NASREDDIN HODJA

The stories of Nasreddin Hodja have been very popular all over the Middle East for hundreds of years . He lived in Akşehir in Turkey, which is not far away from Ankara, in the 14th century. He is a friendly character. Hodja is a term of respect which means teacher. He knew the Koran well. He wore the Kavuk , that is like the Indian turban and a long robe.There is a statue of the Hodja by the roadside in Akşehir. He is sitting on his donkey, wearing the turban but he is facing backwards.In many of the stories the Hodja is friendly with Timurlaine who overran Turkey in 1402. There are some stories of Timurlane and Hodja. The Hodja often jokes him and amuses him. The important characters in the stories are the Hodja himself , his wife , Timurlane and his donkey.The Hodja is also known as the wise fool. Every year he is remembered in a special ceremony. For three days there are celebrations. There is a discussion on the Hodja's life , an exhibition of drawings and his stories are acted out. There are some stories below . Enjoy reading them.The DonkeyThe Hodja saved up and he bought a donkey. His neigbour wanted to borrow it . The neighbour came the Hodja's house and said '' I would be very grateful if you could lend me your donkey.''The Hodja replied : '' I would be happy to let you borrow my donkey but I have already lent it to someone else.''Just as the neighbour was going home he heard the braying donkey.He asked '' Hodja why did you lie to me ? Your donkey is in the garden.''The Hodja exclaimed '' You idiot ! What sort of a man are you ? Do you believe me or the donkey?''Kazan diedOn one occasion, Hodja borrows a kazan (large cauldron) from his neighbour. When Hodja returns the kazan, the neighbour sees that there is a small cooking pot in the bottom. He asks- Hodja, What is this? Hodja replies:- Apparently the kazan had been pregnant and it has given birth to this small pot.The neighbour unquestioningly accepts the kazan and the pot. Some weeks later, Hodja wishes to borrow the same kazan. The neighbour is only too happy to oblige. This time, a month passes. The neighbour calls on Hodja to inquire about his kazan. Hodja, with a concerned look, announces:- I am sorry, but your kazan died.The neighbor is puzzled. Then becoming angry, he demands:- How could it die?- You believed that it gave birth, why do you not believe that it died?Face at the windowNasreddin Hodja called at a large house to collect for charity. The servant said:- My master is out.Hodja replied,- Tell your master that next time he goes out, he should not leave his face at the window. Someone might steal it. For more stories you can go to this address and read his jokes.http://hem.bredband.net/hodja/menu.htm