Told in the Coffee House: Turkish Tales

"Told in the Coffee House: Turkish Tales" by Cyrus Adler is a collection of Turkish stories that brings to life the vibrant storytelling tradition of Constantinople's coffee houses. These tales, filled with wise men, quick-witted villagers, and amusing Hodjas, offer glimpses into Turkish culture, values, and humor. The book starts by setting the stage in a bustling coffee house, where conversations lead to stories filled with both lightheartedness and deep lessons. The opening story features a Hodja who gives away his wealth to show his students the value of giving, only to find himself in an amusing and challenging situation with a Fakir Dervish when he gets hungry, highlighting the book's themes of faith and mistakes. The readers can expect tales that educate with humor and wisdom in traditional Turkish storytelling fashion.