What IS That? The Evil Eye
When we receive visitors from outside the country, the most common question we hear is “what is that?” Inevitably they will be pointing to something that is not quite distinguishable, something that you don’t see everyday, or maybe any day in the States. While we don’t always know the answer (we continue to ask “what is that?” on a regular basis ourselves), we would like to document some of the most memorable and unusual sights we see as part of daily life here in a series of brief posts.
A common sight in Turkey is a round, blue stone that looks like an eye. They can be seen everywhere—sitting on door thresholds, hanging on the wall, even pinned to baby’s clothes. Most souvenir stores sell a multitude of items with this symbol on it. So what is it?
It is most widely known as the “evil eye,” and is a part of folk beliefs. In Turkey it is called nazar. Locals have described its function as a sort of talisman to redirect negative or spiteful energy that might be focused on the wearer.
Painted onto the sidewalk in front of a local shop
A serving dish with the evil eye pattern
If a baby is really cute or sweet, I have been told, it might attract jealousy or envious feelings. Or if someone has recently bought a new car or house, this, too, could attract those negative energies from other people. If there are no efforts made to ward these off, something bad might happen.
Because of this, an evil eye might hang from the rearview mirror of that new car, or adorn the welcome mat at the front door of that new house. Many people I know have a story of how they or someone they know were affected by the evil energies associated with nazar.
Of course the nazar is sometimes simply used for decoration, as in the picture below!
When you go souvenir shopping in Turkey, always take the time to ask if there is significance or meaning to the item you pick up. More often than not, like the evil eye, there will be an interesting story attached!
TO OUR FRIENDS IN THE WEST, KEEP LOOKING EAST!
Ginny Lou Henley
Ginny Lou is a co-founder of West2East. Originally from Alabama, Ginny Lou has called Turkey home for the past nine years. To read more about her, click here.