Discover North Cyprus Culture: Evil Eyes

The Evil Eye

The Evil Eye, known locally in Turkish as "Nazar", is a powerful cultural symbol in North Cyprus and across much of the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, and South Asia. In North Cyprus, which shares deep cultural ties with Turkey, the evil eye is both a superstition and a protective talisman embedded in everyday life.

🔵 What Is the Evil Eye?

The "evil eye" refers to a malevolent glare—often given out of jealousy or envy—that is believed to bring bad luck, illness, or misfortune to the person it targets.

To protect against this curse, people use the Nazar Boncuğu (evil eye bead), a blue and white charm traditionally made from glass, often designed to resemble an eye.

🧿 Common Uses in North Cyprus

1. Homes and Businesses

   • Many houses, shops, restaurants, and offices in North Cyprus hang evil eye charms at the entrance to ward off negativity.

   • Builders and architects sometimes embed a bead in the structure of a new home during construction for protection.

2. Vehicles

   • Taxis, buses, and even private cars often have a Nazar charm hanging from the rearview mirror or dashboard.

3. Jewelry and Accessories

   • Locals and tourists alike wear bracelets, necklaces, and keychains featuring the evil eye.

   • Often gifted to newborns or newlyweds as a form of blessing and protection.

4. Souvenirs

   • Sold widely in markets, shops, and tourist areas across North Cyprus.

   • Visitors often take them home as gifts or mementos of local culture.

🌙 Cultural and Spiritual Belief

• The belief in the evil eye is not tied to any one religion, though it overlaps with Islamic, Greek Orthodox, and folk traditions.

• It's common for people to say "Maşallah" (meaning “God has willed it” or “bless it”) when complimenting someone to avoid unintentionally giving the evil eye.

🧠 Interesting Fact

• The blue color is traditionally used because it's believed to absorb or deflect negative energy. Historically, blue eyes were considered rare and therefore more "dangerous" in Mediterranean cultures—ironically becoming the symbolic protector against that very danger.

🧿 In Summary:

In North Cyprus, the evil eye is a widely respected cultural symbol with deep traditional roots. It serves not only as a decorative item but also as a powerful amulet for protection, found across all aspects of life—from architecture and transportation to fashion and folk customs.

Would you like a visual example or local places where you can find handmade evil eye charms in North Cyprus?