Abbasid capitals: facts and a 5-question quiz

The cities from which the Abbasid caliphs ruled, from Merv to Samarra. This is a map-tap quiz with 5 questions, each worth more points as the questions get harder.

Play the quiz: Abbasid capitals

What this quiz covers

Era: Abbasid. Region: Middle East and Central Asia. The 5 questions are about the following, with a short fact for each. Read them first if you want a head start, or skip to the quiz and read afterwards.

Facts behind the questions (spoilers)

• Baghdad: Baghdad, called Madinat al-Salam, became the centre of the Abbasid Caliphate and a great city of learning.
• Samarra: Caliph al-Mu'tasim built Samarra to house his Turkish troops away from Baghdad.
• Merv: Merv was one of the great cities of the medieval Islamic world and a major centre of learning.
• Harran: Marwan II relocated to Harran around 744 CE, a move that provoked a revolt in Syria in 746.
• Raqqa: Harun al-Rashid lived in Raqqa from 796 to 808 CE, making it a second capital.

Quick answers

What should I know about Baghdad? Baghdad, called Madinat al-Salam, became the centre of the Abbasid Caliphate and a great city of learning.

What should I know about Samarra? Caliph al-Mu'tasim built Samarra to house his Turkish troops away from Baghdad.

What should I know about Merv? Merv was one of the great cities of the medieval Islamic world and a major centre of learning.

Ready to test yourself?

Play the Abbasid capitals quiz now. Your score is based on how close your answers are, and you can share your result without spoiling the answers.

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