Nasreddin Hodja is not just a joker, he is a clever man who has an answer to every question and is up to every trick.

Vol. 1, No. 2 (December 1995) THE PASSION AND THE MAGIC: DISTINCTIONS OF ARABIC FOLKTALES By Fatme Sharafeddine Hassan* A large number of Arabic legends, folktales, and myths reflect the culture's history, social customs, morals, values, and religious beliefs. Since the Arabs share the same geographical conditions, historical experiences, and language, it is quite difficult to specify the origin ...

Autumn 1996 (4.3) Molla Nasreddin Comic Sage of the Ages One day Molla Nasreddin went to a banquet. As he was dressed rather shabbily, no one let him in. So he ran home, put on his best robe and returned. Immediately, the host came over, greeted him and ushered him to the head of an elaborate banquet table. When the food was served, Nasreddin pushed his sleeves up to his plate and said, Eat ...

Mullah Nasruddin The name that every Afghan remembers hearing about in childhood. Here is few of the thousands of humurous and thoughtful stories about Him. His identity is being claimed by three countries. Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey. Page 1 of 2 A neighbor who Nasruddin didn't like very much came over to his compound one day. The neighbor asked Nasruddin if he could borrow his donkey.

ARMENIAN FAIRY TALES HEKIATS Some of the childhood memories were the happy times spent listening to the wonderful fairy tales, or hekiats, that our mothers and grandmothers told. The Gold Piece (a moralistic tale) There was once a boy who wanted to get married so he told his parents of his intentions. Very well, son, you can get married if you bring me a gold piece which you have earned by ...

Hodja Stories When I was very young my Father often travelled to Turkey for business. Not surprisingly to those who know me, I insisted on a gift every trip. I received my first book of Hodja stories before I could read them, but, thanks to my Mother's willingness to help out, I soon knew them well. And I am glad to say that my taste for the Hodja brand of humour remains strong till today. A few ...

True, there is nothing new under the sun. But there is no old story either. For, for a new-born, each tale known so well in the past is entirely new. And so it is for a new reader. This is, I believe, what makes telling and re-telling the stories of Nasreddin Hodja - the Mullah - worth the effort. This and yet another hope I have: stories, these strange undying creatures, become alive every time ...

Autumn 1996 (4.3) Children's Folklore As in every society, there are many examples of verbal folklore for children-obviously many created by adults for children and many that children themselves invent spontaneously in response to a situation. We have included some of the most favorite examples which have been carried down for many generations that continue to intrigue and inspire children (and ...

N a s r e d d i n H o c a M u l l a N a s r e d d i n Hoja in Deathbed With his last breath, Nasreddin Hoja scandalizes his wife by making fun of the grim angel of death, Azrael, when he sees him already hovering near his bed. Put on your very best clothes, my dear wife, Hoja says. Do your hair nicely, and put some colour on your face. Try to make yourself as beautiful as possible. Then perhaps ...

This page contains numerous Mullah Nasruddin Jokes, very funny!

Arab folk tales from Iraq, SaudiArabia, Algeriet ...