Hodja Nasreddin and the Enchanted Coin – A Turkish Fairy Tale about Unmasking a Trickster

Short Description: A Turkish fairy tale about how Hodja Nasreddin helped the villagers uncover a fraudster selling a "magical coin." The story teaches caution and critical thinking.

One day, a stranger appeared in a village. He walked around the market loudly proclaiming, "I have a magical coin! It can double your wealth. Buy it, and your dreams will come true!"

The villagers gathered around the stranger. He seemed convincing and confident. Many people sold their belongings to purchase this "miracle coin." But when they returned home, they found that nothing had changed. So they went back to the market to demand explanations.

The trickster remained calm: "The coin only works during a full moon. If you make a wish incorrectly, it may remain silent for a few days."

The people were confused but continued to believe. When the rumors about the coin reached Hodja Nasreddin, he said, "I will deal with this stranger. Bring him to me."

The next day, the entire village gathered in the square. Hodja addressed the trickster: "Show me the coin. I want to test its power." The stranger proudly held out the coin, but Hodja, carefully examining it, said, "Very well. Let this coin double my savings right here, in front of everyone."

The trickster began to justify himself: "The coin only works at night. Or perhaps, it does not function in a crowd..."

"Then let's do this," Hodja said. "I will leave this coin with me until night. Tomorrow, I will return it if it fulfills its promise."

The crowd supported Hodja. The villagers began to question the trickster: "Why isn't the coin working now? Why hasn't any of us become rich?" The fraudster, realizing he had been exposed, tried to flee. But the villagers stopped him and forced him to return all the money.

Hodja returned the money to the villagers and said, "Remember, wealth comes only through hard work. Do not believe those who promise easy paths to success."

Moral of the Story: This story teaches that greed and gullibility are often the causes of fraud. The ability to think critically and be cautious protects against mistakes.

Questions about the Story:

• Why did the villagers believe the stranger?
• How did Hodja unmask the trickster?
• What does this fairy tale teach?