A Famous Mystic Symbol: Turkish Evil Eye (Nazar)

We’ve all probably believed in some mysterious power protecting us from the unwanted at some point in our life. Whether it is invisible or symbolic, these kinds of things are powerful in giving you the comfort you need.

Origins of the Evil Eye

One of the most common Turkish symbols for repelling the devilish power is known to be nazar or as generally called “the evil eye.” The origins of the word come from Arabic, meaning sight or the look as indicating the figurative damage a look can cause on someone. With this being said, a distinction is needed to be made between the evil eye and the eye amulet, where the former means the look itself while the latter is the physical symbol used in various ways. The amulet is usually in the form of an iris, and it can be in miscellaneous shades of blue.

The cultural background of the iconic symbol is geographically extensive as well. It can be traced in countries like Iran, Afghanistan, India, and Greece while differing in sayings and language. Having an impact on so many diverse cultures, the evil eye amulet has made it onto many materials and things that we use daily. However, it is more common for jewelry and accessories to have Nazar detail, in the belief of carrying it at all times will provide definite protection.

Evil Eye Jewelry

The main amulet used in jewelry usually comes inside the glass beads made by local artisans. Although the number of these artisans has been decreased in recent years, you can still find hand-made evil-eye pieces sold by local Turkish shops. Along with being the centerpiece of accessories, Nazar is also used in clothing and garments, including by famous worldwide brands.

In some cases, the eye is believed to be part of many conspiracy theories, such as the secret Illuminati society, where the main symbol is the appearance of a single eye. The eye figure behind the one-dollar US bill is also considered to be one of the symbols of the eye’s secretive power. Many believe this Illuminati sign is about the compassionate watchfulness of God himself, while others identify with the enigmatic control and authority.

With all these assumptions aside, the cultural inheritance of the evil eye seems to last for the next generations as a special part of Turkish society. You can always find souvenirs and amulets while traveling in Turkey if you want to carry a piece with you in case of the evil eye. There are also online shops of worldwide brands that exclusively sell jewelry pieces made with the famous symbol.