The Turkish Jester; or, The Pleasantries of Cogia Nasr Eddin Effendi (Dodo Press)

Nasreddin (meaning "Victory of the Faith", Turkish Nasreddin Hoca, Bosnian Nasrudin Hod?a) was a satirical sufi figure who lived during the Middle Ages (around 13th century), somewhere in Greater Khorasan, under the Seljuq rule. Many nations of the Middle East and Central Asia claim the Nasreddin as their own (Afghans, Iranians, Turks, and Uzbeks). His name is spelled differently in various cultures and is often preceded or followed by titles "Hodja", "Mullah", or "Effendi". Nasreddin was a populist philosopher and wise man, remembered for his funny stories and anecdotes. In China he is known as Afanti, a folk hero of the Uyghurs (a Turkic people). Much of Nasreddin's actions can be described as illogical yet logical, rational yet irrational, bizarre yet normal, foolish, yet sharp, and simple yet profound. What adds even further to his uniqueness is the way he gets across his messages in unconventional yet very effective methods in a profound simplicity.