 Nasrettin
Hoca (1208-1285) :He is a folk hero of
the Seljuk period who was born in Sivrihisar and lived in Aksehir. He received
religious education first from his father who was an imam and later at a theological
school. He also worked as an imam for a period of time.
Hoca's view of the world
and his opinions on the essential or even metaphysical questions of life are frank,
natural and often disarmingly candid. Straightforward common sense is one of the
secrets of his oriental wisdom and solace.
As a philosophic humorist he became the
symbol of people's creativity and sense of humor of his time. His witticisms have become
popular sayings and are quoted in everyday conversations. These can be regarded as
anonymous folk jokes.
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Who are you going to believe?
One day a friend wants to borrow Hoca's
donkey. Hoca does not want to lend it and tells him that his donkey is not there.
In the meantime the donkey starts to bray. The man says: But Hoca, I can hear
the donkey! It's in the stable. Hoca stays cool and answers with dignity:
"-Who are you going to believe, me or the donkey?"
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In the shop
Hoca goes to the market to buy some
trousers. After trying on a few pairs he chooses some trousers and tells the
salesman to wrap them. Right after they are wrapped he changes his mind and
wants the salesman to give him a shirt instead. He takes the packaged shirt and
walks off. The salesman calls him:
"- Sir, you haven't paid for the shirt yet. To which Hoca replies,
"-
But I left you the trousers.
"- You didn't pay for the trousers either! exclaims the
salesman.
"-
Of course not! Why should I pay for trousers that I didn't get. concludes Hoca.
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None of your business
A man gossips to Hoca:
"- Hoca, I saw them taking a big plate of stuffed turkey.
"- It's none of my business, replies Hoca.
"- But I think they were taking it to your house.
"- Then, it's none of your business! says Hoca.
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