What was the name of the “new city” that the Abbasid Caliph al-Mansur founded in 762 AD?
- City of Peace
- Baghdad
- City of the Caliphs
- City of the East
Correct Answer: City of Peace
Correct Answer Explanation: When the Abbasid Caliph al-Mansur founded a completely new city for his capital, he chose the name “City of Peace” (Arabic: مدینة السلام, romanized: Madīnat as-Salām), which now refers to the Round City of Baghdad proper. This was the official name on coins, weights, and other official usage, although the common people continued to use the old name.
In what year was the House of Wisdom, one of the most important academic institutions of the Islamic Golden Age, established in Baghdad?
- 762
- 813
- 836
- 892
Correct Answer: 813
Correct Answer Explanation: The House of Wisdom was among the most well-known academies in Baghdad during the Abbasid era and was founded in 813 AD. This period marked a time of significant cultural and intellectual flourishing in Baghdad, solidifying its reputation as the “Center of Learning.”
The Mongol invasion of Baghdad in 1258 is considered a pivotal event in history. What happened to the city during this invasion?
- It was left largely intact.
- It was rebuilt by the Mongols.
- It was burned to the ground and many people were killed.
- It was incorporated into the Mongol Empire.
Correct Answer: It was burned to the ground and many people were killed.
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1258, Baghdad was captured by the Mongols led by Hulegu, a grandson of Chingiz Khan (Genghis Khan), during the siege of Baghdad. Many quarters were ruined by fire, siege, or looting. The Mongols massacred most of the city’s inhabitants, including the caliph Al-Musta’sim, and destroyed large sections of the city. The canals and dykes forming the city’s irrigation system were also destroyed. This event marked the end of the Abbasid Caliphate and had a profound impact on the region.
Which of the following is NOT a notable street in Baghdad?
- Abu Nuwas Street
- Mutanabbi Street
- Haifa Street
- Al-Rasheed Street
Correct Answer: Haifa Street
Correct Answer Explanation: Abu Nuwas Street, Mutanabbi Street, and Al-Rasheed Street are all well-known streets in Baghdad, each with its own unique character and history. Haifa Street, however, is not a notable street in Baghdad.
What is the name of the main square in Baghdad where public celebrations are held?
- Liberation Square
- Firdos Square
- Qushla Square
- Al-Shaheed Monument
Correct Answer: Firdos Square
Correct Answer Explanation: Firdos Square is the main square in Baghdad where public celebrations are held. It is also home to three important monuments commemorating Iraqi’s fallen soldiers and victories in war, including Al-Shaheed Monument, the Victory Arch, and the Unknown Soldier’s Monument.
What is the name of the district in Baghdad that is predominantly Sunni and associated with the Sunni Imam Abu Hanifa?
- Kadhimiya
- Al-A’dhamiyyah
- Al-Karrada
- Al-Rusafa
Correct Answer: Al-A’dhamiyyah
Correct Answer Explanation: Al-A’dhamiyyah is a predominantly Sunni area with a Mosque that is associated with the Sunni Imam Abu Hanifa. The name of Al-Aʿẓamiyyah is derived from Abu Hanifa’s title, al-Imām al-Aʿẓam (the Great Imam).
The Baghdad Metro project has been in the planning stages for many years. What was the main reason for the delays in the project’s construction?
- Lack of funding
- Political instability
- Environmental concerns
- Engineering challenges
Correct Answer: Political instability
Correct Answer Explanation: The Baghdad Metro project was first proposed during the 1970s, but it has been repeatedly delayed due to the political instability in Iraq. The project’s construction has been halted and restarted several times over the years, and its completion remains uncertain.
The Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra performs at a concert hall in Baghdad. Where is this concert hall located?
- The National Museum of Iraq
- The Baghdad Convention Center
- The Mustansiriya University
- The Baghdad Opera House
Correct Answer: The Baghdad Convention Center
Correct Answer Explanation: The Baghdad Convention Center is a multi-purpose venue in Baghdad that hosts a variety of events, including concerts by the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra.
What is the name of the street in Baghdad that is known for its numerous bookstores and outdoor book stalls?
- Abu Nuwas Street
- Mutanabbi Street
- Al-Sa’doun Street
- Al-Rasheed Street
Correct Answer: Mutanabbi Street
Correct Answer Explanation: Mutanabbi Street is located near the old quarter of Baghdad and is the historic center of Baghdadi book-selling. It is named after the 10th-century classical Iraqi poet Al-Mutanabbi and is well established for bookselling. It has often been referred to as the heart and soul of the Baghdad literacy and intellectual community.
What is the name of the largest football (soccer) stadium in Baghdad?
- Al-Shaab Stadium
- Al-Zawraa Stadium
- Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya Stadium
- Al-Talaba Stadium
Correct Answer: Al-Shaab Stadium
Correct Answer Explanation: The largest stadium in Baghdad is Al-Shaab Stadium, which was opened in 1966. It is home to a number of successful football teams, including Al-Shorta (Police), Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (Air Force), Al-Zawraa, and Al-Talaba (Students).
What is the name of the historical complex in Baghdad that is located in the al-Rusafa neighborhood and includes the Mutanabbi Street, Abbasid-era palace and bridges, Ottoman-era mosques, and the Mustansariyah Madrasa?
- Al-Shaheed Monument
- The Baghdad Zoo
- Qushla Square
- Firdos Square
Correct Answer: Qushla Square
Correct Answer Explanation: Qushla Square is located in the al-Rusafa neighborhood and is a historical complex that includes a number of significant landmarks. The square developed during the Ottoman era as a military barracks and is characterized by its iconic clock tower which was donated by George V.
Which of the following was NOT a major event that took place in Baghdad?
- The Mongol invasion of Baghdad
- The Anglo-Iraqi War
- The fall of the Umayyad Caliphate
- The U.S. invasion of Iraq
Correct Answer: The fall of the Umayyad Caliphate
Correct Answer Explanation: The fall of the Umayyad Caliphate took place in 750 AD, and it occurred in Damascus, not Baghdad. The other events listed—the Mongol invasion of Baghdad, the Anglo-Iraqi War, and the U.S. invasion of Iraq—all took place in Baghdad.
What is the name of the famous hotel in Baghdad that was built by Saddam Hussein?
- Palestine Hotel
- Sheraton Ishtar
- Al Rashid Hotel
- Sindbad Hotel Complex
Correct Answer: Al Rashid Hotel
Correct Answer Explanation: The Al Rashid Hotel is a luxury hotel in Baghdad that was built during the reign of Saddam Hussein. It is one of the most iconic hotels in the city and is known for its distinctive architecture.
What is the name of the river that bisects the city of Baghdad?
- The Euphrates River
- The Nile River
- The Tigris River
- The Jordan River
Correct Answer: The Tigris River
Correct Answer Explanation: The Tigris River bisects the city of Baghdad, splitting it into two halves. The eastern half is called “Risafa” and the western half is known as “Karkh.”
What is the name of the organization that Baghdad joined in December 2015?
- The United Nations
- The Arab League
- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation
- The UNESCO Creative Cities Network
Correct Answer: The UNESCO Creative Cities Network
Correct Answer Explanation: Baghdad joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in December 2015 as a City of Literature, recognizing its significant cultural heritage and contributions to literature.
What is the name of the oldest university in Baghdad that was established in 1227 by the Abbasid Caliph al-Mustansir?
- University of Baghdad
- Mustansiriya University
- Iraqi University
- Nahrain University
Correct Answer: Mustansiriya University
Correct Answer Explanation: The Mustansiriya Madrasa was established in 1227 by the Abbasid Caliph al-Mustansir and was later renamed al-Mustansiriya University in 1963. It is one of the oldest universities in the world and is still a significant center of learning in Baghdad.
What is the name of the famous Iraqi poet who is honored with a street named after him in Baghdad?
- Al-Mutanabbi
- Nizar Qabbani
- Salah Al-Hamdani
- Ilham al-Madfai
Correct Answer: Al-Mutanabbi
Correct Answer Explanation: Al-Mutanabbi was a 10th-century classical Iraqi poet who is honored with a street named after him in Baghdad. Mutanabbi Street is well known for its numerous bookstores and outdoor book stalls.
Which of the following is a prominent feature of Baghdad’s architecture?
- The use of terracotta tiles
- The use of stained glass
- The use of shanasheel
- The use of domes
Correct Answer: The use of shanasheel
Correct Answer Explanation: Shanasheel is a distinctive architectural feature found in Baghdad, which are wooden balconies projecting from the upper floors of buildings. They are often decorated with intricate carvings and provide shade from the hot Iraqi sun.
What is the name of the famous palace in Baghdad that was the residence of the Abbasid Caliphs?
- The Golden Gate Palace
- The Al-Salam Palace
- The Al-Faw Palace
- The Palace of the Caliphs
Correct Answer: The Golden Gate Palace
Correct Answer Explanation: The Golden Gate Palace was the residence of the Abbasid Caliphs and was located in the heart of Baghdad. It was an impressive structure with a green dome 39 meters high and was surrounded by an esplanade where only the caliph could come riding on horseback.
What is the name of the national airline of Iraq that operates out of Baghdad International Airport?
- Iraqi Airways
- Fly Baghdad
- SalamAir
- Middle East Airlines
Correct Answer: Iraqi Airways
Correct Answer Explanation: Iraqi Airways is the national airline of Iraq and operates out of Baghdad International Airport. It is one of the major airlines in the region and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights.
The Baghdad Eye Ferris wheel was installed in a park in Baghdad in 2011. What is the name of this park?
- Al-Zawraa Park
- Firdos Square
- Qushla Square
- The Baghdad Zoo
Correct Answer: Al-Zawraa Park
Correct Answer Explanation: The Baghdad Eye Ferris wheel was installed in Al-Zawraa Park in March 2011. The park is a popular recreational area in Baghdad, offering visitors a variety of attractions, including the Ferris wheel.
What is the name of the famous street in Baghdad that runs along the Tigris River?
- Mutanabbi Street
- Al-Sa’doun Street
- Abu Nuwas Street
- Al-Rasheed Street
Correct Answer: Abu Nuwas Street
Correct Answer Explanation: Abu Nuwas Street is a famous street in Baghdad that runs along the Tigris River. It is a popular place for strolling, enjoying the river views, and visiting cafés and restaurants.
What is the name of the historical district in Baghdad that was once home to a large Jewish community?
- Al-A’dhamiyyah
- Al-Karrada
- The Jewish Quarter
- Al-Rusafa
Correct Answer: The Jewish Quarter
Correct Answer Explanation: The Jewish Quarter of Baghdad was centered around the Al-Bataween and At-Turat districts and contained historic homes and synagogues. It was once home to a large Jewish community, but the population has dwindled in recent years.
The name Baghdad is of pre-Islamic origin. What is the most common meaning of the name?
- City of Peace
- Center of Learning
- Bestowed by God
- Gate of the East
Correct Answer: Bestowed by God
Correct Answer Explanation: Arab authors, realizing the pre-Islamic origins of Baghdad’s name, generally looked for its roots in Middle Persian. They suggested various meanings, the most common of which was “bestowed by God”.
In what century did Baghdad become the largest city in the world?
- 7th century
- 8th century
- 9th century
- 10th century
Correct Answer: 8th century
Correct Answer Explanation: Baghdad surpassed even Constantinople in prosperity and size and is likely to have been the largest city in the world from shortly after its foundation until the 930s. Several estimates suggest that the city contained over a million inhabitants at its peak.
What is the name of the monument in Baghdad that is dedicated to the Iraqi soldiers who died in the Iran-Iraq War?
- The Victory Arch
- The Unknown Soldier’s Monument
- Al-Shaheed Monument
- Qushla Square
Correct Answer: Al-Shaheed Monument
Correct Answer Explanation: Al-Shaheed Monument, also known as the Martyr’s Memorial, is a monument dedicated to the Iraqi soldiers who died in the Iran–Iraq War.
What is the name of the organization that controlled Baghdad after the U.S. invasion in 2003?
- The United Nations
- The Coalition Provisional Authority
- The Iraqi government
- The British Mandate of Mesopotamia
Correct Answer: The Coalition Provisional Authority
Correct Answer Explanation: The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) was a U.S.-led organization that controlled Iraq after the 2003 invasion. It was responsible for administering the country and overseeing the transition to a new Iraqi government.
What is the name of the famous street in Baghdad that was once home to many theaters and nightclubs, including the Crescent Theatre where Egyptian Singer Umm Kulthum sang?
- Al-Rasheed Street
- Mutanabbi Street
- Abu Nuwas Street
- Al-Sa’doun Street
Correct Answer: Al-Rasheed Street
Correct Answer Explanation: Al-Rasheed Street was once an artistic, intellectual, and cultural center for many Baghdadis. It included many prominent theaters and nightclubs such as the Crescent Theatre where Egyptian Singer Umm Kulthum sang during her visit in 1932.
What is the name of the famous Iraqi singer who performed in the Crescent Theatre in Baghdad?
- Fairuz
- Umm Kulthum
- Nizar Qabbani
- Salah Al-Hamdani
Correct Answer: Umm Kulthum
Correct Answer Explanation: Umm Kulthum was a famous Egyptian singer who performed in the Crescent Theatre in Baghdad in 1932. She was one of the most beloved singers in the Arab world.
What is the name of the university in Baghdad that was formerly known as the Mustansiriya Madrasa?
- University of Baghdad
- Mustansiriya University
- Iraqi University
- Nahrain University
Correct Answer: Mustansiriya University
Correct Answer Explanation: The Mustansiriya Madrasa, which was established in 1227, was later renamed Mustansiriya University in 1963. It is a major university in Baghdad and has played a significant role in the city’s intellectual history.
What is the name of the ancient Mesopotamian city that was located near the site of modern-day Baghdad?
- Babylon
- Ctesiphon
- Seleucia
- Ur
Correct Answer: Ctesiphon
Correct Answer Explanation: Ctesiphon was an ancient Mesopotamian city that was located near the site of modern-day Baghdad. It was the capital of the Parthian and Sassanid empires and was a major center of trade and culture.
What is the name of the famous mosque in Baghdad that is associated with the Sunni Imam Abu Hanifa?
- Masjid Al-Kadhimain
- Al-A’dhamiyyah Mosque
- Al-Sarrai Mosque
- Khilani Mosque
Correct Answer: Al-A’dhamiyyah Mosque
Correct Answer Explanation: The Al-A’dhamiyyah Mosque is a significant mosque in Baghdad that is associated with the Sunni Imam Abu Hanifa. It is located in the Al-A’dhamiyyah district, which is predominantly Sunni.
What is the name of the famous square in Baghdad where the statue of Saddam Hussein was pulled down by U.S.-led coalition forces in 2003?
- Liberation Square
- Firdos Square
- Qushla Square
- Al-Shaheed Monument
Correct Answer: Firdos Square
Correct Answer Explanation: Firdos Square was the site of the statue of Saddam Hussein that was pulled down by U.S.-led coalition forces in a widely televised event during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It is a significant landmark in Baghdad and a symbol of the end of Saddam Hussein’s regime.
What is the name of the largest zoological park in the Middle East that was located in Baghdad?
- The Baghdad Zoo
- The National Museum of Iraq
- The Iraq Museum
- The Baghdadi Museum
Correct Answer: The Baghdad Zoo
Correct Answer Explanation: The Baghdad Zoo was once the largest zoological park in the Middle East, but it suffered significant damage during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Many animals were stolen or died due to neglect, but the zoo has been gradually rebuilt in recent years.
What is the name of the annual book fair that is held in Baghdad and is well known to the international publishing world?
- The Baghdad International Book Fair
- The Mutanabbi Street Book Fair
- The Iraq Book Fair
- The Arab World Book Fair
Correct Answer: The Baghdad International Book Fair
Correct Answer Explanation: The Baghdad International Book Fair is a major event in the publishing world that is held annually in Baghdad. It attracts publishers, writers, and readers from around the world and is a testament to Baghdad’s literary heritage.
What is the name of the historical event in Baghdad that occurred in 1941, when Jewish residents were attacked following rumors they had aided the British?
- The Farhud
- The Baghdad Massacre
- The Jewish Pogrom
- The Iraqi Revolution
Correct Answer: The Farhud
Correct Answer Explanation: The Farhud was a pogrom against Baghdad’s Jewish community in 1941, when over 180 Jews were killed, 1,000 injured, and hundreds of Jewish properties were ransacked. This event was a tragic chapter in Baghdad’s history and had a profound impact on the Jewish community in the city.
What is the name of the iconic arches in Baghdad that commemorate the Iraqi victories in the Iran-Iraq War?
- The Victory Arches
- The Hands of Victory arches
- The Arch of Triumph
- The Baghdad Gate
Correct Answer: The Hands of Victory arches
Correct Answer Explanation: The Hands of Victory arches, also known as the Victory Arches, are two iconic arches in Baghdad that were built to commemorate the Iraqi victories in the Iran-Iraq War. They are a prominent landmark in the city and a symbol of Iraqi national pride.
What is the name of the Iranian general who was assassinated in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad Airport in 2020?
- Qasem Soleimani
- Ali Khamenei
- Mohammad Javad Zarif
- Hassan Rouhani
Correct Answer: Qasem Soleimani
Correct Answer Explanation: Qasem Soleimani was a prominent Iranian general and the commander of the Quds Force, a branch of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He was assassinated in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad Airport in 2020, an event that triggered a period of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.
What is the name of the ancient Mesopotamian city that was located in the surrounding area of Baghdad and was replaced and absorbed by Ctesiphon?
- Babylon
- Seleucia
- Ur
- Akkad
Correct Answer: Seleucia
Correct Answer Explanation: Seleucia was an ancient Mesopotamian city that was located in the surrounding area of Baghdad and was the first capital of the Seleucid Empire. It was later replaced and absorbed by Ctesiphon.
What is the name of the famous Iraqi poet who is considered one of the greatest poets of the Arab world?
- Al-Mutanabbi
- Nizar Qabbani
- Salah Al-Hamdani
- Ilham al-Madfai
Correct Answer: Al-Mutanabbi
Correct Answer Explanation: Al-Mutanabbi was a 10th-century classical Iraqi poet who is considered one of the greatest poets of the Arab world. He is known for his eloquent and powerful poetry, which is still celebrated today.
What is the name of the famous Iraqi singer who is known as the “Queen of Arab Music”?
- Fairuz
- Umm Kulthum
- Nizar Qabbani
- Salah Al-Hamdani
Correct Answer: Umm Kulthum
Correct Answer Explanation: Umm Kulthum was a famous Egyptian singer who was known as the “Queen of Arab Music.” She was one of the most influential singers in the Arab world and her music is still widely celebrated today.
What is the name of the famous Iraqi poet who wrote the poem “Baghdad?”
- Al-Mutanabbi
- Nizar Qabbani
- Salah Al-Hamdani
- Ilham al-Madfai
Correct Answer: Nizar Qabbani
Correct Answer Explanation: Nizar Qabbani was a famous Syrian poet who wrote the poem “Baghdad,” a beautiful ode to the city. His poetry is known for its romanticism and its exploration of themes of love, loss, and the beauty of the Arab world.
What is the name of the famous Iraqi singer who is known for his traditional Iraqi music?
- Salah Al-Hamdani
- Ilham al-Madfai
- Fairuz
- Umm Kulthum
Correct Answer: Salah Al-Hamdani
Correct Answer Explanation: Salah Al-Hamdani was a famous Iraqi singer who was known for his traditional Iraqi music. He was a popular performer and his music is still widely enjoyed today.
What is the name of the famous Iraqi singer who is known for her modern Iraqi music?
- Ilham al-Madfai
- Salah Al-Hamdani
- Fairuz
- Umm Kulthum
Correct Answer: Ilham al-Madfai
Correct Answer Explanation: Ilham al-Madfai is a famous Iraqi singer who is known for her modern Iraqi music. She is a popular performer and her music is widely enjoyed by Iraqi audiences.
What is the name of the famous Iraqi architect who designed the Al-Shaheed Monument?
- Saman Kamal
- Ismail Fatah Al Turk
- Hisham N. Ashkouri
- Zaha Hadid
Correct Answer: Saman Kamal
Correct Answer Explanation: Saman Kamal was a famous Iraqi architect who designed the Al-Shaheed Monument, a monument dedicated to the Iraqi soldiers who died in the Iran-Iraq War.
What is the name of the famous Iraqi sculptor who designed the Al-Shaheed Monument?
- Ismail Fatah Al Turk
- Saman Kamal
- Hisham N. Ashkouri
- Zaha Hadid
Correct Answer: Ismail Fatah Al Turk
Correct Answer Explanation: Ismail Fatah Al Turk was a famous Iraqi sculptor who designed the Al-Shaheed Monument, a monument dedicated to the Iraqi soldiers who died in the Iran-Iraq War.
What is the name of the famous Iraqi architect who designed the Baghdad Renaissance Plan?
- Hisham N. Ashkouri
- Zaha Hadid
- Saman Kamal
- Ismail Fatah Al Turk
Correct Answer: Hisham N. Ashkouri
Correct Answer Explanation: Hisham N. Ashkouri is a famous Iraqi architect who designed the Baghdad Renaissance Plan, a plan to rebuild and revitalize Baghdad after the U.S. invasion in 2003.
What is the name of the famous Iraqi-British architect who designed the new headquarters for the Central Bank in Baghdad?
- Zaha Hadid
- Hisham N. Ashkouri
- Saman Kamal
- Ismail Fatah Al Turk
Correct Answer: Zaha Hadid
Correct Answer Explanation: Zaha Hadid was a famous Iraqi-British architect who designed the new headquarters for the Central Bank in Baghdad. Her design is known for its innovative and futuristic style.
What is the name of the ancient Mesopotamian city that was located near the site of modern-day Baghdad and was the capital of the Babylonian Empire?
- Seleucia
- Ctesiphon
- Akkad
- Babylon
Correct Answer: Babylon
Correct Answer Explanation: Babylon was an ancient Mesopotamian city that was located near the site of modern-day Baghdad. It was the capital of the Babylonian Empire and was a major center of trade and culture.
What is the name of the famous Iraqi poet who wrote the poem “The City of Peace”?
- Al-Mutanabbi
- Nizar Qabbani
- Salah Al-Hamdani
- Ilham al-Madfai
Correct Answer: Salah Al-Hamdani
Correct Answer Explanation: Salah Al-Hamdani was a famous Iraqi poet who wrote the poem “The City of Peace,” a beautiful ode to Baghdad. His poetry is known for its lyricism and its exploration of themes of love, loss, and the beauty of the Arab world.
What is the name of the famous Iraqi singer who is known for his soulful voice and his traditional Iraqi music?
- Ilham al-Madfai
- Salah Al-Hamdani
- Fairuz
- Umm Kulthum
Correct Answer: Salah Al-Hamdani
Correct Answer Explanation: Salah Al-Hamdani was a famous Iraqi singer who was known for his soulful voice and his traditional Iraqi music. He was a popular performer and his music is still widely enjoyed today.
What is the name of the famous Iraqi singer who is known for her powerful voice and her modern Iraqi music?
- Ilham al-Madfai
- Salah Al-Hamdani
- Fairuz
- Umm Kulthum
Correct Answer: Ilham al-Madfai
Correct Answer Explanation: Ilham al-Madfai is a famous Iraqi singer who is known for her powerful voice and her modern Iraqi music. She is a popular performer and her music is widely enjoyed by Iraqi audiences.
What is the name of the famous Iraqi architect who designed the Sindbad Hotel Complex and Conference Center in Baghdad?
- Hisham N. Ashkouri
- Zaha Hadid
- Saman Kamal
- Ismail Fatah Al Turk
Correct Answer: Hisham N. Ashkouri
Correct Answer Explanation: Hisham N. Ashkouri is a famous Iraqi architect who designed the Sindbad Hotel Complex and Conference Center in Baghdad. His design is known for its modern and luxurious style.
What is the name of the famous Iraqi architect who designed the Baghdad Gate residential and commercial project in Baghdad?
- Zaha Hadid
- Hisham N. Ashkouri
- Saman Kamal
- Ismail Fatah Al Turk
Correct Answer: Hisham N. Ashkouri
Correct Answer Explanation: Hisham N. Ashkouri is a famous Iraqi architect who designed the Baghdad Gate residential and commercial project in Baghdad. His design is known for its modern and luxurious style.