NASRETTİN HOCA

Scholar (b. 1208, Hortu village / Sivrihisar / Eskişehir – d. 1284, Akşehir / Konya). There are various rumors about his life. According to the most reliable information, Nasrettin Hoca was an imam, loved and respected by the people with his witty personality. Completing his Madrasah Muslim School education and after his father’s death he replaced him as the imam in Hortu village. Then, being attached to Sufi Seyyid Mahmud-I Hayrani, he gave up being an imam and settled in Akşehir (1237) where he worked as a teacher and Islamic judge.

Nasrettin Hoca, on the door of whose tomb in Akşehir there is a big padlock, is known all over the world for his anecdotes that make people laugh and think at the same time. Some similar anecdotes written by other people were added to his, never including obscene or rude words but always giving advice and educating. It is believed that there are around 300 of his humorous anecdotes. These anecdotes of bright intelligence, mature personality and quick wit have been collected and have been translated into many languages by various researchers beginning in 1837. The first anthology of which the author is known is Letâif-i Nasreddin (Anecdotes of Nasreddin) by Çaylak Tevfik. (1885).