Nasreddin Hodja Folktales

Hodja Nasreddin is the starring character in a vast number of amusing tales told in
regions all over the world, particularly countries in or near the Middle East.
1

The Loan Request

Nasreddin struck up a conversation with a stranger.

At one point, he asked, So hows business?
Great, the other replied.
Then can I borrow ten dollars?
No. I dont know you well enough to lend you money,.
Thats strange, replied Nasreddin. Where I used to live, people
wouldnt lend me money because they knew me; and now that Ive
moved here, people wont lend me money because they dont know me!
2

The Moving Friend

Nasreddin, a friend said one day, Im moving to another village.

Can I have your ring? That way, I will remember you every time I look at
it?
Well, replied Nasreddin, you might lose the ring and then forget
about me. How about I dont give you a ring in the first placethat way,
every time that you look at your finger and dont see a ring, youll
definitely remember me.
3

Woman Demands Justice

A woman and man came into Judge Nasreddins room one day.
The woman complained, I was just walking on the street the other
day, when this man, whom I never met before, came up to me and kissed
me! I demand justice!
I agree that you deserve justice, Nasreddin said. Therefore, I
order that you kiss him and take your revenge.
4
Mad at the Fakir

A Fakir claimed that he could teach any illiterate person to read

through an instant technique.
OK, Nasreddin said. Teach me.
The Fakir then touched Nasreddins head and said, Now go read
something.
Nasreddin left, and returned to the village square an hour later with
an angry look on his face.
What happened? asked the villagers. Can you read now?
Indeed I can, replied Nasreddin, but thats not why I came back?
Now where is that scoundrel Fakir?
Nasreddin, the people said, he taught you to read in no more
than a minute. So what makes you think hes a scoundrel?
Well, Nasreddin explained, I was just reading a book that
asserted, All Fakirs are frauds.

Nasreddins Delicacy

Nasreddin and two other travelers stopped to eat the lunches each of

them had packed for their journey.

One of the travelers bragged, I only eat roasted salted pistachios,
cashews, and dates.
The other said, Well, I only eat dried salmon.
Then both men looked at Nasreddin, waiting to hear what he would
say.
Seconds later, Nasreddin held up a piece of bread and confidently
announced, Well, I only eat wheat, ground up and carefully mixed with
water, yeast, and salt, and then baked at the proper temperature for the
proper time.