I am currently investigating my father's side of the family and we've long since known his great-grandfather was of middle eastern descent.
I think he was born Mohammed Sheffi during 1885 in Persia, and at some point between 1901 - 1909 emigrated to Wales where he changed his name to Thomas Mohamed Sheffi and worked as a colliery in the mines. I found his marriage in 1909 which lists his nationality as 'Persia Telerz'.
But I cannot find when he emigrated or any other family members for him. If anyone has an idea where to begin, that would be fantastic!