by Valentina Ivanaj
The theory that Serbs and modern Greeks originated from the Caucasus has historical and genetic foundations. In contrast, Albanians are indigenous to the Balkans and have no ties to the Caucasus. Accusations against Albanians may therefore be politically or psychologically driven. It is crucial to separate historical and genetic facts from narratives shaped by political agendas to better understand and expose these claims.
1. Serbs and the Caucasus
Historical accounts, particularly those of Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus (De Administrando Imperio), mention that the Serbs originated from a region called “White Serbia,” which may have been located near the Caucasus or in what is now southern Poland. This connection is supported by the following points:
• Linguistics and Ethnogenesis: Evidence suggests that the Serbs originally came from a region east of the Carpathians before migrating to the Balkans in the 7th century.
• Ethnic and Cultural Traits: Some theories link the earliest Serbs with Caucasian groups, particularly the Alans or other peoples inhabiting the area between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
The idea that the Serbs have roots in the Caucasus is therefore historically grounded and supported by several sources.
2. Modern Greeks and the Caucasus/Anatolia
Modern Greeks have a complex ethnic composition shaped by migrations and assimilation over centuries. Anatolian and possibly Caucasian influences play a significant role:
• Caucasian Influence: During the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, numerous people from the Caucasus settled in what is now Greece, particularly through resettlement and the slave trade.
• Anatolian Influence: A significant portion of modern Greeks descends from populations in Asia Minor (Anatolia), who were heavily influenced by Anatolian cultures and have little in common with the ancient Hellenes.
• Genetic Studies: These show that modern Greeks are genetically closer to Anatolian and Caucasian populations than to the ancient Hellenes.
3. Albanians and the Caucasus
In contrast, Albanians have no known historical or genetic ties to the Caucasus. Their origins are firmly rooted in the Illyrians and the western Balkan region:
• Historical Continuity: Albanian language and culture display a clear connection to the indigenous populations of the Balkans. There is no evidence of a migration from the Caucasus.
• Genetic Studies: The Albanian population exhibits strong genetic continuity with other Balkan peoples and shows no similarities with Caucasian groups.
4. Accusations Against Albanians: Diversion or Projection?
The claims that Albanians also originated from the Caucasus appear to be politically motivated:
• Diversion: Certain groups might promote this theory to obscure their own Caucasian origins and shift attention to other ethnic groups.
• Projection: Psychologically, groups such as Serbs or modern Greeks, who may have actual Caucasian roots, might project this narrative onto others due to a deeper suppression or insecurity about their own origins.
5. Conclusion
The theory that Serbs and modern Greeks have Caucasian origins has historical and genetic foundations. In contrast, Albanians are indigenous to the Balkans and have no ties to the Caucasus. Accusations against Albanians may therefore be politically or psychologically driven. It is crucial to separate historical and genetic facts from narratives shaped by political agendas to better understand and expose these claims.
References
https://archive.org/…/porphyrogenitus…/page/n2/mode/1up
https://www.znanje.org/…/08iv04/08iv0403/Who_are_Serbs.htm
https://www.ncesc.com/…/who-are-serbians-descendants-of
https://i.pinimg.com/…/70f38a0db17791d970d37200e88d6e2d…
https://brill.com/…/dis…/book/9789004395190/BP000013.xml
Greek Orthodox Caucasian:
https://eurasiatique.ca/…/from-trebizond-to…/…
https://www.academia.edu/…/THE_ORTHODOX_CHALDECIONIAN…
https://www.academia.edu/…/The_Caucasus_article_for_the…
https://www.booksonturkey.com/greek-surnames-with…
https://academic.oup.com/book/11484/chapter/160201471
