WOMEN’S RİGHT TO EXPRESSİON İN NASRETTİN HODJA JOKES

Abstract

Freedom of expression is an inherent right, fundamental to an honorable life that upholds human dignity. All individuals, regardless of religion, language, race, gender, social origin, or national identity, possess equal rights without discrimination. The right to express oneself cannot be revoked. It plays personal, individual, egalitarian, solidarist, and communitarian roles. Universality, inviolability, inalienability, and superiority characterize this right and freedom. Hence, the right to express belongs to everyone, unrestricted by time or circumstance, as long as it does not harm others. It stands as a fundamental entitlement for every human being, irrespective of gender. Women cannot be denied their rights and freedom of expression. Arbitrary deprivation of women’s expression rights must be eliminated, ensuring equal opportunities. Safeguarding women’s freedom of speech requires proactive measures against systemic abuse.

 In this paper, we employed a hybrid method in order to investigate and respond to the research questions. The research methods consisted of both quantitative and qualitative methods. First we conducted a content analysis to reveal the perceptions towards woman within Nasreddin Hodja jokes. In this study, Nasrettin Hodja’s jokes were analyzed to identify those that could contribute on the subject of women’s right to expression. Seventy jokes addressing women’s issues with the goal of fostering individual and social awareness were subjected to content analysis. The extent to which women had the right to speak was explored. Additionally, insights were drawn regarding how Nasreddin Hodja jokes can be interpreted from a woman’s perspective. These jokes were carefully examined using text analysis.

When we thoroughly examine Nasreddin Hodja from multiple perspectives, we gain a deeper and more scientifically informed understanding of the truth.

There is almost no social issue that is not addressed in Nasreddin Hodja's jokes.

In the jokes, everything related to the woman is sampled. Instead of giving direct advice, the advice is indoctrinated or implicated by means of real-life situations. Cultural codes and woman’s dominant character in Turkish society are implied. In the jokes, women become target via jokes and wits which can either be pleasing, bitter or offending.

Written and oral rules of the social life, basic patterns and values have found place ironically in the jokes. The noticeable data related to the women and respective values have been given with reference to direct samples. Hodja’s provision of parts of his own life enables the messages to be internalised.

Jokes of Nasreddin Hodja are a means of education that can be applied to every section of society thanks to their messages reflecting especially the life and humanistic relations. Such means can be used effectively in introduction of social values.

By drawing on the impact and enduring power of Nasreddin Hodja's jokes, contributions should be made to the establishment and improvement of women’s rights and legal protections.