Nasreddin Hodja is Turkey’s best-known
trickster. His legendary wit and droll trickery
were possibly based on the exploits and words of
a historical imam. He is believed to have lived
and died during the 13th century in Akshehir,
near Konya, a capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of
Rum, in today’s Turkey. He is considered a
philosopher and wise man, remembered for his
funny stories and anecdotes. Stories usually have
a subtle humour and a pedagogic nature. The
International Nasreddin Hodja fest is celebrated
between 5–10 July in his hometown every year.
Many of his stories, as lessons in moral conduct
and as witty practical jokes, give critical annotations
on stereo typed social thought and behavior
with points of view about imaginative alternatives.
His wisdom influences all sections of society.
And he also led to the birth of other humorous
tales that reflects the mindsets of very different
areas. The Nasreddin stories are known
throughout the Middle East and have touched
cultures around the world. Superficially, most of
the Nasreddin stories may be told as jokes or
humorous anecdotes.
One of his stories,
HODJA’S WIFE AND HIS DONKEY
When his wife died, the Hodja became
very sorry, but he mourned for her only a few
days. After a while his donkey died and he was
even more sorrowful and mourned for him many
months. People asked him why and he answered:
When my wife died, they all said, they could find
a younger and better one for me, but when my
donkey died, nobody offered the same service.
