This is perhaps the best-known image of the Khoja; it depicts his long, flowing, white beard, characteristic turban, and donkey.

The paradox

One day, while the Khoja was resting under a mulberry tree and observing a watermelon patch nearby, he entered into philosophical inquiry about the reason for nature’s ways.

“How is it,” he pondered, “that this huge mulberry tree bears such tiny little fruit, while those mere creepers produce gigantic melons?”

As he was contemplating this paradox, a mulberry fell from the tree and bounced lightly off the top of his bald head. “Aha!” exclaimed the Khoja. “The wisdom of it all strikes me.”

The mirror

As the Khoja was walking to the mosque he spotted something glittering by the side of the road. It turned out to be a metal mirror. He picked it up and examined it closely. Suddenly he saw his own face reflected back at him. “Oh!” he exclaimed, “What an ugly thing! No wonder it was thrown away.”

Choosing evidence

A neighbor went to Nasreddin’s home to ask if he could borrow the Khoja’s donkey. “It’s not here,” lied the Khoja. “I’ve already lent it to someone else.” Just then the donkey began to bray loudly from the backyard. “You must be mistaken,” said the neighbor. “I can hear your donkey braying behind your house.” “What kind of man are you?” demanded the Khoja indignantly. “Do you take the word of an ass over the word of a white-bearded teacher like me?”