Azerbaijan Quiz Part 2: Land of Fire and Ancient Culture

How well do you know Azerbaijan?

Test your knowledge of Azerbaijan with these 10 questions. Choose the best answer for each question and see your score at the end!

• 1. Azerbaijan is known as "The Land of Fire" due to what natural phenomenon?

  • (A) Its many volcanoes
  • (B) Its natural gas fires that burn continuously
  • (C) Its extremely hot summers
  • (D) Its spicy cuisine

• 2. What is "Plov" (pilaf), a centerpiece of Azerbaijani cuisine?

  • (A) A type of bread
  • (B) A hearty meat stew
  • (C) A rice dish cooked with herbs, spices, and often meat or vegetables
  • (D) A sweet dessert

• 3. What is the significance of "Novruz," a major holiday in Azerbaijan?

  • (A) It marks the end of the year
  • (B) It is a religious fast
  • (C) It is the traditional spring festival celebrating the New Year
  • (D) It is a day of national mourning

• 4. What is a key aspect of hospitality in Azerbaijan?

  • (A) Guests are expected to arrive late
  • (B) Tea is considered a formal drink only
  • (C) A guest is seen as a gift from God, and hosts go to great lengths to show respect and generosity
  • (D) It is impolite to accept a second serving of food

• 5. The Old City of Baku (Icherisheher) is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for what?

  • (A) Its modern skyscrapers
  • (B) Its ancient Roman ruins
  • (C) Its well-preserved medieval walls, the Maiden Tower, and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs
  • (D) Its extensive canal system

• 6. What is "Mugham," in the context of Azerbaijani culture?

  • (A) A type of traditional clothing
  • (B) A highly complex and classical form of folk music and poetry
  • (C) A style of carpet weaving
  • (D) A national sport

• 7. How is respect for elders shown in Azerbaijani society?

  • (A) By using informal language
  • (B) Through formal address, offering them the best seat, and serving them first
  • (C) By challenging their views to show intellectual engagement
  • (D) By avoiding direct conversation with them

• 8. What is a common feature of a traditional Azerbaijani tea ceremony?

  • (A) It is a very quick and informal process
  • (B) Tea is served in armudu (pear-shaped) glasses, often with jam or sweets
  • (C) Milk is always added to the tea
  • (D) It is only for special occasions

• 9. What is the significance of the family unit in Azerbaijan?

  • (A) The family, including the extended family, is the most important social unit
  • (B) Individualism is valued more highly than family
  • (C) The nuclear family is the only recognized structure
  • (D) Family members have very little contact with each other

• 10. The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO site, is famous for what?

  • (A) Its collection of modern sculptures
  • (B) Its thousands of ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs)
  • (C) Its active mud volcanoes
  • (D) Its underground city