The 'fakelore' term and Nasreddin Hodja

Abstract

"Fakelore", in general terms, expresses fake folklore material produced by researchers or creative writers for popular aims. However, these are very close to folklore productions, as a matter of fact, these materials have been so naturalised that they can not be understood by ordinary people except those who have an expertise on folklore. In 1950, Dorson revived the term "fakelore." This particular term has contributed to folklore studying oral material as a product of natural life styles of nations. In this study, Nasreddin Hodja - a character whose fame has gone beyond the borders of Turkey and Turkic world - has been studied through his identity and personality within a frame of "fakelore" term, which has not been thought about in our country yet. Nasreddin Hodja, as a shared national and international personality has been commented on by many sub-identities such as political, social and religious or by groups who have their own system of values and worldviews. At this point, it has been compulsory to approach views discussing Hodja's personality and identity according to their own values.