Ancient Arabic units of measurement

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The Arabic system of measurement is based on the Persian system.

[edit] Length

Table of length units
Unit Plural Relative value Metric value Imperial value Notes
assbā 1/16 Arabic foot A finger-length
cabda 1/4 Arabic foot A palm-length
Arabic foot ~32 cm
arsh traditionally 2 Arabic feet, later 1.5 Arabic feet A cubit-length
orgye 6 Arabic feet ~1.92 m A pace-length
qasab 12 Arabic feet ~3.84 m A cane-length
seir 600 Arabic feet ~192 m Also noted as a stadion, a stadium-length.
ghalva 720 Arabic feet ~230.4 m
farasakh 18000 Arabic feet ~5.76 km From Ancient Mesopotamian (Iraqi) parasang. Roughly analogous to an English league.
barid 4 farasakh ~23.04 km
marhala 8 farasakh ~46.08 km A village-length.

[edit] See also

  • Awqiyyah, the Arabic ounce or half-pound, depending on region.
  • Qafiz, an Arabic unit for measuring volumes.


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