Iran Quiz – Test Your Knowledge of Persian Culture and History

The Persian Gulf lies along Iran's southern coast and is vital for its economy. Iran exports much of its crude oil and other goods through ports like Bandar Abbas into these strategic waters.

The national currency of Iran is the Iranian Rial. Despite its official status, prices are often informally quoted in Tomans (1 Toman = 10 Rials) due to its historically large denominations.

The Rubaiyat is a famous collection of quatrains (rubaiyat) attributed to Omar Khayyam. Known for its philosophical reflections on life and mortality, it gained international fame through Edward FitzGerald's 19th-century English translation.

Iran shares its southeastern border with Pakistan in the region of Sistan and Baluchestan. The two countries have important cultural and historical links that stretch back centuries.

Iran was historically the heart of the Persian Empire, which spanned from the Achaemenid Empire founded by Cyrus the Great (6th century BCE) through the Sassanid period until the Islamic conquest in the 7th century. This empire was known for its advanced administration, architecture, and contributions to civilization.

Kashan is famous for producing exquisite handmade Persian carpets and tiles. The city is one of the most historically significant craft centers in Iran, drawing visitors who appreciate its traditional artistry and historic architecture.

Cyrus the Great founded the Achaemenid Persian Empire around 550 BCE. Under his leadership, the empire became one of the most powerful and vast empires of the ancient world, noted for its tolerance and administrative skill.

Lavash is a thin, soft, traditional Iranian flatbread, often baked in clay ovens. It is an everyday staple served with kebabs, cheese, herbs, and stews across the country.

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini led the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and established the Islamic Republic of Iran. Khomeini became Iran’s Supreme Leader until his death in 1989.

Iran's government is an Islamic republic, governed by a combination of elected officials and Islamic jurists. The Supreme Leader holds significant authority, with democratic institutions like the President and Parliament (Majlis) functioning under Islamic law.

Around 90-95% of Iranians follow Shia Islam, making Iran the center of Twelver Shia Islam. The country hosts sacred shrines like those in Mashhad and Qom that attract millions of pilgrims annually.

Standing at 5,671 meters, Mount Damavand is Iran's highest peak and the highest volcano in Asia. Located in the Alborz range, Damavand is an iconic symbol of Iran, appearing in Persian myths and poetry.

The Alborz mountain range stretches across northern Iran, separating the Caspian Sea coast from the central plateau. Its highest peak is Mount Damavand, an inactive stratovolcano and the highest mountain in Iran and the Middle East.

Also called the Great Salt Desert, Dasht-e Kavir lies in north-central Iran. It is one of the most arid places on Earth, covered with salt marshes and extreme temperatures, making it sparsely populated.

Wrestling is Iran's national sport and is considered a source of national pride. Iran has produced many Olympic and world champions in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling over the years.

Islam is Iran's state religion, and the majority of its population adheres to Shia Islam. Iran's religious leaders play a significant role in its political structure as part of its theocratic republic system.

Nowruz, meaning "New Day," is the Persian New Year celebrated on the vernal equinox around March 21. It dates back over 3,000 years and is celebrated with feasts, fire-jumping, and visits to family and friends.

Iran's economy is driven by its vast oil and natural gas reserves, making it one of the world's top oil producers. Iran also cultivates most of the world's saffron, known as "red gold," which is prized globally for its color, flavor, and medicinal properties.

Tehran is Iran's capital and most populous city. Located at the foot of the Alborz mountain range, it has been the nation's political, economic, and cultural center since the Qajar dynasty in the 18th century. It houses major museums, parks, and historical sites like Golestan Palace and the Azadi Tower.

Isfahan is celebrated for its Islamic architecture, especially its stunning blue-tiled mosques, historic bridges like the Si-o-se-pol, and Naqsh-e Jahan Square. It was Persia's capital during the Safavid dynasty and a cultural hub of the region.

The official language of Iran is Persian, also called Farsi. It belongs to the Indo-European language family and has its own Persian script. Persian literature and poetry, like the works of Rumi and Hafez, have had a profound impact on world culture.

The Tar is a traditional Persian stringed instrument with a long neck and double bowl-shaped body. Its melodic sound is central to Iranian classical music and is often heard at traditional performances.

The Shahnameh, or “Book of Kings,” is an epic poem written by Ferdowsi around 1000 CE. It tells the mythical and historical past of Persia from creation until the Arab conquest, and is a cornerstone of Persian literature and identity.

Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Its impressive palaces and reliefs built by Darius the Great and his successors highlight the empire's grandeur before Alexander the Great conquered the city in 330 BCE.

Iran's northern coastline borders the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest enclosed inland water body. The sea is rich in oil, gas, and caviar-producing sturgeon, making it economically significant to Iran and its neighbors.