Oriental jokes about Khoja Nasreddin as an inexhaustible source of folk wisdom
A popular character of Eastern jokes - Khoja Nasreddin, known in Turkmen folklore under the name Ependi, can become part of the cultural heritage of Turkic-speaking countries. In 2020, an application was submitted for inclusion of the tradition of retelling parables about Khoja Nasreddin in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a common object of Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
A cunning mind and a righteous man in heart, Nasreddin was a man of bitter fate and a big dream. His strength lay in wisdom and wit, but it cannot be stated with certainty that Ependi is a Turk, Arab, Turkmen or Tajik, as it is impossible to say with certainty, whether a hero of anecdotal stories so beloved by our peoples is invented or real.
The image of Ependy is drawn from short humorous stories. His constant companion is a donkey, on which he moves through eastern cities. The appearance of Nasreddin always causes revival, because he is a supporter of ordinary people, and the main character traits of this folk character are kindness, humanism and a sharp satire, with the use of which he helps those destitute and in love.
Nasreddin rode the steppe. He sees several strangers sitting at a meal. Without saying a word, he sat down with them and also began to eat. One of the seated asks:
“Which of us do you have the honor of meeting?”
“With him,” responded Nasreddin, pointing out to the meal..
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- Why do you snore during sleep? - the wife nagged Nasreddin. - Why are you lying? He snapped. “The last time you said I was snoring, I didn’t close my eyes for two nights in a row, but I didn’t hear a single sound! You just slander me!”***
“How can one become smart?” They asked Nasreddin Ependi. “If an intelligent person speaks with you,” the sage answered, “you listen to his words.” And if they listen to you, then listen to your own words. Then you will become smart. Subtle humor, unexpected decisions and the desire to restore justice - these are just a small part of the qualities that made Nasreddin a favorite hero of jokes among the peoples of the East. Monuments to the sage are installed in Uzbekistan, Russia and Ukraine.
Dozens of literary collections containing jokes and anecdotes about Khoja Nasreddin have been published, countless scientific articles have been written about him, novels and tales are devoted to him, and finally, several films were shot about Ependi. This oriental sage is deeply sunk into the soul of everyone who appreciates good humor.
Khoja’s extraordinary jokes personify the creativity of his thinking, and this is what affects the development of society. Through the wisdom of Nasreddin’s humorous heritage, contemporaries today are able to draw part of life experience that forms the attitude towards action.
Khoja Nasreddin addressed the crowd with the words:
- People, do you want knowledge without overcoming difficulties, truth without error, achievement without effort, moving forward without sacrifice?
Everyone screamed:
“We want, we want!”
“Wonderful,” said Nasruddin. “I want it, too, and if I ever learn how to do this, I will be happy to let you know.”
Selbi CHARYYEVA
