Question

Why do the facial features in Central Asia's population vary widely throughout the region?

Answer 1

- Geographic Isolate due to mountain ranges: If you look at the geography of places like northern Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, you'll notice that there are several uninhabitable mountain ranges that are throughout the region. This can lead to less exchange of the gene signatures that are unique to one culture.

- Mongol or Russian Influence: Mongols earlier spread their empire to almost all of Central Asia (though it lost horribly against Kabul). Russians in the later bit of the 20th century also invaded and conquered lots of Central Asia (like Tajikistan) which is why their language style still runs there.

- Silk Road.

- Mughal Empire

For instance, just compare the facial features of the Tajiks, the Hazara, Pashtun, and Punjabis and you'll see a huge difference, even though they are from the same regions of Earth.