Genetics
I am deeply interested in genetics and closely follow developments in consumer sequencing and GWASes (Genome Wide Association Studies). These allow us to correlate traits with different genes. I had my Whole Genome Sequence done by Nebula and highly recommend their service.
I come from an area that came under the control of different powers many times over the last 200 years. My family is from a tiny minority of a minority. They chose to live in the most isolated areas of the Caucasus Mountains to avoid pressure to assimilate into the larger groups that fought to control the region. They intentionally kept little records to avoid being drawn into the drama and battles of the time.
It was hard to reconcile fact and myth before access to genetic testing. But thanks to people who were sequenced, I am able to get a much clearer picture of my background, and I am always happy to connect with my newfound relatives in the diaspora.
Hope
My genetic background includes groups of people that have had periods of peace together, but tragically, recent periods of horrific violence against each other. As I mentioned above, my family was among a small group that did not convert to any of the major religions of the region, and mostly kept to their local, nature-inspired traditions. They had a system to marry among other like-minded villages of the region, and that is how I ended up with the very improbable genetic background that I have.
I have a stubborn hope for the peace of the Caucasus, and know that it will someday be possible to travel around the region and appreciate the humanity in each group.
In recent generations, my family found an community in the form of Alevism practiced in the Caucasus. They sing songs and dance to the idea of becoming the "perfect human". Our traditions are passed down by poetry, often in an encoded form, that is accompanied by bağlama. As a person progresses through different parts of their journey in life, there are new levels of knowledge and wisdom from our teachings. We emphasize our shared connections to the universe and how we can reflect creation to the world.