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The name 'Tashkent' literally translates to 'New City' in the ancient Turkic language.
Answer: False
Explanation: The etymological derivation of 'Tashkent' points to 'tash' (stone) and 'kent' (city), signifying 'Stone City,' rather than 'New City,' which is a common misconception.
Before the 8th century AD, the Tashkent oasis was primarily influenced by Sogdian and Turkic cultures.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical analysis indicates that the Tashkent oasis, preceding the widespread adoption of Islam in the region around the mid-8th century CE, was significantly shaped by the cultural and political dynamics of the Sogdian and Turkic peoples.
The name 'Tashkand' became common after the 11th century, eventually evolving into the modern spelling 'Tashkent' due to Russian orthography.
Answer: True
Explanation: The nomenclature of the city evolved over centuries. Following its period as Binkath under the Samanids, the name transitioned through forms like Chachkand and Tashkand after the 11th century, with the contemporary spelling 'Tashkent' being a result of Russian orthographic conventions and subsequent Soviet influence.
Ptolemy's 'Stone Tower', a landmark on the Silk Road, is definitively identified by scholars as a settlement within the Tashkent oasis.
Answer: False
Explanation: While some scholars propose that Ptolemy's 'Stone Tower' may refer to a settlement within the Tashkent oasis, this identification remains debated among historians, with Tashkent being one of several potential locations.
The historical name 'Chach' for the Tashkent region is mentioned in the epic poem Shahnameh by Ferdowsi.
Answer: True
Explanation: The historical appellation 'Chach,' referring to the Tashkent region, is indeed referenced within Ferdowsi's seminal epic poem, the Shahnameh, alongside its usage in pre-Islamic and early Islamic contexts.
What is the literal meaning of the name 'Tashkent'?
Answer: Stone City
Explanation: The name 'Tashkent' is derived from the Turkic word 'tash' (stone) and the Persian word 'kent' (city), translating literally to 'Stone City' or 'City of Stones'.
Which cultures predominantly shaped the Tashkent oasis before the influence of Islam?
Answer: Sogdian and Turkic
Explanation: Prior to the advent of Islamic influence, the Tashkent oasis was predominantly shaped by the cultural and political forces of the Sogdian and Turkic peoples.
The name 'Chach' is historically associated with Tashkent and is mentioned in which famous literary work?
Answer: The Shahnameh by Ferdowsi
Explanation: The historical name 'Chach,' associated with the Tashkent region, is referenced in Ferdowsi's renowned epic poem, the Shahnameh.
Tashkent was conquered and destroyed by Genghis Khan in 1219 as part of his campaign against the Khwarezmian Empire.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical records confirm that Genghis Khan conquered and destroyed Tashkent in 1219. This event was an integral part of his extensive military campaigns across Central Asia, which notably included the subsequent devastation of the Khwarezmian Empire in 1220.
During the Samanid Empire, Tashkent was known by the name Chach.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the Samanid Empire, the city was known as Binkath. The name 'Chach' predates the Samanid period, referring to the region in pre-Islamic and early Islamic times.
According to 10th-century Arab authors, Tashkent (Shash) consisted only of a citadel housing the ruler's palace.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tenth-century Arab accounts describe Tashkent, then known as Shash, as comprising a citadel, an inner city (madina), and two suburbs (rabad-dahil and rabad-harij), indicating a more complex urban structure than just a citadel.
A silver Dirham minted in Tashkent during the reign of Harun al-Rashid indicates the city's importance under the Abbasid Caliphate.
Answer: True
Explanation: The minting of silver Dirhams in Tashkent (Mad'an al-Shash) during the reign of Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid (circa 805/806 CE) serves as evidence of the city's significant economic and administrative role within the Caliphate.
Who was responsible for the destruction of Tashkent in 1219?
Answer: Genghis Khan
Explanation: The destruction of Tashkent in 1219 is attributed to Genghis Khan as part of his extensive Central Asian military campaigns.
Under which empire did Tashkent become known as Binkath?
Answer: The Samanid Empire
Explanation: During the era of the Samanid Empire, the city of Tashkent was known by the appellation Binkath.
Tashkent was an independent city-state between 1784 and 1807, expanding its territory under Yunus Khoja.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1784, Yunus Khoja established an independent state centered in Tashkent, which subsequently expanded its territorial influence during the early 19th century.
Tashkent was annexed by the Khanate of Kokand in 1809, at which point it was a declining city with minimal fortifications.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon its annexation by the Khanate of Kokand in 1809, Tashkent was a prosperous city with a substantial population and extensive fortifications, contrary to the description of decline.
The Russian conquest of Tashkent in 1865 was led by Mikhail Chernyayev, who acted with full authorization from the Tsar.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Mikhail Chernyayev led the Russian conquest of Tashkent in 1865, his actions were undertaken without explicit authorization from the Tsar, representing a bold initiative.
After the Russian conquest, city elders honored Mikhail Chernyayev with the title 'Lion of Tashkent' and awarded him bonuses.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the Russian conquest of Tashkent in 1865, local city elders bestowed upon Mikhail Chernyayev the honorific title 'Lion of Tashkent' and presented him with tokens of appreciation.
Tashkent played a minor role during the Great Game, primarily as a cultural center.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tashkent served as a significant strategic location during the Great Game, functioning as a key center for intelligence gathering and geopolitical maneuvering between the Russian and British empires.
The Tashkent Declaration of 1966 aimed to resolve peace terms between India and Pakistan following their 1965 war, mediated by the Soviet Union.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Tashkent Declaration, signed on January 10, 1966, was a pivotal peace agreement between India and Pakistan, facilitated by Soviet mediation following their 1965 conflict.
A major earthquake in 1966 devastated Tashkent, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless and destroying thousands of homes.
Answer: True
Explanation: On April 26, 1966, Tashkent was struck by a powerful earthquake that caused widespread devastation, resulting in over 300,000 residents being displaced and approximately 78,000 homes being destroyed.
By 1991, Tashkent was the fourth-largest city in the Soviet Union and a key center for scientific education.
Answer: True
Explanation: By the time of the Soviet Union's dissolution in 1991, Tashkent ranked as the fourth-largest city within the USSR and was recognized as a significant hub for scientific and engineering education.
Boris Grabovsky demonstrated the first fully electronic television set in Tashkent in 1928.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1928, Boris Grabovsky achieved a significant technological milestone by demonstrating the world's first fully electronic television set in Tashkent, employing an electron beam sweeping technique.
What historical event led to the Russian conquest of Tashkent in 1865?
Answer: A daring night attack led by Mikhail Chernyayev against orders.
Explanation: The Russian conquest of Tashkent in 1865 was initiated by Mikhail Chernyayev's audacious night attack, conducted despite numerical inferiority and contrary to direct orders from the Tsar.
What was the significance of the Tashkent Declaration signed on January 10, 1966?
Answer: It was a peace agreement between India and Pakistan following their 1965 war.
Explanation: The Tashkent Declaration, signed on January 10, 1966, served as a crucial peace agreement brokered by the Soviet Union to resolve the conflict between India and Pakistan following their 1965 war.
Which natural disaster struck Tashkent on April 26, 1966, causing widespread devastation?
Answer: A powerful earthquake
Explanation: On April 26, 1966, Tashkent was struck by a catastrophic earthquake, resulting in extensive destruction and rendering hundreds of thousands of residents homeless.
What was Tashkent's rank in size among cities in the Soviet Union by 1991?
Answer: Fourth
Explanation: By 1991, the year of the Soviet Union's dissolution, Tashkent held the distinction of being the fourth-largest city within the USSR.
What significant technological contribution was made in Tashkent by Boris Grabovsky in 1928?
Answer: The demonstration of the first fully electronic television set.
Explanation: In 1928, Boris Grabovsky presented the world's first fully electronic television set in Tashkent, utilizing an electron beam sweeping methodology.
Tashkent is the largest city in Central Asia by population, surpassing three million inhabitants.
Answer: True
Explanation: As of April 1, 2024, Tashkent holds the distinction of being the most populous city in Central Asia, with its inhabitants exceeding three million.
Since Uzbekistan's independence, Tashkent's urban landscape has remained largely unchanged, retaining its Soviet-era appearance.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following Uzbekistan's independence, Tashkent has undergone significant urban transformation, marked by modern developments and the replacement or alteration of many Soviet-era structures.
Tashkent's population grew from approximately 1.9 million in 1983 to over 2.1 million by 1991.
Answer: True
Explanation: Population records indicate that Tashkent's demographic size increased from approximately 1,902,000 in 1983 to about 2,136,600 by 1991.
As of 2008, ethnic Uzbeks constituted the vast majority of Tashkent's population, making up over 78% of residents.
Answer: True
Explanation: Demographic data from 2008 shows that ethnic Uzbeks comprised approximately 78.0% of Tashkent's population, representing the predominant ethnic group.
Football is the most popular sport in Tashkent, with clubs like Pakhtakor Tashkent FK playing in the Uzbekistan Super League.
Answer: True
Explanation: Football holds the position of the most popular sport in Tashkent, evidenced by the participation of prominent clubs such as Pakhtakor Tashkent FK in the Uzbekistan Super League.
Tashkent serves as a minor hub for research, with most significant scientific institutions located in other Uzbek cities.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tashkent functions as a primary center for scientific research and higher education in Uzbekistan, hosting the Academy of Sciences and numerous other significant academic and research institutions.
Tashkent has limited media options, consisting mainly of state-run Uzbek language newspapers and no foreign language publications.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tashkent offers a diverse media landscape, including newspapers in Uzbek, English, and Russian, alongside television and radio broadcasting facilities.
Tourism in Tashkent has declined significantly following recent reforms aimed at simplifying visa requirements.
Answer: False
Explanation: Recent reforms, including the simplification of visa requirements, have stimulated a notable increase in tourism to Tashkent, rather than causing a decline.
Tashkent's motto, 'Kuch Adolatdadir,' translates to 'Power lies in Unity.'
Answer: False
Explanation: The official motto of Tashkent, 'Kuch Adolatdadir,' translates from Uzbek to 'Strength is in Justice,' not 'Power lies in Unity.'
As of 2019, Tashkent's Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.820 placed it in the 'high' human development category.
Answer: False
Explanation: A Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.820, as recorded for Tashkent in 2019, places it within the 'very high' human development category, signifying advanced levels of education, health, and living standards.
In the first half of 2024, Tashkent accounted for nearly one-fifth of Uzbekistan's total GDP.
Answer: True
Explanation: Economic data for the first half of 2024 indicates that Tashkent was the principal contributor to Uzbekistan's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), representing 19% of the national total, which is equivalent to nearly one-fifth.
What is the approximate ethnic composition of Tashkent as of 2008?
Answer: 78% Uzbek, 5% Russian
Explanation: As of 2008, the demographic profile of Tashkent indicated a significant majority of Uzbeks (approximately 78%), with Russians constituting about 5% of the population, alongside other ethnic groups.
Tashkent is described as a central hub for research and higher education primarily due to the presence of:
Answer: The Academy of Sciences and major universities.
Explanation: Tashkent's status as a central hub for research and higher education is largely attributed to the presence of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan and numerous prominent universities.
What is Tashkent's motto?
Answer: Strength is in Justice
Explanation: The motto of Tashkent is 'Kuch Adolatdadir,' which translates from Uzbek to 'Strength is in Justice'.
What does Tashkent's Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.820 (as of 2019) indicate?
Answer: Very high human development
Explanation: As of 2019, Tashkent's Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.820 places it in the 'very high' human development category, indicating substantial achievements in education, health, and living standards.
In the first half of 2024, what percentage of Uzbekistan's GDP did Tashkent contribute?
Answer: 19%
Explanation: During the first half of 2024, Tashkent's economic contribution to Uzbekistan's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) amounted to 19%.
What was the population of Tashkent in 1897?
Answer: Approximately 155,673
Explanation: According to census data from 1897, the population of Tashkent was recorded at approximately 155,673 individuals.
Tashkent's status as the capital and largest city in Uzbekistan makes it significant for:
Answer: Being the most populous city in Central Asia and a center for science and engineering.
Explanation: As the capital and most populous city in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, Tashkent is a vital center for scientific advancement and engineering education.
Following the 1966 earthquake, Tashkent was rebuilt with narrow, winding streets and traditional adobe structures, preserving its ancient character.
Answer: False
Explanation: Post-earthquake reconstruction efforts transformed Tashkent into a model Soviet city, characterized by wide avenues and modern architecture, rather than preserving narrow, winding streets and traditional adobe structures.
The 1966 earthquake and subsequent Soviet redevelopment resulted in the preservation of most of Tashkent's historical Silk Road architecture.
Answer: False
Explanation: The extensive redevelopment following the 1966 earthquake led to the demolition of much of Tashkent's historical Silk Road architecture, diminishing its visibility as a traditional trading center.
Tashkent is currently divided into 11 districts, reflecting its administrative structure.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of 2020, Tashkent is administratively divided into 12 districts, following the establishment of the Yangihayot District.
The Hazrati Imam Complex in Tashkent houses a library containing one of the world's earliest extant copies of the Quran, dating to 655 CE.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Hazrati Imam Complex in Tashkent contains a library that holds the Uthman Quran, a manuscript considered among the earliest extant copies, dating back to 655 CE.
The Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre was constructed by German prisoners of war during World War I.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre was constructed by Japanese prisoners of war during World War II, not German prisoners during World War I.
The Tashkent Metro stations are known for their simple, utilitarian design, and photography has always been permitted within the system.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Tashkent Metro stations are renowned for their elaborate architectural and artistic designs. Photography within the system, though historically prohibited, has been permitted since 2018.
Amir Timur Square features a statue of Genghis Khan on horseback, commemorating his conquest of the region.
Answer: False
Explanation: Amir Timur Square is distinguished by a statue of Timur (Tamerlane), not Genghis Khan, commemorating his historical significance and connection to the region.
The Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan holds a unique collection, including paintings 'borrowed' from the Hermitage Museum that were never returned.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan's collection includes notable works such as paintings that were transferred from the Hermitage Museum and were never returned.
Tashkent's transportation system includes a metro, a major international airport, and a high-speed rail line, but its trolleybus and tram systems are still operational.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Tashkent possesses a comprehensive transportation network including its metro, international airport, and high-speed rail, its former trolleybus and tram systems have been discontinued.
The Ilkhom Theater in Tashkent was the first independent theatre established in the Soviet Union.
Answer: True
Explanation: Established in 1976 by Mark Weil, the Ilkhom Theater in Tashkent is recognized as the inaugural independent theatre within the Soviet Union, and it remains operational.
The Samarkand Kufic Quran, one of the earliest written copies of the Quran, has been housed in Tashkent since 1924.
Answer: True
Explanation: Tashkent is the custodian of the Samarkand Kufic Quran, recognized as one of the earliest extant manuscripts of the Quran, which has been located in the city since 1924.
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tashkent, a prominent Russian Orthodox church, was demolished in 2009.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a significant Russian Orthodox church in Tashkent, was demolished in 2009, following a period of secular use and repurposing after the Soviet era.
The Uthman Quran in Tashkent is believed to be stained with the blood of the murdered caliph Uthman.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Uthman Quran, preserved within Tashkent's Hazrati Imam Complex, is traditionally believed to bear the bloodstains from the assassination of the third Caliph, Uthman ibn Affan.
How was Tashkent rebuilt following the devastating 1966 earthquake?
Answer: As a model Soviet city with wide streets and modern apartment blocks.
Explanation: Post-earthquake reconstruction efforts transformed Tashkent into a paradigm of Soviet urban planning, featuring broad avenues, modern residential blocks, and extensive public spaces.
The Hazrati Imam Complex in Tashkent is significant because it houses:
Answer: One of the earliest extant copies of the Uthman Quran.
Explanation: The Hazrati Imam Complex is notable for housing a library that contains the Uthman Quran, considered one of the earliest extant manuscripts of the Quran.
Who constructed the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre in Tashkent?
Answer: Japanese prisoners of war during World War II.
Explanation: The Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre was constructed by Japanese prisoners of war during World War II.
What is a notable characteristic of the Tashkent Metro system?
Answer: Its stations are known for extravagant design and architecture.
Explanation: The Tashkent Metro is distinguished by the elaborate architectural and artistic design of its stations. Photography within the system, though historically restricted, has been permitted since 2018.
Which historical figure's statue is prominently featured in Amir Timur Square in Tashkent?
Answer: Timur (Tamerlane)
Explanation: Amir Timur Square is dominated by a statue of Timur (Tamerlane), commemorating his historical significance and connection to the region.
The Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan holds a unique collection, including:
Answer: Paintings 'borrowed' from the Hermitage Museum that were never returned.
Explanation: The Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan's collection includes notable works such as paintings that were transferred from the Hermitage Museum and were never returned.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a district of Tashkent?
Answer: Samarkand
Explanation: Samarkand is a major city in Uzbekistan and not an administrative district within Tashkent. Chilanzar, Yakkasaray, and Mirzo Ulugbek are recognized districts of Tashkent.
The Tashkent Metro's photography ban was lifted in which year?
Answer: 2018
Explanation: The prohibition on photography within the Tashkent Metro system was rescinded in 2018.
Which of the following is a prominent shopping mall located in Tashkent?
Answer: Tashkent City Mall
Explanation: Tashkent City Mall is identified as a prominent shopping destination within the city, alongside other commercial centers.
What is the historical significance of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tashkent?
Answer: It was a Russian Orthodox church that was eventually demolished in 2009.
Explanation: The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral served as a significant Russian Orthodox church in Tashkent before its demolition in 2009.
Tashkent experiences a climate classified as purely tropical monsoon, with distinct wet and dry seasons year-round.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tashkent's climate is characterized by cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers, aligning more with Mediterranean or humid continental classifications, rather than a tropical monsoon pattern.
The primary sources of air pollution in Tashkent are natural gas combustion and agricultural activities.
Answer: False
Explanation: The principal sources of air pollution in Tashkent are identified as the heating sector, transportation, and industrial activities, rather than natural gas combustion or agriculture.
Tashkent operates on UTC+05:00, also known as Moscow Time (MSK).
Answer: False
Explanation: Tashkent operates on UTC+05:00, designated as Uzbekistan Time (UZT). This time zone is distinct from Moscow Time (MSK), which is UTC+03:00.
The average annual air pollution level in Tashkent is reported to be less than half the World Health Organization's recommended level.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the assertion, Tashkent's average annual air pollution levels are substantially higher than the World Health Organization's recommendations, exceeding them by more than sixfold, according to World Bank data.
Which of the following is a primary source of air pollution in Tashkent, according to the provided data?
Answer: The heating sector
Explanation: The heating sector is identified as a primary contributor to air pollution in Tashkent, alongside transportation and industrial activities.
What is the time zone observed in Tashkent?
Answer: UTC+05:00 (Uzbekistan Time)
Explanation: Tashkent operates on UTC+05:00, which is officially designated as Uzbekistan Time (UZT).
How does Tashkent's average annual air pollution level compare to WHO recommendations?
Answer: It is more than six times higher than WHO recommendations.
Explanation: Tashkent's average annual air pollution levels significantly exceed the World Health Organization's recommendations, being more than six times the permissible limit.