Description
- The Nazar Boncuğu is not just a Turkish tradition anymore. It is also the most popular souvenir sold. From small key rings to necklaces to large ceramic eyes to hang up in the home, they are all sold wherever tourism exists. Traditionally a circle or round sphere, it is dark blue with the shape of an eye in the middle. Stroll through the grand bazaar of Istanbul and you will lose count of the number of times you see it. Almost every Turkish person I know has one to carry around with them or display in their home. I often asked if they believe it will ward off bad luck and nine times out of ten, they just shrug their shoulders. It does not matter whether it works, they just need it there, and much like a child clings to a comfort blanket, the (evil eye) Nazar Boncuğu provides peace of mind. It is said that when an evil eye cracks, it has done its job of protecting you and this belief dates back to the origins of the Nazar Boncuğu.
EVIL EYE REMEDIES If these preventative steps failed, however, the Greeks had many more remedies against the evil eye. In some villages, the fur of a bear would be burned to cure the curse. In others, a gypsy would massage the forehead to get rid of the ill effects of the evil eye.
