Dismantling the Marxist Khazarian Myth: The Scientific Evidence from Behar et al. (2010 & 2013)

Image Source: https://thehistorianshut.com/2019/08/30/the-jewish-khaganate-of-the-khazars/

Author: @greywarden100

Introduction

In the realm of historical and genetic research, few topics have been as contentious as the origin of Ashkenazi Jews. The "Khazarian hypothesis," popularized by Marxist figures like Arthur Koestler and supported by academics such as Shlomo Sand and Eran Elhaik, suggests that Ashkenazi Jews are primarily descendants of the Khazars, a Turkic people who converted to Judaism in the 8th century. This theory, often framed within a Marxist lens, has been used to challenge the historical narrative of Jewish identity and continuity. However, rigorous scientific studies, particularly those by Behar et al. in 2010 and 2013, have provided compelling evidence to refute this myth. This blog aims to educate the Hive Community on these studies and their implications.

The Marxist Khazarian Myth: A Brief Overview

Arthur Koestler, a prominent Marxist intellectual, proposed in his book "The Thirteenth Tribe" (1976) that Ashkenazi Jews are not descendants of the ancient Israelites but rather of the Khazars, who converted to Judaism en masse. Koestler's Marxist background influenced his critique of nationalism and identity, aligning with broader Marxist ideologies that question traditional ethnic narratives. Shlomo Sand, another Marxist scholar, echoed this idea in "The Invention of the Jewish People" (2009), arguing that Jewish identity was largely a construct of modern nationalism. Eran Elhaik, also a Marxist, further supported this hypothesis with his 2012 study, "The Missing Link of Jewish European Ancestry: Contrasting the Rhineland and the Khazarian Hypotheses," suggesting a genetic link to the Khazars. Elhaik's work has been criticized for methodological flaws but is part of a broader Marxist narrative that seeks to reinterpret historical identities through a political lens.

Behar et al. (2010) in Nature: Laying the Groundwork

The 2010 study by Behar et al., published in the prestigious journal Nature, titled "The genome-wide structure of the Jewish people," was a landmark in genetic research. This study analyzed the genomes of Jewish populations worldwide, including Ashkenazi Jews, to understand their genetic structure and historical migrations. Key findings included:

• Genetic Continuity with the Middle East: The study demonstrated that Ashkenazi Jews, along with other Jewish groups, share a significant genetic component with populations from the Middle East, particularly the Levant. This suggests a common ancestry tracing back to the ancient Israelite population.
• European Admixture: While there is evidence of admixture with European populations, particularly Southern European, this does not support a Khazarian origin but rather reflects historical interactions and migrations within Europe.
• Lack of Khazarian Genetic Signature: The study found no distinct genetic signature that would indicate a massive conversion of Khazars to Judaism and their subsequent integration into the Ashkenazi Jewish population.

This study laid the groundwork for understanding the genetic makeup of Ashkenazi Jews, highlighting their Middle Eastern origins rather than a Khazarian one.

Behar et al. (2013) in Human Biology: Refuting the Khazarian Hypothesis

Building on the 2010 findings, the 2013 study by Behar et al., published in Human Biology, titled "No Evidence from Genome-Wide Data of a Khazar Origin for the Ashkenazi Jews," directly addressed and refuted the Khazarian hypothesis. This study analyzed a larger dataset and provided more precise estimates of ancestry. Key points include:

• 50-70% Middle Eastern Ancestry: The study estimated that Ashkenazi Jews have approximately 50-70% of their ancestry derived from the Middle East, with the remainder coming from Southern Europe. This range is consistent with a Levantine origin, not a Khazarian one.
• No Khazarian Genetic Evidence: The researchers found no genetic evidence to support the idea that Ashkenazi Jews are descendants of the Khazars. The Khazars that converted to Judaism, did not leave a detectable genetic legacy in the Ashkenazi population.
• Comparison with Other Populations: The study compared Ashkenazi Jews with other populations, including those from the Caucasus region where the Khazars lived, and found no significant genetic overlap that would suggest a Khazarian origin.

This study conclusively demonstrated that the Khazarian hypothesis lacks scientific support and is inconsistent with the genetic data.

Critiquing the Marxist Narrative

The Marxist framing of the Khazarian hypothesis, as seen in Koestler's, Sand's, and Elhaik's work, often serves a political agenda rather than a historical one. By challenging the continuity of Jewish identity, these narratives align with broader Marxist critiques of nationalism and ethnicity. However, the genetic evidence provided by Behar et al. undermines this agenda, showing that Ashkenazi Jews maintain a significant connection to their Middle Eastern roots.

Arthur Koestler's Marxist leanings are well-documented; he was a member of the Communist Party of Germany and later became a critic of Marxism, but his work on the Khazars reflects a Marxist critique of ethnic identity. Shlomo Sand's Marxist perspective is evident in his rejection of Zionist narratives and his alignment with post-Zionist and anti-nationalist ideologies. Eran Elhaik, while primarily known for his genetic research, has expressed support for Marxist interpretations of history, particularly in his endorsement of Koestler's and Sand's works. His 2012 study, despite its scientific shortcomings, fits within this ideological framework.

Historical Context: Khazar Converts and Distinct Jewish Communities

It is worth noting that some Khazar converts to Judaism may have integrated into Jewish communities in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Eastern Europe, forming distinct groups that maintained their own traditions rather than fully integrating with Ashkenazi Jews. The Mountain Jews and Crimean Karaites are examples of such communities. The Mountain Jews, primarily descended from Persian Jews, and the Crimean Karaites, who practice Karaite Judaism, have preserved unique cultural and religious practices. These groups did not significantly influence the genetic or cultural makeup of Ashkenazi Jews, as evidenced by genetic studies and historical records.

Implications for the Hive Community

For the Hive Community, understanding the scientific refutation of the Khazarian myth is crucial. It underscores the importance of evidence-based research over ideologically driven narratives. The studies by Behar et al. not only debunk a persistent myth but also affirm the historical and genetic continuity of Jewish identity, which is relevant to discussions on culture, identity, and history within the Hive.

Conclusion

The Marxist Khazarian myth, popularized by Marxist intellectuals like Arthur Koestler and supported by Marxist scholars such as Shlomo Sand and Eran Elhaik, has been thoroughly debunked by genetic studies. Behar et al.'s 2010 study in Nature and 2013 study in Human Biology provide clear evidence that Ashkenazi Jews have 50-70% Middle Eastern ancestry, with no genetic link to the Khazars. These findings are peer-reviewed, scientifically rigorous, and challenge the ideological narratives that seek to rewrite history. As members of the Hive Community, let us embrace evidence-based truths and reject myths that distort our understanding of the past.

References

• Behar, D. M., et al. (2010). "The genome-wide structure of the Jewish people." Nature.
• Behar, D. M., et al. (2013). "No Evidence from Genome-Wide Data of a Khazar Origin for the Ashkenazi Jews." Human Biology.
• Koestler, A. (1976). The Thirteenth Tribe: The Khazar Empire and its Heritage.
• Sand, S. (2009). The Invention of the Jewish People.
• Elhaik, E. (2012). "The Missing Link of Jewish European Ancestry: Contrasting the Rhineland and the Khazarian Hypotheses." Genome Biology and Evolution.
• Arthur Koestler - Wikipedia. (2025-06-14). "In 1931, Koestler, encouraged by Eva Striker and impressed by the achievements of the Soviet Union, became a supporter of Marxism–Leninism. On 31 December 1931, he applied for membership in the Communist Party of Germany."
• Shlomo Sand - Wikipedia. (2025-05-09). "Declining an offer by the Israeli Maki Communist Party to be sent to do cinema studies in Poland, Sand graduated with a BA in History from Tel Aviv University in 1975. Determined to 'abandon everything' Israeli, he moved to France, where, from 1975 to 1985, after winning a scholarship, he studied and taught in Paris, receiving an MA in French History and a PhD for his thesis on Georges Sorel and Marxism."
• Eran Elhaik - Wikipedia. (2025-05-26). "Eran Elhaik (Hebrew: אירן אלחייק; born 1980) is an Israeli-American geneticist and bioinformatician, an associate professor of bioinformatics at Lund University in Sweden and Chief of Science Officer at an ancestry testing company called Ancient DNA Origins owned by Enkigen Genetics Limited, registered in Ireland."

Author Bio
@greywarden100 is a dedicated researcher and educator within the Hive Community, passionate about disseminating accurate historical and scientific information.