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Yusuf İsmaïl was born in 1857 in a village near Shumen, a region then administered by the Ottoman Empire.
Answer: True
Explanation: The historical records indicate Yusuf İsmaïl was born in 1857 in a village proximate to Shumen, which at that time was situated within the administrative boundaries of the Ottoman Empire.
Yusuf İsmaïl was a professional wrestler of American nationality who competed internationally in the late 19th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl was a professional wrestler of Turkish nationality, born in the Ottoman Empire, who competed internationally during the late 19th century.
Wrestling historian William Baxter suggests Yusuf İsmaïl was born Youssuf Ishmaelo in 1857 to a Muslim Turkish family in Bulgaria.
Answer: True
Explanation: According to wrestling historian William Baxter, Yusuf İsmaïl was born Youssuf Ishmaelo in 1857 to a Muslim Turkish family in Bulgaria, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire.
Yusuf İsmaïl's weight was recorded as 250 pounds when he first began wrestling in the Ottoman Empire.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Yusuf İsmaïl's weight was recorded as 250 pounds upon his arrival in Paris, his billed weight for his entire career, including earlier periods, was 305 pounds. The 250-pound figure relates specifically to his arrival in Paris.
According to the source, where was Yusuf İsmaïl born and what political entity was it part of?
Answer: Karalar (Cherna), Özi Eyalet of the Ottoman Empire
Explanation: The source material specifies that Yusuf İsmaïl was born in the village of Karalar (also known as Cherna), located within the Özi Eyalet, which was part of the Ottoman Empire during his birth year of 1857.
From which city was Yusuf İsmaïl billed as hailing when he began his professional wrestling career?
Answer: Shumen
Explanation: When Yusuf İsmaïl commenced his professional wrestling career, he was billed as hailing from Shumen, a city within the Ottoman Empire.
What was Yusuf İsmaïl's primary profession?
Answer: Professional wrestler
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl's primary and most renowned profession was that of a professional wrestler, a career through which he achieved international acclaim.
Yusuf İsmaïl made his professional wrestling debut in 1894, billed as hailing from Istanbul, Ottoman Empire.
Answer: False
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl made his professional wrestling debut in 1894, but he was billed as hailing from Shumen, Ottoman Empire, not Istanbul.
Yusuf İsmaïl won the prestigious Kırkpınar Tournament in 1898, shortly before his death.
Answer: False
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl won the prestigious Kırkpınar Tournament in 1887, which was an early success in his career, not shortly before his death in 1898.
Joseph Doublier brought Kara Osman, Nurullah Hasan, and Yusuf Ismail to Paris in 1894 to challenge a rival wrestler named Sabès.
Answer: True
Explanation: The French promoter Joseph Doublier orchestrated the 'Turkish invasion' of wrestling by bringing Kara Osman, Nurullah Hasan, and Yusuf Ismail to Paris in 1894 with the intention of challenging the wrestler Sabès.
In his Paris debut, Yusuf İsmaïl defeated Sabès in just four seconds using a chokehold after Sabès attempted a front belt hold.
Answer: True
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl's debut match in Paris was remarkably swift; he defeated Sabès in merely four seconds by countering Sabès's front belt hold attempt with a decisive chokehold.
Yusuf İsmaïl spent three years dominating opponents in France and reportedly vowed to commit suicide if ever defeated.
Answer: True
Explanation: During his three-year tenure in France, Yusuf İsmaïl achieved considerable dominance over his opponents. His fierce pride was such that he reportedly pledged to commit suicide should he ever face defeat.
Joseph Doublier was defeated by Yusuf İsmaïl in Paris, prompting Doublier to seek out other wrestlers.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joseph Doublier was not defeated by Yusuf İsmaïl in Paris. Rather, Doublier sought out wrestlers like İsmaïl after being defeated by Sabès, aiming to find opponents who could challenge Sabès.
Yusuf İsmaïl's weight was recorded as 250 pounds upon his arrival in Paris for wrestling matches.
Answer: True
Explanation: Upon his arrival in Paris for wrestling engagements, Yusuf İsmaïl's weight was noted as approximately 250 pounds.
Yusuf İsmaïl's wrestling debut in Paris was against Kara Osman, whom he defeated quickly.
Answer: False
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl's wrestling debut in Paris was against Sabès, whom he defeated rapidly. Kara Osman was another wrestler brought by Joseph Doublier but was not İsmaïl's debut opponent.
Who was the French promoter responsible for bringing Yusuf İsmaïl and other Turkish wrestlers to Paris?
Answer: Joseph Doublier
Explanation: The French promoter Joseph Doublier was instrumental in organizing the 'Turkish invasion' of wrestling, bringing Yusuf İsmaïl and other wrestlers to Paris in 1894.
How long did Yusuf İsmaïl's debut match in Paris against Sabès last?
Answer: 4 seconds
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl's debut match in Paris was extraordinarily brief, concluding in just four seconds with his victory over Sabès.
What was Yusuf İsmaïl's reputation regarding his matches in France?
Answer: He dominated opponents for three years and vowed suicide if defeated.
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl established a reputation for overwhelming dominance during his three years competing in France, reportedly vowing to take his own life should he ever be defeated.
What was the significance of the Kırkpınar Tournament victory for Yusuf İsmaïl?
Answer: It marked an early success in his wrestling career in 1887.
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl's victory in the prestigious Kırkpınar Tournament in 1887 represented a significant early achievement in his developing wrestling career.
Yusuf İsmaïl's billed wrestling measurements were 6 feet 2 inches and 305 pounds.
Answer: True
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl was billed with impressive physical dimensions for his wrestling career: a height of 6 feet 2 inches and a weight of 305 pounds, contributing to his formidable reputation.
Yusuf İsmaïl held an undefeated record for over a decade before arriving in the United States and winning the World Heavyweight Championship in 1898.
Answer: False
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl's undefeated streak prior to his arrival in the United States lasted approximately four years, not over a decade. He won the American Heavyweight Championship in 1898, not the World Heavyweight Championship.
After his initial management by Joseph Doublier, Yusuf İsmaïl was brought to New York and managed by Antonio Pierri, with William A. Brady promoting his matches.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following his European tour managed by Joseph Doublier, Yusuf İsmaïl traveled to the United States, where he was managed by Antonio Pierri and promoted by William A. Brady in New York.
At the London Theatre in New York, Yusuf İsmaïl challenged anyone to last 30 minutes with him for $100, a challenge accepted by George Bothner.
Answer: False
Explanation: At the London Theatre in New York, Yusuf İsmaïl offered $100 to anyone who could last 15 minutes with him, a challenge accepted by George Bothner, not 30 minutes.
William A. Brady, who promoted Yusuf İsmaïl's matches in New York, later became a renowned Broadway producer.
Answer: True
Explanation: William A. Brady served as Yusuf İsmaïl's promoter during his New York engagements and later achieved significant success as a Broadway producer.
What were Yusuf İsmaïl's billed physical measurements for his wrestling career?
Answer: 6 feet 2 inches, 305 pounds
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl was billed at a height of 6 feet 2 inches and a weight of 305 pounds, dimensions that contributed significantly to his imposing presence in the wrestling arena.
Which championship did Yusuf İsmaïl win in 1898?
Answer: American Heavyweight Championship
Explanation: In 1898, Yusuf İsmaïl achieved a significant victory by defeating Evan 'Strangler' Lewis to claim the American Heavyweight Championship.
What was the duration of Yusuf İsmaïl's undefeated streak before his arrival in the United States?
Answer: Approximately 4 years
Explanation: Prior to his arrival in the United States, Yusuf İsmaïl maintained an impressive undefeated record that spanned approximately four years, demonstrating his consistent dominance.
Who managed Yusuf İsmaïl after Joseph Doublier, during his tour in New York?
Answer: Antonio Pierri
Explanation: Following his management by Joseph Doublier in Europe, Yusuf İsmaïl was brought to New York and placed under the management of Antonio Pierri.
What challenge did Yusuf İsmaïl issue at the London Theatre in New York?
Answer: $100 to anyone who could last 15 minutes.
Explanation: At the London Theatre in New York, Yusuf İsmaïl issued a public challenge, offering $100 to any opponent who could withstand 15 minutes of wrestling against him.
Who was the wrestler that Yusuf İsmaïl defeated to win the American Heavyweight Championship in 1898?
Answer: Evan 'Strangler' Lewis
Explanation: In 1898, Yusuf İsmaïl secured the American Heavyweight Championship by defeating the formidable wrestler Evan 'Strangler' Lewis.
The infamous match between Yusuf İsmaïl and İbrahim Mahmut at the Cirque d'Hiver involved İsmaïl biting Mahmut's ear and breaking his leg.
Answer: False
Explanation: The infamous match between Yusuf İsmaïl and İbrahim Mahmut at the Cirque d'Hiver was exceptionally brutal, with İsmaïl tearing at Mahmut's nostrils, breaking his ribs, and twisting his arms, but reports do not mention biting an ear or breaking a leg.
George Bothner described Yusuf İsmaïl as a slow, powerful wrestler who easily lifted him like a child.
Answer: False
Explanation: George Bothner described Yusuf İsmaïl not as slow, but as a 'modern Hercules' who was quick and powerful, easily lifting him 'like a kitten'.
Yusuf İsmaïl's undefeated streak ended in a victory by pinfall against Ernest Roeber at Madison Square Garden in March 1898.
Answer: False
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl's undefeated streak ended not by pinfall, but by disqualification against Ernest Roeber at Madison Square Garden in March 1898, after İsmaïl pushed Roeber off the ring platform.
The crowd at Madison Square Garden reacted calmly to Yusuf İsmaïl's disqualification against Ernest Roeber, understanding it was a fair call.
Answer: False
Explanation: The crowd at Madison Square Garden reacted with significant outrage to Yusuf İsmaïl's disqualification against Ernest Roeber, believing Roeber might have been seriously injured, which led to a riot.
The rematch between Yusuf İsmaïl and Ernest Roeber at the Metropolitan Opera House ended with İsmaïl winning by submission after a chaotic brawl.
Answer: False
Explanation: The rematch between Yusuf İsmaïl and Ernest Roeber at the Metropolitan Opera House did not end with İsmaïl winning; it concluded as a no-contest due to extreme chaos involving managers and Fitzsimmons, leading to fans storming the ring.
In his final match in Chicago, Yusuf İsmaïl defeated Evan 'Strangler' Lewis for the 'championship of the world' despite Lewis conceding defeat beforehand.
Answer: False
Explanation: In his final match in Chicago, Yusuf İsmaïl faced Evan 'Strangler' Lewis for the 'championship of the world.' Although İsmaïl reportedly used Lewis's signature barred stranglehold twice, Lewis conceded defeat, acknowledging İsmaïl as the better wrestler.
The stranglehold, a signature move of Evan Lewis, was permitted in Yusuf İsmaïl's final match against Lewis.
Answer: False
Explanation: The stranglehold, Evan Lewis's signature move, was specifically barred in Yusuf İsmaïl's final match against Lewis. İsmaïl's use of it twice led to controversy.
George Bothner sustained a broken arm from his encounter with Yusuf İsmaïl, requiring months to heal.
Answer: False
Explanation: While George Bothner described being lifted and slammed with 'terrific force' by Yusuf İsmaïl, he did not report sustaining a broken arm. He mentioned a neck 'wrench' that took days to recover from.
The final match between Yusuf İsmaïl and Evan Lewis had a purse of $3,500 and was contested for the 'championship of the world.'
Answer: True
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl's final wrestling match against Evan 'Strangler' Lewis in Chicago featured a purse of $3,500 and was contested for the title referred to as the 'championship of the world'.
Evan Lewis stated after their final match that Yusuf İsmaïl was the inferior wrestler.
Answer: False
Explanation: Evan Lewis, after his final match against Yusuf İsmaïl, acknowledged İsmaïl's superiority by stating, 'I was licked. The Turk is the better man.'
The match between Yusuf İsmaïl and İbrahim Mahmut was stopped by police intervention due to its extreme brutality.
Answer: True
Explanation: The exceptionally brutal match between Yusuf İsmaïl and İbrahim Mahmut at the Cirque d'Hiver necessitated intervention from police and spectators to quell the violence and separate the combatants.
George Bothner, a lightweight wrestler, successfully lasted the full 15 minutes against Yusuf İsmaïl in their challenge match.
Answer: False
Explanation: George Bothner, despite accepting the challenge, did not last the full 15 minutes against Yusuf İsmaïl. He was reportedly picked up and slammed with significant force, indicating İsmaïl's dominance.
The venue for the rematch between Yusuf İsmaïl and Ernest Roeber subsequently banned all future wrestling events after the chaotic conclusion.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the chaotic no-contest and subsequent riot during the rematch between Yusuf İsmaïl and Ernest Roeber at the Metropolitan Opera House, the venue implemented a ban on all future wrestling events.
Yusuf İsmaïl's final wrestling match was against Kızıılcıkılı Mahmut in Chicago.
Answer: False
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl's final wrestling match was not against Kızıılcıkılı Mahmut, but against Evan 'Strangler' Lewis in Chicago.
In the infamous match at the Cirque d'Hiver against İbrahim Mahmut, what specific actions did Yusuf İsmaïl take?
Answer: He tore at Mahmut's nostrils, broke his ribs, and twisted his arms.
Explanation: During the exceptionally violent bout against İbrahim Mahmut at the Cirque d'Hiver, Yusuf İsmaïl engaged in severe tactics, including tearing at Mahmut's nostrils, breaking his ribs, and twisting his arms.
How did George Bothner describe Yusuf İsmaïl's physical capabilities?
Answer: A 'modern Hercules' who was quick and skilled.
Explanation: George Bothner characterized Yusuf İsmaïl as a 'modern Hercules,' emphasizing his combination of speed, skill, and immense physical power.
What was the reason for Yusuf İsmaïl's disqualification in his match against Ernest Roeber at Madison Square Garden?
Answer: He pushed Roeber off the ring platform.
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl was disqualified at Madison Square Garden when he pushed Ernest Roeber off the raised ring platform, causing Roeber to fall several feet to the ground.
How did the crowd react to Yusuf İsmaïl's disqualification against Ernest Roeber?
Answer: They reacted with outrage, leading to a riot.
Explanation: The crowd's reaction to Yusuf İsmaïl's disqualification against Ernest Roeber was one of intense outrage, escalating into a riot as spectators stormed the ring.
What was the outcome of the rematch between Yusuf İsmaïl and Ernest Roeber at the Metropolitan Opera House?
Answer: The match ended in a no-contest due to chaos involving managers and Fitzsimmons, leading to fans storming the ring.
Explanation: The rematch at the Metropolitan Opera House concluded as a no-contest. The situation devolved into chaos involving managers and Fitzsimmons, culminating in fans invading the ring and the venue subsequently banning wrestling.
In Yusuf İsmaïl's final match against Evan Lewis, what rule was broken by İsmaïl?
Answer: He used the barred stranglehold twice.
Explanation: During his final match against Evan Lewis, Yusuf İsmaïl violated the rules by employing the stranglehold, a move explicitly barred for that contest, on two occasions.
Yusuf İsmaïl died in 1898 at the age of 40 while wrestling in Canada.
Answer: False
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl died in 1898 at the age of 40 or 41, not while wrestling, but at sea when the ocean liner La Bourgogne sank off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada.
Yusuf İsmaïl died tragically when the ocean liner La Bourgogne sank on July 4, 1898.
Answer: True
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl's life tragically concluded on July 4, 1898, when he perished aboard the ocean liner La Bourgogne during its sinking.
Press accounts suggest Yusuf İsmaïl survived the sinking of the La Bourgogne but later died of exposure after reaching shore.
Answer: False
Explanation: Press accounts and official records indicate that Yusuf İsmaïl did not survive the sinking of the La Bourgogne. He was among the hundreds who perished when the ship went down.
Sensational claims that Yusuf İsmaïl threw women and children overboard during the La Bourgogne sinking were officially confirmed by surviving passengers.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sensational claims about Yusuf İsmaïl throwing women and children overboard during the La Bourgogne sinking were widely circulated but were not officially confirmed by surviving passengers. These accounts are largely attributed to his manager, William Brady, and are considered fabricated.
At the time of his death, Yusuf İsmaïl was carrying a money belt containing approximately $5,000 in gold coins.
Answer: False
Explanation: Reports suggest that at the time of his death, Yusuf İsmaïl was carrying a money belt containing a larger sum, estimated between $8,000 and $10,000 in gold coins, not approximately $5,000.
Yusuf İsmaïl's death was attributed to drowning after falling overboard from the La Bourgogne, with the weight of his money belt contributing to him sinking.
Answer: True
Explanation: The prevailing account of Yusuf İsmaïl's death attributes it to drowning after falling overboard from the sinking La Bourgogne. The considerable weight of his money belt is cited as a factor that may have contributed to him sinking rapidly.
When and where did Yusuf İsmaïl die?
Answer: July 4, 1898, at sea off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl died on July 4, 1898, at the age of 40 or 41. His death occurred at sea, off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, when the ocean liner La Bourgogne sank.
What caused Yusuf İsmaïl's death on July 4, 1898?
Answer: Drowning when the ocean liner La Bourgogne sank.
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl's death on July 4, 1898, was caused by drowning during the sinking of the ocean liner La Bourgogne.
What sensational, likely fabricated, claim was made about Yusuf İsmaïl's actions during the sinking of the La Bourgogne?
Answer: He threw women and children overboard to reach lifeboats.
Explanation: Sensational and likely fabricated claims suggested that Yusuf İsmaïl threw women and children overboard during the La Bourgogne disaster in his desperate attempt to secure a place in a lifeboat.
What was the approximate amount of money Yusuf İsmaïl was reportedly carrying in his money belt at the time of his death?
Answer: $8,000 - $10,000
Explanation: Reports suggest that Yusuf İsmaïl was carrying a substantial sum, estimated between $8,000 and $10,000 in gold coins, within his money belt at the time of his demise.
What was the name of the ocean liner on which Yusuf İsmaïl died?
Answer: La Bourgogne
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl met his tragic end when the ocean liner La Bourgogne sank on July 4, 1898, resulting in his death.
During his wrestling career, Yusuf İsmaïl was primarily known by the ring name 'The Bulgarian Bear'.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Yusuf İsmaïl was of Bulgarian origin, his most famous ring name was 'Yusuf Ismail the Terrible Turk'. 'The Bulgarian Bear' was a moniker associated with other wrestlers.
While known internationally as 'Yusuf Ismail the Terrible Turk,' native Turks recognized him as 'Koca Yusuf.'
Answer: False
Explanation: Internationally, Yusuf İsmaïl was known as 'Yusuf Ismail the Terrible Turk.' However, within Turkey, he was recognized as 'Şumnulu Yusuf Pehlivan,' not 'Koca Yusuf,' which was a posthumous honorific.
The honorific 'Koca,' meaning Great, was given to Yusuf İsmaïl during his lifetime by his wrestling promoter.
Answer: False
Explanation: The honorific 'Koca,' meaning Great, was not bestowed during his lifetime by a promoter. It was posthumously awarded to Yusuf İsmaïl by the writer Rıza Tevfik.
According to wrestling historian Alan Calvert, Yusuf İsmaïl was considered one of the top three strongmen in the world.
Answer: True
Explanation: Wrestling historian Alan Calvert, along with photographer Edmond Desbonnet, recognized Yusuf İsmaïl's exceptional physical prowess, considering him among the world's top three strongmen.
Yusuf İsmaïl was the only wrestler ever to use the moniker 'the Terrible Turk'.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Yusuf İsmaïl was the original wrestler known as 'the Terrible Turk,' the moniker was later adopted by several other wrestlers, including Kızıılcıkılı Mahmut and Robert Manoogian.
The image caption identifies the wrestlers in the 'Turkish invasion' photo from left to right as Nurullah Hasan, Kara Osman, Joseph Doublier, and Yusuf Ismail.
Answer: False
Explanation: The image caption identifies the wrestlers in the 'Turkish invasion' photo from left to right as Kara Osman, Nurullah Hasan, Joseph Doublier, and Yusuf Ismail, not in the order presented in the question.
Shortly before his death, Yusuf İsmaïl was planning to return to the United States to manage a boxing stable.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shortly before his death, Yusuf İsmaïl was reportedly planning to return to Europe to open a coffee shop or bazaar in his native village, not to manage a boxing stable in the United States.
A biographical film about Yusuf İsmaïl, titled 'The Great Turk,' was released in 1966.
Answer: False
Explanation: A biographical film about Yusuf İsmaïl was indeed released, but it was titled 'Koca Yusuf' and came out in 1966, not 'The Great Turk'.
The 'See also' section of the article includes a link to a list of famous wrestlers from Turkey.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'See also' section of the article does not mention a link to a list of famous wrestlers from Turkey. It does, however, mention a link to 'List of people who disappeared at sea'.
Yusuf İsmaïl was inducted into the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in the Class of 2021.
Answer: True
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl received posthumous recognition when he was inducted into the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2021.
The moniker 'the Terrible Turk' was first used by Kızıılcıkılı Mahmut before being adopted by Yusuf İsmaïl.
Answer: False
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl was the original wrestler known by the moniker 'the Terrible Turk.' While others later adopted the name, it originated with him.
The book 'Les Rois de la Lutte' by Edmond Desbonnet, published in 1910, details the 'Turkish invasion' of wrestling.
Answer: True
Explanation: Edmond Desbonnet's 1910 book, 'Les Rois de la Lutte' (The Kings of Wrestling), provides historical accounts of the era, including details concerning the 'Turkish invasion' of professional wrestling.
The book 'From Milo to Londos' by Nat Fleischer, published in 1937, contains George Bothner's account of wrestling Yusuf İsmaïl.
Answer: True
Explanation: Nat Fleischer's 1937 publication, 'From Milo to Londos,' includes George Bothner's firsthand account of his wrestling encounter with Yusuf İsmaïl, providing valuable historical perspective.
Which of the following was Yusuf İsmaïl's most famous ring name?
Answer: Yusuf Ismail the Terrible Turk
Explanation: Yusuf İsmaïl achieved widespread international fame under the moniker 'Yusuf Ismail the Terrible Turk,' which became synonymous with his formidable wrestling persona.
How did Yusuf İsmaïl come to be known by the honorific 'Koca Yusuf'?
Answer: It was posthumously given by writer Rıza Tevfik.
Explanation: The honorific 'Koca,' signifying 'Great,' was posthumously bestowed upon Yusuf İsmaïl by the writer Rıza Tevfik, leading to his remembrance as 'Koca Yusuf'.
What were Yusuf İsmaïl's reported plans shortly after his final wrestling match?
Answer: To open a coffee shop or bazaar in Europe.
Explanation: Following his conclusion of wrestling matches, Yusuf İsmaïl reportedly intended to return to Europe to establish a coffee shop or bazaar in his native region.
What was the title of the 1966 film based on Yusuf İsmaïl's life?
Answer: Koca Yusuf
Explanation: The life story of Yusuf İsmaïl was adapted into a biographical film released in 1966, titled 'Koca Yusuf'.
According to Edmond Desbonnet's book, when did the 'Turkish invasion' of wrestling begin?
Answer: 1894
Explanation: Edmond Desbonnet, in his book 'Les Rois de la Lutte,' indicated that the period referred to as the 'Turkish invasion' of wrestling commenced in 1894.