NASREDDIN HODJA (NASRETTIN HOCA) and HIS TEACHING STORIES

The many spelling variations for Nasreddin include: Nasreddin, Nasr-ud-Din, Nasr-id-deen, Nasr-eddin, Nasirud-din,Nasrettin, Nasrudin,  Nasr-Eddin, and Nasr-Ed-Dine.

The many spelling variations for Hodja include: Hodja, Hodscha, Hoca, Chotza, Khodja, Hoxha and Khoja.

Nasreddin Hodja is truly a household name in Turkey. A ubiquitous cultural figure whose anecdotes are invoked with remarkable occurrence by authors, speakers, and ordinary people equally. Most of his gags and punchlines are used like proverbs. These proverbs reflect Turkish conversations which are often interlarded with suggestions to the infinite tales of the Hoca. Along with Aesop, who was born in a place near Ankara, and is the most tough folk philosopher and humorist to become known in Anatolia.

Few precious things are known about Nasreddin Hodja's life. According to some account, He lived probably in the 13th century and some authorities place him in the 14th or even the 15th century. He was most likely born in Sivrihisar near Eskisehir, and had his schooling either in Konya or Aksehir where he spent many years serving as a preacher, religious teacher, and judge. He died and was buried in Aksehir where his "catacomb" becomes a suitable view of silence. As you look at his mausoleum, all its walls are missing and only the Iron Gate remains whole with a huge padlock hanging on it. At this site, Nasrettin Hoca's devotees perform their humorous memorial ceremony each year.

Being a judge for several years made Nasreddin Hodja known to be Nasuriddin Hoca, which then becomes Nasreddin Hoca and gives familiarity to his noble name. The name Nasreddin also defines to be Helper of the Faith” which really descries the man's personality and humor. He was a positive person who sustained faith in life and in human beings. In addition to his positive traits, Nasreddin Hodja lived to help others to do wondrous things in life. No wonder the common people of Anatolia have always remembered him as a fat husky, sociable man - like Falstaff or Bottom. He is said to have lived at a time of war and instability, but he accepted life stoically, that turns suffering into humor and tears into smiles. He refused to accept the miserable litanies of the poets among his generation, but he have preference to states gentle words and offer his waywardness and fanciful railleries to give relief to the suffering people of his day that will last until the next generations. Nasireddin Hock’s importance as the humorist has been long-lasting. In fact, his "lore of laughter" has grown with the centuries - even in our time. Many of his authenticated stories have been - and are being - ascribed to him, in respect of his status as the creator, and the incarnation of Turkish folk humor.

Nasreddin Hoca’s significance gone beyond not in the incidents narrated themselves, but in the meaning behind his witty words, and their ironic or amusing elements. Some studies about his words show an expression of the lifestyle, sense of humor and slightly satirical manner of the people of Anatolia, and that his words are not to be seen as limited to one particular period or time alone. The anecdotes about him give emphasis on love, satire, praise and gentle mockery.
 

His sense of humor and self-mockery shows his resistance to the stricter elements of Islamic law. He use words of contradictory combined with wise, ignorant, pleasant, cunning, reserved, astonished, tactless, apprehensive and striking words to express his unfavorable conviction to Islamic law.
One particular feature of anecdotes that give impact to his personality is his delight that puzzled others. These reflect the attitude of the people of Anatolia to particular situations, and are actually the crop of their thoughts. Nasreddin Hoca therefore becomes known as to be the reflection of humorous stories and feelings of the people. Nasreddin Hoca existence is full of wisdom and intelligence that offers loud voices which speaks about fair and just society.

Another important element in Nasreddin Hodja teaching stories is the donkey that gives a manifestation of the people’s feelings, and also gives a picture of his vehicle of satire itself. The horse has no place in those humorous tales created by the imaginary thoughts of Anatolia. The donkey, with its suffering and pain, the blows that are inflicted on it, is the most extensive representation of human lives in those days. No donkeys are to be found in humorous tales from the palaces. Such people ride on horses. Another contradiction is to be seen in this context, is the humorous and the more mocking element of such tales.

Nasreddin Hoca is a folk philosopher with excellence. 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. For an example, Bektashi, that reflects the popular version for strict Shariah Law.

Every year, between July 5-10, International Nasreddin Hodja Festival is organized in Aksehir where his tomb is. To keep Hodja character alive, Turkish writers and artists have used it in drama, in music, in movies (especially cartoons), in comic strips, in paintings.

After reading the stories in this book, we think that you, too, will believe that Hodja will be living for generations to come. Just as Hodja did, may be you, too, will answer when asked "What do they do with the old full moons?", "They cut them up into small pieces and make stars!.."

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