Conversational Russian I - Culture - Central Asia

Over what Central Asian capital does the third largest flag in the world fly?

• Dushanbe, Tajikistan

• Astana, Kazakhstan

• Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

• Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

• Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Answer explanation

The tallest flagpole in the world was previously the Jeddah Flagpole in Saudi Arabia, but it was surpassed in 2021 by the Cairo Flagpole in Egypt, which stands at a height of 201.952 meters (662.57 feet). The Jeddah Flagpole is now the second-tallest, at 171 meters (561 feet), and was once the tallest in the world before the Cairo Flagpole was erected.  

Tallest Flagpoles by Height 

1. Cairo Flagpole (Egypt): 201.952 meters (662.57 feet)

2. Jeddah Flagpole (Saudi Arabia): 171 meters (561 feet)

3. Dushanbe Flagpole (Tajikistan): 165 meters (541 feet)

4. Baku Flagpole (Azerbaijan): 162 meters (531 feet)

5. Panmunjeom Flagpole (North Korea): 160 meters (520 feet)

In what Central Asian country is the so-called "Gates of Hell" located?

• Turkmenistan

• Uzbekistan

• Kyrgyzstan

• Kazakhstan

• Uzbekistan

Answer explanation

The Darvaza gas crater also known as the Door to Hell or Gates of Hell, officially the Shining of Karakum, is a burning

natural gas field collapsed into a cavern near Darvaza, Turkmenistan. Hundreds of natural gas fires illuminate the floor and rim of the crater. The crater has been burning since 1971. Drilling punctured a natural-gas cavern, the cavern's roof collapssed, and some sourcess state that engineers ignitedd the crater to prevent poisonous gasses from spreading. The crater is near the village of Darvaza in the middle of the Karakum Desert. Located about 260 kilometers north of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.

True or False.....the favorite beverage of the Kyrgyz people is "Кымыс" or "Kymys", which is fermented mares milk.

• True

• False

• Fermented what?

• What's a mare?

Answer explanation

Kumis (/ˈkuːmɪs/ KOO-mis, rarely /ˈkʌmɪs/ KUM-is), alternatively spelled coumis or kumyz, also known as airag (/ˈaɪræɡ/ EYE-rag)

is a traditional fermented dairy product made from mare milk. The drink is important to the peoples of Central and East Asian steppes, of Turkic and Mongolic origin: Kazakhs, Bashkirs, Kalmyks, Kyrgyz, Mongols, and Yakuts.

True or False.....the national dish of Uzbekistan is "Kazan", a rice dish cooked outside over an open fire in a large metal pan called a "Plov"

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The actual name of the dish is NOT "Kazan" but "Plov". The metal pot it is cooked in over an open fire is called a "Kazan"!

What is the name of the capital city of Kazakhstan?

• Astana

• Almaty

• Tashkent

• Bishkek

Answer explanation

The name Astana means "capital" in the Kazakh language. The city was given this name in 1998 when it became the capital of Kazakhstan, and the name reverted to Astana in 2022 after a period of being known as Nur-Sultan.  The city is renowned for its modern landmarks, including the Baiterek, which symbolizes Kazakhstan's independence, the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, and the Hazrat Sultan Mosque, one of the largest in Central Asia.

Baikanour Cosmodrome, the main launch site for the Russian manned space program, is located in which Central Asian country?

• Kazakhstan

• Kyrgyzstan

• Uzbekistan

• Tajikistan

Answer explanation

Baikonur is a city in Kazakhstan on the northern bank of the Syr Darya river. It is currently leased and administered by the Russian Federation as an enclave until 2050. It was constructed to serve the Baikonur Cosmodrome with administrative offices and employee housing.

Match the following Central Asian Countries with their capitals.

• Astana

• 
• Dushanbe

• 
• Ashgabat

• 
• Tashkent

• 
• Bishkek

• 

True or False....the source of national pride for the Turkmen people is the "Ahal Teke Horse".

• True

• False

• Horse smorse

• A horse? Really?

Answer explanation

The Ahal-Teke is a horse from the southern region of the modern country of Turkmenistan. These horses have been renowned as cavalry mounts and racehorses for some 3,000 years. The Akhal-Teke has superb natural gaits, and is the outstanding sporting horse from this area. The Akhal-Teke is native to an arid, barren environment. During its history, it has established a reputation of great stamina and courage. A key to the Akhal-Teke’s stamina is its diet which is low in bulk but high in protein, and frequently includes butter and eggs mixed with barley. Today the Akhal-Teke is used in show jumping and dressage in addition to daily use under saddle.

Chingiz Aitmatov is a beloved Central Asian poet from which Central Asian country?

• Kyrgyzstan

• Kazakhstan

• Tajikistan

• Turkmenistan

• Uzbekistan

Answer explanation

Chinghiz Torekulovich Aitmatov (12 December 1928 - 10 June 2008) was a Kyrgyz author who wrote mainly in Russian, but also in Kyrgyz. He is one of the best known figures in Kyrgyzstan's literature.

True or False......the most popular blend of tea consumed in Central Asia is green tea (Kok-choi).

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The most popular is green tea (kuk-choy). Black tea (kora-choy) is most popular in Tashkent.

Local tea connoisseurs still debate about the merits of black and green tea, however traditionally aromatic green tea is the more popular.