Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles
available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Nasreddin is a
fictional legendary satirical Sufi figure who is believed to have
existed during the Middle Ages (around 13th century), in Ak¿ehir, and
later in Konya, under the Seljuq rule. Nasreddin was a populist
philosopher and wise man, remembered for his funny stories and
anecdotes. Many nations of the Near, Middle East and Central Asia claim
the Nasreddin as their own, but if Nasreddin did truly exist, it is most
likely that he was Turkish (i.e. Turks, Afghans, Iranians, and Uzbeks),
and his name is spelled differently in various cultures-and often
preceded or followed by titles "Hodja", "Mullah", or "Effendi".
1996-1997 was declared International Nasreddin Year by UNESCO. Nasreddin
lived in Anatolia, Turkey; he was born in Hortu Village in Sivrihisar,
Eski¿ehir in the 13th century, then settled in Ak¿ehir, and later in
Konya, where he died (probably born in 1209 CE and died 1275/6 or 1285/6
CE).
