The Caspian Sea is notorious for its unpredictable nature. What makes it difficult to land at Persian ports?
- Its shallow waters
- Its lack of safe harbors
- Its frequent violent storms
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The Caspian Sea is known for its shallow waters, lack of safe harbors, and frequent violent storms, making it a challenging body of water to navigate and land at Persian ports.
In 1902, what was the cost of a first-class railway ticket from Warsaw to Baku, Russia?
- 10 pounds sterling
- 5 pounds sterling
- 20 pounds sterling
- 15 pounds sterling
Correct Answer: 5 pounds sterling
Correct Answer Explanation: A first-class railway ticket from Warsaw to Baku in 1902 cost 5 pounds sterling. This reflects the relatively high cost of travel at the time, and the importance of the railway route for trade and transportation.
Resht, Persia, is known for its production of what luxurious fabric?
- Cotton
- Silk
- Wool
- Linen
Correct Answer: Silk
Correct Answer Explanation: Resht, Persia, is renowned for its silk industry, a testament to the country’s rich textile tradition and the quality of its raw materials.
What is the name of the most notable mountain in Persia?
- Mount Ararat
- Mount Elbrus
- Mount Damavand
- Mount Everest
Correct Answer: Mount Damavand
Correct Answer Explanation: Mount Damavand, with a height over 18,600 ft., is the most notable mountain in Persia and a symbol of the country’s rugged beauty and natural grandeur.
What is a kanat?
- An ancient Persian weapon
- A type of underground irrigation system
- A traditional Persian musical instrument
- A Persian delicacy
Correct Answer: A type of underground irrigation system
Correct Answer Explanation: A kanat is a unique and ingenious underground irrigation system, crucial for water supply in Persia’s arid regions. It showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Persian people in harnessing natural resources.
What city in Persia was the seat of royalty under Shah Tamasp in the 16th century?
- Shiraz
- Isfahan
- Kashan
- Kasvin
Correct Answer: Kasvin
Correct Answer Explanation: Kasvin, Persia, served as the seat of royalty under Shah Tamasp in the 16th century, reflecting its historical significance as a center of political power and cultural influence.
What is the name of the high ventilating shafts common in Yezd, Persia, designed to capture the wind and circulate air in houses?
- Badjirs
- Kanats
- Qanats
- Kheshks
Correct Answer: Badjirs
Correct Answer Explanation: The unique high ventilating shafts called “badjirs” are a characteristic feature of Yezd, Persia, reflecting the city’s adaptability to its hot and arid climate.
What is the traditional payment made to a bride in Persia as a reward for unveiling her face during the wedding ceremony?
- Nomzad
- Ruhmah
- Kheshk
- Badjir
Correct Answer: Ruhmah
Correct Answer Explanation: The “ruhmah” is a traditional payment made to a bride in Persia as a reward for unveiling her face during the wedding ceremony. It represents a symbolic gesture of appreciation and a recognition of the bride’s beauty.
What city is known for its vast oil wells?
- Baku, Russia
- Kiev, Russia
- Rostoff, Russia
- Teheran, Persia
Correct Answer: Baku, Russia
Correct Answer Explanation: Baku, Russia, is renowned for its vast oil wells, which fueled its industrial growth and attracted foreign investment in the early 20th century.
What city is known for its shipyards and caviare factories?
- Baku, Russia
- Kiev, Russia
- Rostoff, Russia
- Teheran, Persia
Correct Answer: Rostoff, Russia
Correct Answer Explanation: Rostoff, Russia, is known for its shipyards and caviare factories, showcasing its diverse industrial activities and its role as a major port city on the Caspian Sea.
What is the name of the city in Persia that was the ancient capital?
- Shiraz
- Isfahan
- Kashan
- Teheran
Correct Answer: Isfahan
Correct Answer Explanation: Isfahan, Persia, boasts a rich history as the ancient capital of the country. It is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and its enduring legacy as a center of Persian civilization.
What city in Persia is known for its wine production?
- Shiraz
- Isfahan
- Kashan
- Teheran
Correct Answer: Shiraz
Correct Answer Explanation: Shiraz, Persia, is known for its wine production, a tradition that dates back to ancient times and contributes to the city’s reputation as a center of Persian culture and hospitality.
What city in Persia is known for its mosque and shrine, where the remains of Matsuma Fatima are said to be buried?
- Shiraz
- Isfahan
- Kum
- Teheran
Correct Answer: Kum
Correct Answer Explanation: Kum, Persia, is known for its mosque and shrine, where the remains of Matsuma Fatima, a revered figure in Shia Islam, are said to be buried. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a center of religious learning.
What city in Persia is known for its silk manufacturing and its copper utensils?
- Shiraz
- Isfahan
- Kashan
- Teheran
Correct Answer: Kashan
Correct Answer Explanation: Kashan, Persia, is known for its silk manufacturing and its copper utensils, showcasing its skilled artisans and its reputation for high-quality craftsmanship.
What city in Persia is the capital city and home to the Shah’s palace?
- Shiraz
- Isfahan
- Kashan
- Teheran
Correct Answer: Teheran
Correct Answer Explanation: Teheran, Persia, is the capital city and home to the Shah’s palace, reflecting its central role in the country’s political and administrative life.
What is the name of the road between Resht and Teheran, constructed in 1899?
- The Persian Road
- The Russian Road
- The British Road
- The Silk Road
Correct Answer: The Russian Road
Correct Answer Explanation: The Russian Road, constructed in 1899, connected Resht and Teheran, highlighting the growing Russian influence in Persia and its strategic importance for trade and communication.
What is the name given to the veil worn by Persian women in public, covering the entire body from head to foot?
- Chudder
- Kheshk
- Ruhmah
- Badjir
Correct Answer: Chudder
Correct Answer Explanation: The “chudder” is a veil worn by Persian women in public, covering the entire body from head to foot. It reflects the traditional societal norms and the importance of modesty in Persian culture.
In 1902, what was the population of the city of Yezd, Persia?
- 30,000
- 60,000
- 75,000
- 100,000
Correct Answer: Over 60,000
Correct Answer Explanation: The population of the city of Yezd was estimated at over 60,000 in 1902, reflecting its status as a significant urban center in Persia.
What is the name of the traditional Persian water pipe, popular in Persia and other Middle Eastern countries?
- Kalian
- Badjir
- Kanat
- Ruhmah
Correct Answer: Kalian
Correct Answer Explanation: The “kalian”, a traditional Persian water pipe, is a social symbol and a source of enjoyment in Persian society.
What is the name of the type of hard cheese made from curdled milk, common in Persia?
- Kheshk
- Chudder
- Ruhmah
- Kalian
Correct Answer: Kheshk
Correct Answer Explanation: “Kheshk” is a type of hard cheese made from curdled milk, common in Persia. It is a traditional food item and a source of nourishment.
What is the name of a descendant of the prophet Muhammad?
- Sayid
- Kheshk
- Ruhmah
- Kalian
Correct Answer: Sayid
Correct Answer Explanation: “Sayid” is a term used to refer to a descendant of the prophet Muhammad. It holds significant religious and social importance in Islamic societies.
In 1902, how many oil refineries were operating in Baku, Russia?
- 100
- 500
- 1000
- Thousands
Correct Answer: Thousands
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1902, thousands of oil refineries were operating in Baku, Russia, showcasing the scale of its oil industry and its importance to the Russian economy.
What is the name of the official betrothal day in a Persian wedding ceremony?
- Nomzad
- Kheshk
- Ruhmah
- Kalian
Correct Answer: Nomzad
Correct Answer Explanation: “Nomzad” is the name of the official betrothal day in a Persian wedding ceremony, marking the beginning of the formal engagement period.
In 1902, what was the approximate yearly income of the Shah of Persia?
- 10,000 pounds sterling
- 20,000 pounds sterling
- 30,000 pounds sterling
- 40,000 pounds sterling
Correct Answer: 20,000 pounds sterling
Correct Answer Explanation: The Shah of Persia’s yearly income was approximately 20,000 pounds sterling in 1902, highlighting his wealth and the economic resources of the Persian monarchy.
What was the cost of travel by landau and fourgon between Resht and Teheran in 1902?
- 15 pounds 18s 7d
- 24 pounds 18s 7d
- 30 pounds 18s 7d
- 35 pounds 18s 7d
Correct Answer: 24 pounds 18s 7d
Correct Answer Explanation: The annual cost of travel by landau and fourgon between Resht and Teheran was 24 pounds 18s 7d, highlighting the relatively high cost of transportation in Persia at the time and the challenges of traveling within the country.
What is the name of the province in Persia known for its high-quality silk production?
- Ghilan
- Khorassan
- Azerbaijan
- Fars
Correct Answer: Ghilan
Correct Answer Explanation: Ghilan, Persia, is known for producing high-quality silk, contributing to the country’s textile industry and its reputation for luxurious fabrics.
What is the name of the city in Persia that is considered one of the most important cities in Khorassan?
- Birjand
- Kerman
- Yezd
- Kashan
Correct Answer: Birjand
Correct Answer Explanation: Birjand, Persia, is considered one of the most important cities in Khorassan, reflecting its role as a center of trade, culture, and political influence in the region.
What is the name of the mountain in Persia that was historically home to state prisons before they were moved to Ardebil?
- Mount Damavand
- Mount Ararat
- Mount Elbrus
- Mount Alamut
Correct Answer: Mount Alamut
Correct Answer Explanation: Mount Alamut, Persia, was historically home to state prisons before they were moved to Ardebil. The mountain’s strategic location and its forbidding terrain made it an ideal site for confinement.
In 1900, what was the total value of exports from Bandar Abbas, Persia?
- £102,671
- £202,232
- £300,000
- £500,000
Correct Answer: £102,671
Correct Answer Explanation: The total value of exports from Bandar Abbas decreased from £202,232 in 1899 to £102,671 in 1900. This decline highlights the fluctuations in trade patterns and the challenges faced by Persian merchants in navigating global markets.
In 1900, what was the value of imports into Bandar Abbas, Persia?
- Nearly double the value of the exports
- The same as the value of the exports
- Less than the value of the exports
- Half the value of the exports
Correct Answer: Nearly double the value of the exports
Correct Answer Explanation: The value of imports into Bandar Abbas in 1900 was nearly double the value of the exports, reflecting the country’s dependence on foreign goods and the growing importance of trade in the region.
What is the name of the city in Persia that is known for its copper utensils?
- Kashan
- Isfahan
- Yezd
- Shiraz
Correct Answer: Kashan
Correct Answer Explanation: Kashan, Persia, is known for its copper utensils, reflecting the city’s skilled artisans and its reputation for high-quality craftsmanship.
In 1900, what was the value of imports into Mahommerah, Persia for transhipment to Karun ports?
- £20,000
- £30,000
- £40,000
- £59,194
Correct Answer: £59,194
Correct Answer Explanation: The value of imports into Mahommerah, Persia for transhipment to Karun ports in 1900 was £59,194, highlighting the importance of Mahommerah as a major trading hub and the growing volume of trade in the region.
What is the name of the Persian cat from Isfahan, known for its long hair?
- Burak
- Angora
- Siamese
- Persian
Correct Answer: Burak
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Burak” is a Persian cat from Isfahan, known for its long hair. It is a prized breed, reflecting the Persian love for cats and their appreciation for beauty.
What is the name of the breed of long-haired domestic cat originating in Turkey?
- Angora
- Burak
- Siamese
- Persian
Correct Answer: Angora
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Angora” is a breed of long-haired domestic cat originating in Turkey. It is known for its silky coat and its distinctive appearance.
What is the name of the annual subsidy paid by the Russian government to a steam navigation company for transporting goods between Odessa and Bussorah?
- £2,000
- £5,000
- £10,000
- £15,000
Correct Answer: £5,000
Correct Answer Explanation: The annual subsidy paid by the Russian government to a steam navigation company for transporting goods between Odessa and Bussorah is £5,000 per voyage. This highlights the Russian government’s investment in trade and its strategic interest in the region.
What is the name of the city in Persia that was the first capital of the Russian state?
- Moscow
- St. Petersburg
- Kiev
- Rostoff
Correct Answer: Kiev
Correct Answer Explanation: Kiev, Russia, was the first capital of the Russian state, reflecting its historical importance as a center of political power and cultural influence.
In 1901, what was the total amount of silver imported into Persia by the government, the Imperial Bank, and other importers?
- 2 million tomans
- 5 million tomans
- 10 million tomans
- 20 million tomans
Correct Answer: 5 million tomans
Correct Answer Explanation: The amount of silver imported into Persia in 1901 by the government, the Imperial Bank, and other importers was approximately 5 million tomans. This highlights the importance of silver as a medium of exchange and its role in the Persian economy.
In 1900, what was the annual value of imports into Tabriz, Persia from Russia, Turkey, Austria-Hungary, and France?
- Over £10 million
- Over £15 million
- Over £21 million
- Over £25 million
Correct Answer: Over £21 million
Correct Answer Explanation: The annual imports into Tabriz, Persia from Russia, Turkey, Austria-Hungary, and France were over £21 million in 1900. This reflects the importance of Tabriz as a major trading center and its links to other countries in the region.
In 1902, what was the number of students attending the Royal College of Teheran, Persia?
- 50
- 100
- 200
- 500
Correct Answer: Over 100
Correct Answer Explanation: The Royal College of Teheran, Persia, had a student body of over 100 in 1902. This highlights the growing importance of education in Persia and the government’s commitment to promoting knowledge and skills among its citizens.
In 1902, what was the number of teachers at the Royal College of Teheran, Persia?
- 50
- 100
- 200
- 500
Correct Answer: Over 100
Correct Answer Explanation: The Royal College of Teheran had a staff of over 100 teachers, reflecting the dedication to providing quality education and the importance of skilled educators in shaping the future of the country.
In February 1898, how many boys were attending the Mission school in Isfahan, Persia?
- 100
- 150
- 200
- 250
Correct Answer: 200
Correct Answer Explanation: The number of boys attending the Mission school in Isfahan, Persia in February 1898 was 200. This highlights the role of religious institutions in education and the presence of foreign missionaries in Persia.
When was the British Tobacco Corporation granted a monopoly in Persia?
- 1890
- 1891
- 1892
- 1893
Correct Answer: 1890
Correct Answer Explanation: The British Tobacco Corporation was granted a monopoly in Persia in 1890, sparking protests and highlighting the potential for economic and political conflict between foreign powers and Persian interests.
When was the British Tobacco Corporation monopoly abolished in Persia?
- 1890
- 1891
- 1892
- 1893
Correct Answer: 1892
Correct Answer Explanation: The British Tobacco Corporation monopoly was abolished in Persia in 1892, following widespread protests and the Shah’s decision to appease public sentiment.
In 1892, what was the amount of tobacco monopoly compensation paid by the Shah of Persia?
- £250,000
- £500,000
- £750,000
- £1,000,000
Correct Answer: £500,000
Correct Answer Explanation: The Shah of Persia paid a tobacco monopoly compensation of £500,000 in 1892. This highlights the economic and political costs of the British Tobacco Corporation monopoly and its impact on Persian finances.
In 1900, what was the value of British imports into Persia?
- £1 million
- £1.2 million
- £1.4 million
- £1.6 million
Correct Answer: £1,400,000
Correct Answer Explanation: The value of British imports into Persia in 1900 was £1,400,000, highlighting the importance of trade between Britain and Persia and the role of British goods in the Persian economy.
In 1900, what was the approximate value of Russian imports of British goods?
- £10 million
- £15 million
- £21 million
- £25 million
Correct Answer: £21,974,952
Correct Answer Explanation: The value of Russian imports of British goods was approximately £21,974,952 in 1900, reflecting the significant trade between the two countries and the role of British goods in the Russian economy.
In 1902, what was the estimated population of the city of Birjand?
- 10,000
- 20,000
- 30,000
- 40,000
Correct Answer: 30,000
Correct Answer Explanation: The population of the city of Birjand was estimated at 30,000 in 1902, reflecting its status as a significant urban center in the region.
In 1902, what was the approximate number of students attending the Madrassah in Isfahan?
- 50
- 100
- 160
- 200
Correct Answer: 160
Correct Answer Explanation: The number of students attending the Madrassah in Isfahan in 1902 was approximately 160, showcasing the importance of religious education and the role of the Madrassah as a center of learning in Persia.
In 1902, what was the number of students at the Mushir school in Yezd?
- 50
- 75
- 100
- 125
Correct Answer: 100
Correct Answer Explanation: The number of students at the Mushir school in Yezd in 1902 was 100, reflecting the growing importance of secular education and the establishment of modern schools in Persia.
In 1902, what was the student body of the Parsee school in Yezd?
- 100
- 150
- 200
- 230
Correct Answer: 230
Correct Answer Explanation: The Parsee school in Yezd had a student body of 230 in 1902. This highlights the presence of different religious communities in Persia and the diversity of educational institutions.
In 1902, what was the estimated population of the state of Kelat?
- 100,000
- 150,000
- 200,000
- 220,500
Correct Answer: 220,500
Correct Answer Explanation: The population of the state of Kelat was estimated at 220,500 in 1902, reflecting its size and its importance as a political entity in the region.
What was the annual subsidy paid to the Khan of Kelat for the telegraph line?
- 2,000 rupees
- 3,000 rupees
- 4,000 rupees
- 5,000 rupees
Correct Answer: 5,000 rupees
Correct Answer Explanation: The annual subsidy paid to the Khan of Kelat for the telegraph line was 5,000 rupees. This highlights the importance of communication infrastructure and the financial support provided by the British government.
What was the annual payment to the Sardar of Kharan?
- 4,000 rupees
- 5,000 rupees
- 6,000 rupees
- 7,000 rupees
Correct Answer: 6,000 rupees
Correct Answer Explanation: The annual payment to the Sardar of Kharan was 6,000 rupees. This reflects the financial relationships between the British government and local leaders in the region.
In 1902, what was the estimated population of Nushki?
- 500 for Mengal and 200 to 300 for Badini
- 1,000 for Mengal and 300 to 400 for Badini
- 1,500 for Mengal and 400 to 500 for Badini
- 2,000 for Mengal and 500 to 600 for Badini
Correct Answer: 1,500 for Mengal and 400 to 500 for Badini
Correct Answer Explanation: The population of Nushki in 1902 was estimated at 1,500 for Mengal and 400 to 500 for Badini, reflecting the size and demographics of this important location.
In 1902, what was the estimated population of the village of Dadi, Sistan?
- 500
- 750
- 1,000
- 1,250
Correct Answer: 1,000
Correct Answer Explanation: The population of the village of Dadi, Sistan was estimated at 1,000 in 1902. This highlights the size and importance of this village in the region.
In 1901, what was the total value of imports and exports through Nushki?
- Rs. 1,205,805
- Rs. 1,405,805
- Rs. 1,605,805
- Rs. 1,805,805
Correct Answer: Rs. 1,605,805
Correct Answer Explanation: The total value of imports and exports through Nushki in 1901 was Rs. 1,605,805, highlighting the significance of this location as a trading center.
What is the distance between Nushki and Sistan?
- Over 400 miles
- Over 500 miles
- Over 600 miles
- Over 700 miles
Correct Answer: Over 500 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: The distance between Nushki and Sistan is over 500 miles, highlighting the vast distances and challenges of traveling in the region.
What is the distance between Quetta and Nushki?
- 60 miles
- 70 miles
- 80 miles
- 90 miles
Correct Answer: 90 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: The distance between Quetta and Nushki is 90 miles, highlighting the proximity of these two important locations.
In 1900, what was the value of imports and exports between Sistan and Quetta?
- Rs. 1,035,411
- Rs. 1,135,411
- Rs. 1,235,411
- Rs. 1,335,411
Correct Answer: Rs. 1,235,411
Correct Answer Explanation: The value of imports and exports between Sistan and Quetta in 1900 was Rs. 1,235,411, reflecting the volume of trade between these two locations.
In 1901, what was the value of imports and exports between Quetta and Sistan?
- Rs. 1,434,452
- Rs. 1,534,452
- Rs. 1,634,452
- Rs. 1,734,452
Correct Answer: Rs. 1,534,452
Correct Answer Explanation: The value of imports and exports between Quetta and Sistan in 1901 was Rs. 1,534,452. This highlights the growth in trade between these two locations.
In 1900-1901, how many horses were brought from Meshed to Quetta for remounts?
- 208
- 308
- 408
- 508
Correct Answer: 408
Correct Answer Explanation: The total number of horses brought from Meshed to Quetta for remounts in 1900-1901 was 408. This highlights the importance of horses for military purposes and the trade in horses between Persia and British India.
What is the cost of a good Khorassan horse in Persia?
- 60 to 80 rupees
- 70 to 90 rupees
- 80 to 100 rupees
- 90 to 110 rupees
Correct Answer: 80 to 100 rupees
Correct Answer Explanation: The cost of a good Khorassan horse in Persia is from 80 to 100 rupees. This reflects the value of these horses and the thriving trade in horses in Persia.
What is the cost of a Khorassan horse sold to the British government in Quetta?
- 200 rupees
- 250 rupees
- 300 rupees
- 350 rupees
Correct Answer: 300 rupees
Correct Answer Explanation: The cost of a Khorassan horse sold to the British government in Quetta is 300 rupees, highlighting the price difference between horses sold in Persia and those sold to the British government.
In 1900, what was the value of exports from Mahommerah?
- £100,000
- £115,359
- £130,000
- £145,000
Correct Answer: £115,359
Correct Answer Explanation: The value of exports from Mahommerah in 1900 was £115,359, highlighting the importance of this location as a trading center.
What is the name given to the tradition of giving money to Mullahs in Persia?
- Nomzad
- Ruhmah
- Badjir
- Kheshk
Correct Answer: Ruhmah
Correct Answer Explanation: The “ruhmah” is a traditional payment made to a bride in Persia as a reward for unveiling her face during the wedding ceremony. It represents a symbolic gesture of appreciation and a recognition of the bride’s beauty.
What is the name of the city in Persia known for its mosque and shrine, where the remains of Matsuma Fatima are said to be buried?
- Shiraz
- Isfahan
- Kum
- Teheran
Correct Answer: Kum
Correct Answer Explanation: Kum, Persia, is known for its mosque and shrine, where the remains of Matsuma Fatima, a revered figure in Shia Islam, are said to be buried. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a center of religious learning.