Iran: Geography, History, and Society Quiz

What was Iran known as until 1935?

• Persia

• Mesopotamia

• Arabia

• Anatolia

Which of the following statements best describes the ethnic composition of Iran?

• Iran is ethnically homogeneous, consisting only of Persians.

• Iran is mainly Persian but also contains Kurds, Balochis, Turkmen, Azeris, Armenians, Arabs, Circassians, Lur tribal people, and a small Jewish community.

• Iran is made up entirely of Arabs and Persians.

• Iran is only inhabited by Persians and Armenians.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz strategically important for Iran?

• It is the only source of freshwater for Iran.

• It is a major passage for Iran's oil and natural gas exports.

• It is the capital city of Iran.

• It is the site of Iran's largest university.

Explain how Iran’s geography, particularly its mountain ranges and interior deserts, affects the country’s security and development.

• The geography makes Iran easily accessible and vulnerable to invasion.

• The mountain ranges and deserts protect and restrain Iran, making it difficult for outsiders to invade and for Iranians to move easily within the country.

• The geography has no impact on Iran’s security or development.

• The geography only affects Iran’s climate, not its security.

How did the establishment of Shi’ism as the official religion of Safavid Persia impact the Middle East?

• It had no significant impact on the region.

• It led to the unification of all Middle Eastern countries under one religion.

• It played a crucial role in shaping the political and religious landscape of the Middle East, both historically and today.

• It resulted in the immediate decline of Persian influence.

Which group makes up the majority of Muslims worldwide?

• Sunni

• Shi’a

• Ibadi

• Sufi

What event is commemorated every year by Shi’a Muslims during the festival of Ashura?

• The birth of Muhammad

• The martyrdom of Hussein at Karbala

• The discovery of oil in Iran

• The fall of the Safavid Dynasty

Why did the Persians adopt Shi’ism, according to the text?

• To align with the majority of Muslims

• To distinguish themselves from other Muslim powers

• To follow the teachings of the Caliph

• To gain British support

Explain the significance of the split between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims in shaping the political and religious landscape of the Middle East. Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

• The split had no significant impact on the region.

• The split led to the formation of new countries.

• The split distinguished Persian identity and influenced power struggles.

• The split was only about language differences.

How did British interests continue to influence Iran after Reza Shah Pahlavi assumed power in 1921?

• Through direct military occupation

• By supporting the Safavid Dynasty

• Via the Anglo-Persian Oil Company

• By promoting Shi’ism