What is the name of the long fleece variety of goat that Allen and Sachtleben encountered on their journey across Asia?
- Angora
- Mohair
- Cashmere
- Merino
Correct Answer: Angora
Correct Answer Explanation: The Angora goat is known for its exceptionally long and silky fleece. Allen and Sachtleben noted the unique climate of the region as a contributing factor to the Angora goat’s distinctive fur.
The authors crossed paths with a group of pilgrims near the city of Meshed. What religious tradition did these pilgrims follow?
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Sikhism
- Shia Islam
Correct Answer: Shia Islam
Correct Answer Explanation: The authors’ encounter with the “silent pilgrims” near Meshed provides a glimpse into the devotion and religious practices of Shia Muslims. The city of Meshed is a holy site for Shia Muslims, and the pilgrims were likely making a pilgrimage to the shrine of Imam Reza.
What was the name of the Russian railway connecting Russia with Central Asia that Allen and Sachtleben traveled on during their journey?
- Trans-Siberian Railway
- Transcaspian Railway
- Turkestan Railway
- Chinese Eastern Railway
Correct Answer: Transcaspian Railway
Correct Answer Explanation: The Transcaspian Railway, connecting Russia with Central Asia, was a significant element in Russia’s expansionist policy and allowed the authors to easily travel from Russia to Central Asia and later on to China.
Which Chinese city did Allen and Sachtleben visit that was known for its production of salt?
- Tientsin
- Tong-ku
- Singan-foo
- Lan-chou-foo
Correct Answer: Tong-ku
Correct Answer Explanation: The city of Tong-ku, located on the line of the Taku bar, a vital point for ocean-going ships entering China, was a major center for salt production. The authors mention that the salt production in Tong-ku was crucial for China’s economy and trade.
What is the name of the traditional Chinese greeting involving the bowing of the head?
- Homa
- Kung fu
- Tai chi
- Qi Gong
Correct Answer: Homa
Correct Answer Explanation: The “homa,” a traditional Chinese greeting, involved a bow of the head, showcasing respect and humility. The authors observed this greeting in different parts of China.
While traveling through Central Asia, the authors encountered a unique nomadic tribe. Which of these tribes was known for their skill in horse riding and their distinctive circular felt tents known as “kibitkas”?
- Kazakh
- Kirghiz
- Mongol
- Uzbek
Correct Answer: Kirghiz
Correct Answer Explanation: The Kirghiz nomads in Turkestan were known for their skills in horse riding and their nomadic lifestyle. Their yurts, or kibitkas, provided a mobile shelter that allowed them to move with their herds.
Allen and Sachtleben encountered a significant historical landmark during their journey. What is the name of this ancient fortified castle that was once the home of Persian rulers and is now a prominent landmark in Tabreez?
- The Arg
- The Ark
- The Citadel
- The Fortress
Correct Answer: The Ark
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Ark” in Tabreez, the ancient fortified castle of Persian rulers, is a prominent landmark in the city, and it holds a significant historical importance. The authors’ mention of this landmark provides a glimpse into the historical context of Persia.
What is the name of the fermented mare’s milk drink consumed by Central Asian nomads, often referred to as a “national drink”?
- Kumiss
- Ayran
- Kefir
- Yogurt
Correct Answer: Kumiss
Correct Answer Explanation: The authors mentioned “kumiss,” a fermented mare’s milk drink, as a vital part of the diet of nomadic communities in Central Asia. Kumiss provided nourishment and hydration in harsh conditions.
Which of these locations is traditionally believed to be the landing site of Noah’s Ark?
- Mount Ararat
- Mount Everest
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Mount Fuji
Correct Answer: Mount Ararat
Correct Answer Explanation: Mount Ararat, situated on the border of Turkey, Persia, and Russia, is traditionally believed to be the landing site of Noah’s Ark. This belief is deeply ingrained in the region’s history and culture.
The authors encountered a particular type of Turkish bread made from cooked bran flour. What is the name of this type of bread?
- Pita
- Naan
- Ekmek
- Lavash
Correct Answer: Ekmek
Correct Answer Explanation: “Ekmek” is a type of Turkish bread, made from cooked bran flour, which the authors described as a staple food in Turkey. It demonstrates the authors’ understanding of local culinary traditions.
What is the name of the traditional Turkish and Central Asian yogurt?
- Ayran
- Kefir
- Yogurt
- Yaourt
Correct Answer: Yaourt
Correct Answer Explanation: “Yaourt” is a traditional Turkish and Central Asian yogurt, often consumed as a staple food in these regions. The authors observed the importance of “yaourt” in local diets.
In the late 19th Century, the Russian government was collecting war indemnity from which country?
- Persia
- China
- Turkey
- Britain
Correct Answer: Turkey
Correct Answer Explanation: The Russian government was collecting war indemnity from Turkey as stipulated in the Treaty of 1878, which followed the Russo-Turkish War. This demonstrates the political tensions between Russia and Turkey in the late 19th century.
What was the name of the prominent figure in Chinese politics, the Viceroy of the Pe-chili province, who the authors met during their journey?
- Li-Hung-Chang
- Yuan Shikai
- Sun Yat-sen
- Cixi
Correct Answer: Li-Hung-Chang
Correct Answer Explanation: Li-Hung-Chang, the Viceroy of the Pe-chili province, was a prominent figure in Chinese politics and a major influence in the country’s modernization. The authors’ encounter with Li-Hung-Chang provides a fascinating glimpse into the political and economic realities of late 19th-century China.
What is the name of the river that flows through Tientsin, a major port city in China, where Allen and Sachtleben ended their journey?
- Yangtze River
- Yellow River
- Pearl River
- Pei-ho River
Correct Answer: Pei-ho River
Correct Answer Explanation: The Pei-ho River, flowing through Tientsin, was a major waterway for transport and trade, and it played a significant role in the city’s economic development.
The authors of Across Asia on a Bicycle made a significant discovery during their journey. What was the total distance covered by them on bicycles throughout their adventure?
- 5,044 miles
- 10,044 miles
- 15,044 miles
- 20,044 miles
Correct Answer: 15,044 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: The total distance covered by the authors on bicycles was 15,044 miles, a remarkable feat of endurance and resilience. This distance highlights the vastness of their journey and the challenges they faced.
What was the name of the traditional Chinese unit of measurement that was used for everyday transactions, often described as a copper disk with a hole in the center?
- Tael
- Chen
- Yamba
- Li
Correct Answer: Chen
Correct Answer Explanation: The “chen,” a copper disk with a hole in the center, was used as currency in the interior of China. It demonstrates the authors’ understanding of Chinese economics and their encounters with local currency systems.
In the late 19th Century, which of these countries had the largest population in the world?
- Russia
- China
- India
- United States
Correct Answer: China
Correct Answer Explanation: In the late 19th century, China was the most populous country in the world. The authors traveled through different regions of China and witnessed the sheer scale of its population firsthand.
Which of the following was a key factor in the growing Russian influence in Central Asia in the late 19th century?
- The discovery of gold
- The search for new trade routes
- The construction of the Transcaspian Railway
- The spread of communism
Correct Answer: The construction of the Transcaspian Railway
Correct Answer Explanation: The Transcaspian Railway, connecting Russia with Central Asia, was a significant element in Russia’s expansionist policy, and it played a crucial role in their control and influence over the region.
During their journey, Allen and Sachtleben encountered the Great Wall of China. What was the primary purpose of this massive defensive structure?
- To prevent the spread of disease
- To control trade and commerce
- To protect the empire from nomadic invaders
- To mark the border between China and Russia
Correct Answer: To protect the empire from nomadic invaders
Correct Answer Explanation: The Great Wall of China, stretching over 1,500 miles, served as a defensive barrier against nomadic invaders for centuries. It was a testament to the Chinese empire’s strength and its determination to protect its borders.
Which of the following is the name of the vast and barren desert that Allen and Sachtleben crossed during their journey, known for its shifting reddish sands and limited vegetation?
- Takla Makan Desert
- Gobi Desert
- Sahara Desert
- Arabian Desert
Correct Answer: Takla Makan Desert
Correct Answer Explanation: The Takla Makan Sands, part of the Gobi Desert, was characterized by shifting reddish sands and limited vegetation. It posed significant challenges for travelers, and the authors’ journey through this desert showcases the harsh conditions they faced.
During their journey, Allen and Sachtleben encountered a nomadic tribe that inhabited the slopes of Mount Ararat. What was the name of this tribe?
- Kurds
- Mongols
- Turkmen
- Kyrgyz
Correct Answer: Kurds
Correct Answer Explanation: The Kurds, a nomadic tribe, inhabit the slopes of Mount Ararat. The authors’ encounter with a Kurdish encampment provides a glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle of the tribe and their interactions with the travelers.
What was the name of the major conflict in northwestern China that the authors witnessed, leaving behind widespread destruction and instability?
- The Opium Wars
- The Taiping Rebellion
- The Boxer Rebellion
- The Dungan Rebellion
Correct Answer: The Dungan Rebellion
Correct Answer Explanation: The authors highlight the impact of the Dungan Rebellion, a major conflict in northwestern China that left behind widespread destruction and instability. The rebellion was a result of ethnic and religious tensions, and the authors’ observations provide a unique perspective on the historical context of the late 19th-century world.
What is the name of the traditional Chinese dough-strings, a staple food that Allen and Sachtleben encountered during their travels?
- Mien
- Sojeu
- Mo-mo
- Tung-posas
Correct Answer: Mien
Correct Answer Explanation: “Mien” refers to Chinese dough-strings, a staple food that is often served as a side dish or a base for different types of noodles. The authors’ mention of “mien” demonstrates their understanding of Chinese culinary traditions.
In the late 19th century, what was the name of the traditional Chinese term for “foreign devils”?
- Yeh renn
- Yang queedza
- Waiguoren
- Laowai
Correct Answer: Yang queedza
Correct Answer Explanation: “Yang queedza,” meaning “foreign devils,” was a common term used in late 19th-century China. It reflected the prejudice and distrust that some Chinese people had towards foreigners.
What was the name of the Chinese city that Allen and Sachtleben visited, located near the Gobi Desert, which was heavily damaged during the Dungan Rebellion?
- Ngan-si-chou
- Su-chou
- Lan-chou-foo
- Tientsin
Correct Answer: Ngan-si-chou
Correct Answer Explanation: The city of Ngan-si-chou, located near the Gobi Desert, was heavily damaged during the Dungan Rebellion. This event left a lasting impact on the city and its surrounding areas.
Which of the following is the name of the traditional heated bed or platform that is often used in traditional Chinese homes?
- Kang
- Tatami
- Futon
- Chaise lounge
Correct Answer: Kang
Correct Answer Explanation: The “kang,” a heated bed or platform used in traditional Chinese homes, provides warmth and comfort during colder months. It reflects the unique architectural features of Chinese homes.
What was the name of the Belgian man who had adopted Chinese customs and language and served as a custom mandarin in Su-chou?
- Ling Darin
- Jean-Baptiste Du Halde
- Matteo Ricci
- Ferdinand Verbiest
Correct Answer: Ling Darin
Correct Answer Explanation: Ling Darin, a Belgian man who had adopted Chinese customs and language, served as a custom mandarin in Su-chou. His story highlights the cultural exchange and adaptation between the East and West.
Which of the following is the name of the ancient city that was filled with ruins and monuments from the Seljuk period and evidence of the Hittites, according to the authors?
- Kaisarieh
- Tabreez
- Samarkand
- Tashkend
Correct Answer: Kaisarieh
Correct Answer Explanation: The ancient city of Kaisarieh is filled with ruins and monuments from the Seljuk period, including evidence of the Hittites, as noted by the authors. This information provides a glimpse into the rich historical context of the region.
What was the name of the traditional Turkish and Eastern society custom that Allen and Sachtleben observed, often referred to as a powerful influence in social interactions?
- Adet
- Ekmek
- Yaourt
- Bairam
Correct Answer: Adet
Correct Answer Explanation: “Adet” is a custom or tradition, a powerful influence in Turkish and Eastern societies, often guiding social interactions and behavior. The authors noted the importance of “adet” in various regions during their journey.
Which of the following is the name of the type of thrush that helps farmers fight locusts in Asia Minor?
- Smarmar
- Starling
- Sparrow
- Robin
Correct Answer: Smarmar
Correct Answer Explanation: The “smarmar,” a type of thrush, helps farmers fight locusts in Asia Minor by consuming the insects, offering a natural pest control method. The authors observed this ecological phenomenon during their journey.
What is the name of the traditional inn that Allen and Sachtleben encountered in Turkey and Persia, often serving as a place of rest and hospitality?
- Khan
- Charshi
- Zaptieh
- Adet
Correct Answer: Khan
Correct Answer Explanation: The “khan,” a traditional inn in Turkey and Persia, provided travelers with a place of rest, food, and shelter. It played a vital role in facilitating travel and commerce.
What is the name of the enclosed market or bazaar that Allen and Sachtleben encountered in Turkey, often a bustling center of trade and commerce?
- Khan
- Charshi
- Zaptieh
- Adet
Correct Answer: Charshi
Correct Answer Explanation: The “charshi,” an enclosed market or bazaar in Turkey, was a lively center of trade and commerce. The authors experienced the vibrant atmosphere and diverse goods available in these traditional marketplaces.
The authors encountered a superstition common in Turkey and other regions, where a person’s gaze is believed to inflict harm. What is the name of this superstition?
- Evil Eye
- Bad Luck
- Jinx
- Curse
Correct Answer: Evil Eye
Correct Answer Explanation: The “evil eye,” a superstition in Turkey and other regions, is the belief that a person’s gaze can inflict harm. The authors noted the prevalence of this belief and its impact on social interactions.