The Chinese Genetic Traits in Atlantic Azores Archipelago and Its Ancient Anthropology Relationship with Sahara-Canary Islands Circle

ABSTRACT: Genetic studies in the Atlantic Azores Islands (1500 km far from Portugal) show that the modern population is composed of both northern and southern European populations. However, a significant Chinese input of HLA characteristic genes is noticed, possibly with people or genes that may have been left by Zheng-He very big crew which sailed seas from China in a long-lasting expedition (1421–1423 AD). This was concluded after Azorean HLA genetics comparison with HLA genes of worldwide populations by both neighbour joining and correspondence methodology. Also, the Machado- Joseph ataxia disease gene variant (ATXN3, Chr 14) is identical in China and the Azores, where this ataxia was discovered, and it has a high frequency. Moreover, the predisposing HLA-B*2707 gene variant to ankylosing spondylitis is the same in Azores and Far East Asian countries. This data may reflect a strong founder Chinese effect followed by isolation in Azores. In addition, “Carthaginian” coins were found in Corvo Is (Azores) of Spanish fabrication. This is contradictory to the official version that pre- Portuguese Azores had been virgin and inhabited. Also, Cart–ruts in Azores indicate a (Atlantic) common culture with Canary Islands and Mediterranean area. On the other hand, genetic studies on Canarians show that they present European, Iberian and Berber characteristics. A prehistoric lunisolar megalithic calendar is found: “Quesera” (Cheeseboard) of Zonzamas, pyramids similar to those found in nearby Western Sahara (90 km far from Canary Islands). In addition, lbero-Guanche rock scripts which can be transcripted with Iberian-Tartessian signary and are also found at Tim Missaw shelter (Sahara Desert, Algeria). Populated green Sahara area dissecation after 5000 years BC and subsequent people migration could be the origin of Canary Islands, Sahara and other Mediterranean culture traits. Thus, we have defined the Saharo-Canarian Circle as a genetic, anthropological, and prehistoric culture radiation area; it might have given raise to the Iberian-Tartessian signary and to other ancient lineal Mediterranean scripts.