2 of the scientists who worked on the first ancient Swahili DNA analysis say the results weren't African or Asian—they were both.

The article focuses on the legacy and origins of the medieval Swahili civilization, highlighting the complexity of its ancestry through recent ancient DNA analysis. The research, conducted by a team including African scholars, reveals that the genetic makeup of medieval Swahili individuals is a blend of African and Asian ancestry, contradicting previous narratives that emphasized non-African influences. The findings suggest a long history of intermarriage and cultural exchange, particularly between Persian men and local women, reflecting the matriarchal structure of traditional Swahili society. This scientific inquiry aims to restore heritage and challenge colonial narratives that have historically marginalized the Swahili people. [Extracted from the article]