When people think “evil eye” they commonly think of the negative aspects of the term. The concept of the ‘evil eye’ goes back many centuries and is typically described as a form of malevolent gaze or glare intended to impart a curse of misfortune or injury upon the recipient (who may be unaware they are being cursed). Confusion arises due to the fact that various forms of the talismans fashioned to ward off the evil eye curse are themselves referred to as ‘evil eyes’. Such is the case with the Turkish Evil Eye Charm.

A Bit of Historical Context

While the exact source of the belief will likely always remain something of a mystery the power of the evil eye was commonly feared as far back as ancient Greece and beyond. Some historians credit its spread to the armies of Alexander the Great who took it with them on their journeys of conquest across the ancient world. Most of the Classical philosophers and writers made some reference to the evil eye in their works and belief in its power moved on to Rome when that empire became ascendant.

The collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century may have been the end of Roman political and military domination of Europe but many of the empire’s beliefs and superstitions endured; including the evil eye. As the belief endured many types of amulets and talismans gained favor as a means of protection from the curse.

Turkish Evil Eye Charms

While amulets and talismans that serve as protection from the evil eye have taken many forms over the centuries perhaps the best known today is the Turkish evil eye charm or Nazar Boncugu, which translates to “evil eye bead” or “evil eye stone”. The charm is worn by many of the region’s more superstitious inhabitants and is even a common site on the sidewalks of Istanbul. In recent years it has gained popularity in the West, not necessarily for its paranormal abilities but for its cultural significance and as an example of the beauty and timelessness of Turkish crafts.

Why is the Turkish Evil Eye Charm Blue?

Because people with blue or other light colored eyes are rare in the Near and Middle East they are thought to have a particular ability to wield the evil eye curse. Hence amulets and other protective charms in this part of the world feature a blue eye as the central motif. Even to this day blue-eyed people who travel to the more remote parts of Turkey and Greece are often mystified by the strange reaction locals sometimes exhibit to their presence. While the traveler may believe the local to be unfriendly it’s typically not that simple and is instead a case of long held beliefs convincing the local that the blue-eyed stranger is there to impart an evil eye curse. You can usually defuse the awkwardness of such encounters by simply not staring at people and retaining a friendly demeanor.

Fabrication

The Turkish evil eye charm is typically fabricated from iron, copper, handmade glass, salt and water. The combination is important as it is believed that this particular ‘recipe’ as it were has proven itself superior over the centuries in warding off curses from the evil eye. Conversely, if the wrong combination of minerals is used in making the charm it will never acquire a proper ability to break up and disperse the evil energy before it has a chance to take hold.

Typical Uses

The evil eye charm today is attached to just about anything that people believe is likely to attract devious characters, evil spirits, envy or greed. They’re often hung at the front entrance to people’s homes and businesses, attached to the crib of a newborn or even draped in some fashion over a new piece of equipment. You’ll often see them hanging from rearview mirrors inside cars too. On some occasions evil eye pendants will be tossed into the concrete forming the foundation of a new building to keep it safe.

Over the years the apparent power of the Turkish evil eye charm has led many to conclude that blue itself is a powerful force for deflecting and diluting evil and so you’ll find many a front door on both houses and businesses painted blue to prevent evil from entering.

Turkish Evil Eye Charms from Paykoc Imports

We carry a full line of Turkish evil eye charms ranging from the traditional hanging pendants to macramé and tapestries of varying design. Each talisman is a beautiful example of Turkish crafts and is handmade in Turkey for import by Paykoc. Whether you’re a true believer or just someone who appreciates unique art objects the Turkish evil eye charm will be a valuable addition to your jewelry collection or home decor.