Folklore

Turkish folklore abounds with humor, satire, and flamboyant characters such as Nasreddin Hodja, who reputedly lived during the 13th century. His surname means both “imam” and “teacher.” Hodja personifies the common-sense wisdom and disarming candor of a folk philosopher by poking fun at the pretensions of others. His no-nonsense wit is evident in his responses. When he was asked where mourners should stand as a coffin is carried past during a funeral procession, he replies, “As long as you are not the one inside; it doesn’t matter a jot!”.

Both positive and negative examples of behavior are evident in the stories which entertain adults and instruct children. Though it has never been documented that Hodja was in fact a real person, he is ostensibly buried in his hometown of Aksehir. His grave continues to attract pilgrims. UNESCO proclaimed 1996 as “Nasreddin Hodja Year” in recognition of his immortalization in numerous tales.