Blue Eyes in Turkey

Blue eyes or Nazar Boncugu in Turkish refers to a very traditional item in Turkey, it's a blue bead used as a talisman which is believed that it would protect you against the evil eye. The evil-eye superstition comes from very early times and it can be found in most of the cultures in the world. To prevent this unfortunate thing, Turks invented blue beads which look like an eye that looks straight back at the spell-caster. So Turkish blue eyes would guard you from any negative energy or from jealous looks of others for example.

Nazar boncugu originated in Turkey. Derived from Arabic terms, 'nazar' means 'sight' and 'boncuk', or 'boncugu', means beads. Thus, it’s a bead of the blue eye.

The Turkish type of the nazar boncugu depicts it as a circle of dark blue glass with 3 smaller circles set within it. These are white “eyeball”, light blue “iris”, and black “pupil” at the center. The Nazar bead has usually around shapes, but it comes in all sizes and all kinds of shapes and decorations; sometimes as a keychain, photo frame, bracelet, inscriptions, refrigerator magnet, and so on.

Turkish Blue Eyes

Turkish blue eyes are a cultural thing that has over 500 years of history and is still used all around the country, especially for a newborn baby, a brand new car, or even a newly built house to keep that bad energy away.

Actually, not only in Turkey, the Turkish evil blue eye can be seen on bracelets, necklaces, and other forms of jewelry almost across the entire world, especially among Jewish, Muslim, and Christian cultures. The jewelry shops aren't the only places where you'll see this symbol as a good number of Turkish people have it hanging up in their houses, shops, offices, and cars as a part of their life.

For example, if you go to Cappadocia in Turkey, you'll find these symbols even hanging at trees. This phenomenon is more than an aesthetic accessory, however. This has a fascinating history and meaning behind it.

Why is the Turkish Nazar Boncuk blue?

Turkish blue eyes are usually made of blue glass, with white and yellow or white and blue again circles inside, that would be a typical Turkish Nazar Boncuk. But there are other colors too, fashionable ones such as white color with blue circles inside. However, blue is always the traditional color of the Turkish nazar bead. 

The blue color probably comes from the influence of the Byzantines.  Blue was the color of heaven and water, it was sacred. It symbolized the infinite, the divine, the spiritual, and also evoked peace, calm.

Another belief that 'evil eye bead' or 'Evil eye bead' should be of blue color was probably influenced by Greek philosopher Plutarch, who said that those best at delivering the evil eye curse were blue-eyed. Also, it is likely because blue eyes are a genetic rarity in the Mediterranean area. In the other hand, the depiction of blue Eye of Horus discovered in Egypt and the connection of the color itself with Tengri, a sky deity of ancient Turks and Mongols, likely influenced the symbolism.

Different Color Turkish Nazar Boncugu

In many cultures that believe in the Nazar boncuk, the most popular color is blue. But over the years many other colors have come to symbolize different meanings. Here are some of the most popular colors that Nazar Boncuks are available in and the meanings behind them.

Red Nazar Boncuk:

• Gives Energy and Enthusiasm
• It encourages
• Protects from fear and anxiety
• Confidence to go after your dream

Orange Nazar Boncuk:

• For protection and happiness
• Increases playfulness and creativity
• Provides motivation and commitment

White Nazar Boncuk:

• Brings about mental clarity
• Clears obstacles
• Gives focus and purity
• Starts a fresh beginning

Pink Nazar Boncuk:

• Provides relaxation
• Neutralizes disorder
• Friendship protection
• Gives a calming feeling

Dark green Nazar Boncuk:

• Brings balance to your life
• Promotes happiness
• Gives the freedom to chase new dreams
• Increases personal power

Purple Nazar Boncuk:

• Removes obstacles in the path
• Boosts imagination
• Re-balances your life

Yellow or Gold Nazar Boncuk:

• Protects your health
• Reliefs from exhaustion and panic
• Sharper mind and concentration

History of the Evil Blue Eyes

Almost every civilization has attempted to express evil blue eyes using amulets such as Turkey use Nazar Boncugu.

The Turkish people believe that; this protection amulet holds enough power to ward off all the dark energies and ill intentions cast on them and their belongings. That is why you can often witness this evil eye protection charm hanging on doors, buildings, offices, and trees in Turkey.

Blue Evil Eye in Greece

Blue Evil Eye in England, Scotland and Ireland

Blue Evil Eye in Italy

As Malocchio is considered harmful in Italian culture, people use various sacred rituals and amulets to ward off this curse. For example: when someone talks about something with pride, they use an expression called "facendo corna'' with their hands by making a horn sign by raising the forefinger and the little finger.

The horn signs play a crucial role in warding off the evil eye curse. That is why people also hang or wear Horn-shaped red color protective amulets, known as "Cornetti". Cornetti usually look like a hot red pepper due to its shape and color, and it is commonly found everywhere, hanging in vehicles or outside buildings in Italy.

To find out whether a person is afflicted with Malocchio or not, the healer takes some water in a bowl and puts a few drops of oil in it. Usually, the oil floats, but in the case of Nazar, the drops will sink, indicating the evil eye. Once the Nazar is confirmed, people use milk and herbs like basil to ward off the curse.