What Is the Evil Eye? Discover Its Meaning and How to Protect Yourself From It

28.07.2025 - 13:35

The evil eye bead has been used for centuries as a protective talisman against negative energy and is one of the most well-known symbols of Turkish culture. So what is the evil eye? Does it really cause harm, and why do people wear evil eye charms? In this article, you will find answers to all your questions about the spiritual meaning, history, and uses of this blue-eyed glass charm. If you are looking for accurate, reliable, and detailed information about the origins, effects, and protective properties of the evil eye charm, keep reading!

What is the Evil Eye? What Does the Evil Eye Bead Mean?

The word ‘Nazar’ comes from Arabic and means ‘gaze, looking intently.’ It has been adopted into Turkish in this form and is commonly used among the people to mean ‘evil eye’, ‘jealous gaze’ or ‘gaze that radiates bad energy’. An evil eye bead is a glass amulet, usually blue in colour and shaped like an eye, used to protect against these negative energies. It is believed that this bead attracts bad energy and protects its owner.

Is the Evil Eye Bead Turkish? History and Origin

The evil eye bead is not an object unique to Turkish culture. Similar protective amulets are found in many cultures in Greece, Iran, the Middle East and the Mediterranean. However, the place and use of the evil eye bead in Turkey is much deeper.

This belief dates back to the Turkic communities of Central Asia. Since the Shamanist period, the Turks have used various amulets to ward off evil energies. Beads have always played an important role among these amulets. The ancient Turks gave names such as monçuk, muşunçuk, and muncuk to these types of protective objects. Even the fact that the horse of the Hun ruler Attila was named ‘Muncuk’ shows the historical depth of the belief in the evil eye.

The development of glass evil eye beads in Anatolia, as we know them today, began when Egyptian masters came to Izmir and introduced glasswork. Turkish glass masters developed these techniques and gave evil eye beads their iconic form today.

The Spiritual and Symbolic Meaning of the Evil Eye Bead

The evil eye bead is a symbol of protection against evil eyes, jealousy and negative energy in a spiritual sense. For centuries, people have believed that when someone is jealous of another person's beauty, success or wealth, this jealousy can cause harm through the evil eye.

The colour blue, which is often used in beads, is believed to absorb this negative energy. This colour was given to the bead because it was thought that people with blue eyes were more susceptible to the evil eye. The eye figure comes from the concept of ‘an eye for an eye’ in response to evil.

Why Do People Wear Evil Eye Charms?

There are several basic reasons behind the use of evil eye charms:

Protection from bad energy: The most common reason is the desire to stay away from evil eyes and negative influences.
Psychological sense of security: People feel more peaceful and secure when they wear evil eye charms.
Cultural belonging and aesthetics: The bead is not only a talisman, but also an ornament, decorative object and element of cultural identity.

Today, evil eye beads are used symbolically in homes, workplaces, vehicles, jewellery, baby clothes and even on digital platforms.

How is an Evil Eye Bead Made?

A genuine evil eye bead is handmade in glass workshops. In Turkey, the villages of Görece and Kurudere in Izmir are particularly central to this craft. Beads made using traditional methods are created by melting coloured glass heated in furnaces and shaping it using special moulds.

Bead masters create the eye motif by using blue, white and black glass inside the glass. Some masters also add lead to the bead, believing that it is more effective against the evil eye. This art is protected by UNESCO as a ‘Living Human Treasure’.

Don't forget: A real evil eye bead must be handmade. Mass-produced products do not have the same talismanic properties.

The Use of Evil Eye Beads Today

In modern times, evil eye beads have become not only a symbol of traditional belief, but also a cultural icon, design element and souvenir.

They are among the most sought-after souvenirs in the tourism sector.
It has a wide range of applications in jewellery, home decoration, textiles, and fashion.
It appears symbolically in various fields, from TV series sets to film scenes, social media emojis to corporate logos.

The design world has reimagined this traditional object with modern interpretations and introduced it to a new generation of users.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Evil Eye

Why is the Evil Eye Bead blue?

Because it is believed that the colour blue absorbs bad energy and the eye motif wards off the evil eye. In addition, blue eyes have historically been associated with jealousy.

What should be done when an evil eye bead breaks?

According to popular belief, if the bead breaks, it means that it has protected its owner from bad energy. In this case, it must be replaced with a new one.

Does the Evil Eye Bead really work?

There is no scientific proof. However, it is true that it gives peace of mind to the person psychologically and evokes a feeling of protection from bad energy.

Is it the Evil Eye Bead only used in Turkey?

No. This belief is also upheld in Greece with ‘mati’, in Iran with ‘cheshm nazar’, and in India and Arab countries with similar objects.

How can you tell if an evil eye bead is real?

Real evil eye beads are handmade in kilns. Each one is unique. Mass-produced ones are just decorative items.

So, What is the Evil Eye Bead?

The evil eye bead is not merely a decorative item; it is a powerful symbol of our cultural identity, the spiritual values that span from the past to the present, and our folk beliefs. It serves as both a protective talisman, an aesthetic object, and a universal cultural artefact.

Today, a person who wears or gives an evil eye bead is also keeping alive a belief system that dates back thousands of years. If you want to protect yourself against bad energy or offer your good wishes to someone, an evil eye bead is always the right choice.