Turkish Words in English

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Instructions: From yogurt to kiosk, discover the surprising Turkish origins of everyday English words!

1.
The word 'yogurt' comes from the Turkish 'yogurt.' What does the Turkish verb 'yogurmak' mean?
A
To milk
B
To thicken or curdle
C
To ferment
D
To cool
2.
Which English word for a small open-sided structure or booth comes from the Turkish 'koshk'?
A
Stall
B
Stand
C
Booth
D
Kiosk
3.
The word 'tulip' comes from Turkish. It derives from 'tulbend,' which refers to what?
A
A spring festival
B
A colorful garden
C
A bulb shape
D
A turban (the flower resembled one)
4.
Which English word for a type of rug or carpet is closely associated with Turkish weaving traditions?
A
Tapestry
B
Kilim
C
Shag
D
Runner
5.
The word 'horde' entered English from Turkish (via Polish). The Turkish 'ordu' means what?
A
A nomadic tribe
B
An army or military camp
C
A wild crowd
D
A large gathering
6.
Which English word for a type of sofa or long seat comes from the Turkish 'divan'?
A
Chaise
B
Divan
C
Ottoman
D
Settee
7.
The word 'ottoman' (a padded footstool) is named after the Ottoman Empire. What does 'Ottoman' derive from?
A
A Turkish word for comfort
B
A palace furnishing style
C
The name of the dynasty's founder, Osman
D
A type of fabric
8.
Which English word for a type of tavern or pub has Turkish origins through the word 'kaveh-khaneh'?
A
Bar
B
Tavern
C
Cafe
D
Inn
9.
The word 'pasha' comes from Turkish. What rank or title did a pasha hold?
A
A priest
B
A tribal chief
C
A high-ranking military or civil official
D
A merchant prince
10.
Which English word for a type of peaked military hat comes from the Turkish 'kalpak'?
A
Busby
B
Calpac
C
Fez
D
Beret
11.
The word 'caviar' may have Turkish roots through 'havyar.' What is caviar?
A
Smoked fish
B
A type of seafood stew
C
Dried seaweed
D
Salted fish eggs (roe)
12.
Which English word for a type of fast horse relay system used by the Ottomans contributed to postal terminology?
A
Relay
B
Post
C
Express
D
Courier
13.
The word 'jackal' entered English through Turkish from the Persian 'shakal.' What animal is a jackal related to?
A
Hyenas
B
Bears
C
Cats
D
Dogs and wolves
14.
Which word for a decorated pleasure boat, often associated with Venice, has roots in the Turkish 'gondol'?
A
Felucca
B
Canoe
C
Kayak
D
Gondola
15.
The word 'turquoise' (the blue-green gem) is related to Turkey. Why?
A
Turkish sultans wore it exclusively
B
It matches the color of the Turkish flag
C
It was first discovered in Turkey
D
It was traded through Turkey to Europe

Answer Key

Question 1

B. To thicken or curdle

Question 2

D. Kiosk

Question 3

D. A turban (the flower resembled one)

Question 4

B. Kilim

Question 5

B. An army or military camp

Question 6

B. Divan

Question 7

C. The name of the dynasty's founder, Osman

Question 8

C. Cafe

Question 9

C. A high-ranking military or civil official

Question 10

B. Calpac

Question 11

D. Salted fish eggs (roe)

Question 12

B. Post

Question 13

D. Dogs and wolves

Question 14

D. Gondola

Question 15

D. It was traded through Turkey to Europe

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