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Beginning Research in the Near East: Part I

© Christine Sievers

My tour of the world is moving slowly east. The area I will start to cover now is the Near East. Finding dividing lines from the mid-east to the near east was rather confusing. So, I went with the countries designated on the AsianGenWeb that are on the western fringes of Asia.

I found myself searching deeply into the genealogy Internet to find the best of the places for you to begin your research in your 'fatherland' or 'motherland'. Places to get your feet wet. When no genealogical specific sites were found I searched for good background information and maps of the country. It was becoming very time intensive, so I have divided the list in two parts alphabetically.

Some countries have very little genealogical information on the web. If you know of good sites I missed, please join the discussion to share your findings. Even better, if you have accumulated links to your country, check the AsianGenWeb to see if your country is adopted. If not, this might be your chance to contribute your knowledge to the genealogical community.

As always, before you 'jump the pond' gather as much information and as many documents as you can from the country of immigration. Collect those stories from older family members, and newly immigrated relatives. They will provide the clues you need.

AFGHANISTAN: (no genealogy specific sites found)

Afghanistan: A Cultural Profile - very good background information

Afghanistan Maps

ARMENIA:

A Brief Overview for Researching Your Armenian Roots

Armenia Mailing Lists and Armenia Queries Forum Message Index - ways to connect with others doing research in Armenia

AZERBAIJAN: (no genealogical specific sites found)

Library of Congress: Azerbaijan-A Country Study

Adil Baguirov's VIRTUAL AZERBAIJAN REBULIC - an array of varied information

BANGLADESH:

Library of Congress: Bangladesh-A Country Study

General Bangladish Queries Message Index and Bangladesh Mailing Lists - ways to connect with others doing research in Bangladesh

BHUTAN:

Library Of Congress: Bhutan-A Country Study

Bhutan Mailing Lists and General Bhutan Queries Message Index - ways to connect with others doing research in Bhutan

Bangladesh Maps

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM:

Government of Brunei Darussalam

Family Tree 0f the Sultan of Brunei

INDIA:

Indian Ancestors in India - good starting information

WorldGen Asia - Bharat - site for people tracing their Bharatiya family history in India, Burma, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, includes a mailing list link

Family History in India-Where Do I Start? - for those with British or European roots in India