Nasreddin Hodja is a legendary folk character in the Middle East and Central Asia, portrayed as a wise fool, clever simpleton, or instructive prankster. Nothing is conclusively known about the person who originally inspired the stories, but popular tradition considers him a minor cleric from Anatolia in the 13th or early 14th century. The oldest surviving manuscripts containing tales of Nasreddin date from 16th century, and are Turkish.
A man called, wanting to borrow a rope.
“You cannot have it,” said Nasrudin.
“Why not?”
“Because it is in use.”
“But I can see it just lying there, on the ground.”
“That’s right: that’s its use.”
Idries Shah, “The Pleasantries of the Incredible Mulla Nasrudin”
One of the neighbors found Nasreddin scattering crumbs all around his house.
“Why are you doing that?” he asked.
“I’m keeping the tigers away,” replied Nasreddin.
“But there aren’t any tigers around here,” said the neighbor.
“That’s right,” said Nasreddin. “You see how well it works?”
Engelbert Thaler, “Teaching English Literature”
