Belarusian or Polish?

Hi folks,

My dad was from Minsk, the family name Märkus. I believe Minsk is in the area of Rus, which dips into Poland and Ukraine. That this area was part of Polish territory in the past (or originally?). From the location of Minsk or the family name can you offer a suggestion as to whether my bloodline is ethnically Belarussian or Polish? I think Belarussian is more likely (i'm just guessing, but some Polish friends suggest Poland)

Many thanks for any help.

You're guessing right. But on the other hand... How deep into your family "roots" you want to dig? Now it is the capitol of Belarus, but in the past it was polish, but also russian and lithuanian (far in the past)

Well, I'd like to know if i'm more Bealrusian or Polish by blood. But my father is not with us now, so i am stuck, and have to make and educated assumption from various factors.

Well... If we look on this by genes, you get more from you mother then father even as a male, so if you don't know if you feel more like a pole or belrussian, maybe this will help you clear things up :P