Ashʿab b. Jubayr as a humorous figure in the tradition of nawadir

This study examines the personality and humor of the Arab humorist Eş'ab(d. 154/771). Ashʿab, who is the focus of this study, stands out as one of the most prominent figures of humor in Arabic literature. Despite his mawâlî origins, he played a pioneering role in institutionalizing humor during the Umayyad period and was among the individuals who helped establish comedy as a recognized profession. Eş'ab lived in important cultural centers such as Medina, Damascus, and Baghdad, and contributed significantly to the intellectual life of his time with performances that combined poetry, music, and humor. Known for his mastery of wit, wordplay, metaphor, double entendre, and simile, EŞ'abis remembered in Arab sources more for the anecdotes told about him than for his actual works. Eş'ab's humor was not merely intended to amuse but also to provoke thought. Rooted in everyday life, his approach to humor was enriched by including characters from the lower strata of society—such as parasites, concubines, beggars, and Bedouins. It is evident that EŞ'abearned his livelihood through humor, took social reactions in stride, and was noted for his confident demeanor. However, the limited academic research into the cultural roots and affiliations of Ashʿab's humor reveals the need for deeper studies in this area. Eş'ab continues to influence the field of humor today through stories, novels, and even cartoons created about him.