Nasreddin Hodja is Turkey's (and perhaps all of Islam's) best-known trickster. His legendary wit and droll trickery were possibly based on the exploits and words of a historical imam. Nasreddin reputedly was born in 1208 in the village of Horto near Sivrihisar. In 1237 he moved to Aksehir, where he died in the Islamic year 683 (1284 or 1285). As many as 350 anecdotes have been attributed to the Hodja, as he most often is called. Hodja is a title meaning teacher or scholar. He frequently is compared with the northern European trickster Till Eulenspiegel.
Nasreddin Hodja is a satirical Sufi figure, sometimes believed to have lived during the Middle Ages (around 13th century) and considered a populist philosopher and wise man, remembered for his funny stories and anecdotes. He appears in thousands of stories, sometimes witty, sometimes wise, but often, too, a fool or the butt of a joke. A Nasreddin story usually has a subtle humour, but it is claimed that within the tale there is usually also something to be learned. International Nasreddin Hodja fest is celebrating between 5-10 july in Akşehir, Turkey every year.
Hodja was clearly a beloved character whose advise and opinion the townspeople solicited and respected.They also loved to test his wit by playing mischievous games on him or by asking himabsurd questions. Hodja was often victim to the practical jokes of children and adults,who wanted to see how he would get himself out of trouble. But Nasreddin Hodja, to thedelight of his fellow villagers, was never stumped to deliver a witty one-liner.
The Funniest Jokes of Nasreddin Hodja
Hammam
One day The Hodja went to the hammam. Looking at his poor clothes, the workers at the hammam didn't treat him right and gave him torn towels. In spite of the lousy service, Nasreddin Hodja gave them all fat tips when leaving.The next time Hodja went to the hammam, the workers provided him with excellent service. They gave him the newest towels and massaged his back. However, this time The Hodja left them only small changes. One of the workers ventured to find out why.`Hodja Effendi, last time you gave us big tips...' he hinted.`Oh, yes. Those tips were for today's service,' Hodja replied, `today's tips are for my previous visit.'
Age
They asked Nasreddin Hodja his age.`Forty.' he replied.`But Hodja, when we asked you your age ten years ago, you gave the same answer!'`That's my word, and I stick with it.' Hodja said
Tray of Baklava
One day The Hodja and his friends were sitting at the coffee house. A young boycarrying a tray of baklava attracted the attention of one of the men.`Hodja Effendi, look!' he pointed, `That boy is carrying a tray of baklava.'`It's none of my business.' Hodja shrugged his shoulders.`But, Hodja, watch! He is taking it to your house.'`In that case,' Hodja asserted, `it's none of
your business.'
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