Tales of the Hodja

These delightful stories of Nasreddin Hodja, one of the most celebrated personalities of the Middle East, the Balkans and Greece, have been translated from the Turkish by Charles Downing. The honorary title of hodja-denoting a scholar, in particular one learned in the Quran and religious law - enables Nasreddin to perform many functions in society. He can act as a cadi or magistrate, a khatib or as imam or prayer-leader. He is a many sided hero, sometimes foolish, sometimes wise, but always endearing. William Papas has captured the Hodja's changing personalities in his brilliant, full-color illustrations.