Map of Genetic Admixture of Individuals from Different Tunisian Cities5 min read

• Berber ancestry is predominant for most
• Arab ancestry is common, high in the South and rural areas
• Pockets of high Sub-Saharan DNA in Centre and Northwest
• High European admix. in coastal Tunisia

Tunisia, a country at the crossroads of Mediterranean civilizations, has a diverse and rich genetic heritage reflecting its long history of invasions, migrations, and cultural influences.

Genetic Composition Overview

Berber (Green):

This is the most prominent genetic group across all Tunisian cities, indicating the strong indigenous presence of the Berber population, historically known as the native inhabitants of North Africa.

Berber ancestry is dominant in regions like Kasserine, Matmata, and Chenini, showcasing their deep roots in the mountainous and desert areas of the country. Cities such as Djerba and Douz also show a high proportion of Berber ancestry, with little contribution from other genetic groups.

South European (Blue):

Many cities, particularly in coastal areas such as Bizerte, Tunis, and Sousse, exhibit significant South European influence. This reflects historical interactions across the Mediterranean, such as the Roman and Byzantine Empires’ dominance and the later ties with European nations during the colonial period.

The genetic markers in these regions indicate sustained contact and possibly intermarriage with Southern European populations, especially from Italy and Spain.

Arab (Yellow):

Arab ancestry is prevalent across Tunisia, particularly in cities such as Mahres, M’saken, and Sfax. This is a clear reflection of the Arabization of Tunisia, which began in the 7th century during the Arab-Muslim conquest.

The Arab genetic component complements the Berber one, highlighting Tunisia’s dual Berber-Arab identity that has shaped its history and culture.

Anatolian (Red):

The presence of Anatolian genetic markers, albeit smaller, in regions like Tunis, Mahres, and Sfax, likely originates from the Ottoman Empire’s influence, which extended over Tunisia from the 16th to the 19th century.

Although the Ottoman presence was more administrative, there appears to be a genetic legacy, particularly in coastal cities that were key to Ottoman maritime trade and military activities.

Caucasian (Pink):

This genetic component is relatively minimal but present in a few cities, such as Bizerte and Sfax. The Caucasian influence may be linked to ancient Mediterranean connections or possibly interactions with nomadic populations from the Caucasus region during different periods of history.

Sub-Saharan African (Brown):

Sub-Saharan African genetic ancestry is detectable in cities such as Douz, Matmata, and Chenini. This is most likely the result of historical trans-Saharan trade routes and the movement of enslaved populations into North Africa during the Arab and Berber slave trades.

This genetic contribution highlights Tunisia’s position as a bridge between the Arab world and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Regional Genetic Variations

Northern Tunisia (Bizerte, Tunis, Beja, Jendouba):

Northern cities like Tunis and Bizerte show a complex genetic mixture of Berber, South European, Arab, and Anatolian influences. The proximity to Europe and the historical significance of these cities as major trading and political hubs likely contributed to their diverse genetic profiles.

Coastal towns often have a higher proportion of South European ancestry due to centuries of cross-Mediterranean interaction.

Central Tunisia (Sousse, Sfax, Zaghouan):

In central Tunisia, the balance between Berber and Arab ancestry is prominent, with coastal cities like Sousse and Sfax also showing European influences.

The city of Zaghouan, located inland, has a noticeable Berber presence but with significant Arab and Anatolian components, reflecting its strategic location during different empires.

Southern Tunisia (Douz, Matmata, Chenini):

The southern regions, including desert cities like Douz, Matmata, and Chenini, are almost exclusively Berber. These areas are historically home to Berber-speaking communities, some of which have preserved their traditions and languages for centuries.

The limited presence of other genetic groups in these regions suggests relatively less foreign admixture compared to the northern and coastal areas.

Island of Djerba:

Djerba stands out with a strong Berber foundation but also shows significant South European and Arab contributions. This unique blend may be a result of the island’s historical role as a trading post and its interactions with different Mediterranean civilizations, including Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs.

Interpretation of Genetic Admixture in Tunisia

The map offers a fascinating snapshot of Tunisia’s genetic diversity, but it is important to recognize that these percentages represent population-wide trends rather than the genetic makeup of individual Tunisians.

The blend of Berber, Arab, and European ancestry in Tunisia reflects the complex history of invasions, migrations, and cultural exchange in the Mediterranean and North Africa.

The predominance of Berber ancestry underscores the resilience of Tunisia’s indigenous population, while the presence of Arab, Anatolian, and European components highlights the deep connections between Tunisia and other parts of the Mediterranean world.

Historical Context Behind Tunisia’s Genetic Makeup

Tunisia’s genetic diversity has been shaped by several key historical periods:

• Phoenician/Carthaginian Period (9th century BC to 2nd century BC): Phoenician settlers founded Carthage, bringing new cultural and genetic influences into North Africa.
• Roman Period (146 BC to 439 AD): Roman colonization contributed to the genetic makeup, particularly in coastal regions where Roman soldiers and settlers integrated into local populations.
• Arab-Muslim Conquest (7th century): The Arab expansion brought a significant genetic and cultural shift, which is still visible in Tunisia’s language, religion, and genetic composition.
• Ottoman Period (16th century to 19th century): Ottoman rule further enriched the genetic landscape, especially through the presence of Ottoman soldiers and administrators in Tunisia.
• Colonial Period (1881 to 1956): French colonization introduced European influences, though much of the genetic mixture with Europe likely stems from earlier interactions with Italian and Spanish communities.

Conclusion

The map of genetic admixture in Tunisia provides a compelling insight into the country’s diverse population, shaped by thousands of years of migration, conquest, and cultural exchange.

The strong presence of Berber ancestry across the nation highlights the enduring influence of Tunisia’s indigenous people, while the significant South European, Arab, and Anatolian contributions reveal the country’s role as a melting pot of Mediterranean civilizations.

This intricate genetic tapestry reflects not only Tunisia’s past but also its ongoing connection to broader Mediterranean and African networks.