A Nazar Boncuğu bead is worn by children to protect them from the evil eye.

Nazar Boncuğu: Bead Used to Ward Off Evil Eye

Details

The Nazar Boncuğu is a handcrafted talisman, usually made from glass in concentric shades of blue and white to resemble an eye. In many Turkish households and across the Eastern Mediterranean, the bead is pinned to a child’s clothing, crib, or stroller shortly after birth. It is believed that the bead absorbs or deflects negative energy—particularly jealousy and envy—emanating from others. The belief stems from the concept of the ‘evil eye,’ which can cause misfortune, illness, or bad luck. Often, the bead is replaced if it cracks or breaks, as this is taken as evidence it has fulfilled its protective role. The bead may also be incorporated into jewelry or home decorations and is gifted to infants or pregnant women for added protection.

Historical Context

Belief in the ‘evil eye’ dates back millennia and is referenced in ancient texts from Mesopotamia, Greece, and Egypt. The Nazar Boncuğu specifically has strong roots in Anatolian (modern-day Turkish) culture, where it evolved into a blue glass amulet shaped like an eye. Traditionally, blue was considered a spiritual color capable of warding off harmful intent. The spread of this superstition across the Mediterranean and into the Middle East reflects long-standing cultural exchange along trade routes. In societies where public admiration is common, particularly of children, protective practices like the Nazar Boncuğu were integrated into daily life to prevent unseen curses or misfortunes. It embodies both spiritual and practical beliefs passed down through generations.

Modern Relevance

The Nazar Boncuğu continues to be widely used in modern-day Turkey and neighboring regions such as Greece, the Balkans, and parts of the Arab world. While originally limited to children and mothers, it is now worn by adults as jewelry, used in car decorations, and integrated into architectural motifs. Its symbolic value has become a blend of cultural identity and spiritual belief, embraced even by the secular population. Globally, the amulet has seen increased popularity as a fashion accessory and is often sold in souvenir shops, yoga studios, spiritual wellness stores, and online platforms. Its iconic look has made it a recognizable charm beyond its original cultural context, though its protective purpose remains central for many.

Sources

Dundes, Alan. (1992). The Evil Eye: A Casebook. University of Wisconsin Press.

Quick Facts

Related Superstitions

A baby’s future career or fate is predicted by the first object they select during a ceremonial setup.

In several Asian and Eastern European cultures, a traditional ceremony is held for babies usually around their first birthday. Known

Why Superstitions Persist in Modern Times

Despite widespread access to scientific knowledge and rational frameworks, superstitions continue to influence everyday behavior across cultures and demographics. From