Nasreddin Hodja is one of the most loved and celebrated personalities of not only Turkey but of the entire Middle East as well. His fame has now spread throughout the world and in a number of countries he has been gaining popularity quite rapidly. It has been reported that even Peking has published a folklore book containing stories about the Hodja in English as well as in Chinese. According to the most reliable source available, it is believed that he was born in Horto, a village in the province of Sivrihisar, Turkey, in the year 1208. He was the son of Abdullah Efendi and Sidika Hanim. His father was the Imam (Muslim priest) of the village. Later, Nasreddin Hodja moved to Akşehir where he spent the rest of his days. He lived during the reign of the powerful and terrible Sultan Timurleng. . Ever since earliest childhood, Nasreddin Hodja was reputed to be very clever and cunning, as well as humorous. He seemed to have an answer for every situation that was not only comic but also had a note of encouragement. He tried to live a happy life of honesty and simplicity. It is said that he brought joy and happiness to many during his life. And oven now his word s live on in the hearts and lives of many. His stories are very well known and appreciated by the Turkish people. The name 'Nasreddin' actually means 'Helper of the Faith'. The word 'Hodja' was an honorary title given him denoting him as a scholar or learned person. With this title he was allowed the privilege of wearing a special white head dress or turban. When he was older he also had a long white beard which gave him a distinguished look of respectability, a man that others would look up to for counsel and advice…

---