Ancient Arabic units of measurement
The Arabic system of measurement is based on the Persian system. It was used in the Ottoman Empire.
Length
| Table of length units |
| Unit |
Plural |
Relative value |
Metric value |
Notes |
| assbā |
|
1/16 Arabic foot |
~2.25 cm |
A finger-length |
| cabda |
|
1/4 Arabic foot |
~9 cm |
A palm-length |
| Arabic foot |
|
|
~32 cm |
|
| cubit |
|
Cubit, 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 |
|
| parasang |
|
18000 Arabic feet |
~5.76 km |
From Ancient Mesopotamian (Iraqi) parasang. Roughly analogous to an English league. |
| barid |
|
4 parasang |
~23.04 km |
|
| marhala |
|
8 parasang |
~46.08 km |
A village-length. |
References
See also
- Awqiyyah, the Arabic ounce or half-pound, depending on region.
- Qafiz, an Arabic unit for measuring volumes.