute certainty to this time. Furthermore, there are virtually no records that definitively link any Jewish person to the Khazar nobility from this era.

It should be acknowledged that the term "Ashkenazi" is often used to describe a cultural heritage rather than a genetic one. The majority of European, Middle Eastern, Levantine, North African, and Levantine peoples fall within the three main haplotypes of humanity (Homo sapiens), excluding those with distinct African or Asian haplotypes. The conversion of the Turkic Khazars to Judaism in the 8th century CE is believed to be a response to the approaching Christian Russians from the north and the Muslim Saracens from the west.

Contemporary DNA and Khazar Ancestry

Despite the absence of explicit Khazar DNA to study, there is a possibility that many groups in Eastern Europe, including non-Jewish ones, may have some Khazar ancestry. However, this remains conjecture without concrete evidence. Interestingly, one Jewish surname that seems to have origins traceable to the Khazars is “Kagen,” which is the Khazar name for a vizier position. This surname is found in Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, suggesting potential links to this ancient Turkic group.

Other names that are often associated with Khazar or Turkic origins include Kagan, Katz, and Kaspar. However, while these names are intriguing, they do not provide definitive proof of Khazar descent. The absence of genetic studies on the Khazars also complicates any attempts to use modern DNA analysis to trace Khazar ancestry.

Conclusion

While there are tantalizing connections and speculations linking the Jewish people to the Khazar converts, such as the existence of the surname “Kozaryn,” the pursuit of definitive evidence is fraught with challenges. Genealogical records and modern DNA studies have their limitations, and the true extent of Khazar influence on contemporary Jewish populations remains an open question. The complex nature of human history and the ongoing debate surrounding the origins of the Jewish people continue to make this a rich and fascinating area of study.