Nazar beads, or evil-eye beads, are traditional Anatolian beads used to ward off evil, similar to evil-eye traditions all over the world.
The word "nazar" is derived from the Arabic word for "sight," and is sometimes also referred to in Turkey as a "Blue bead" or "mavi boncuk."
Nazar beads do actually carry some meaning in Turkey. "Nazar" is considered bad luck, or "evil," and the bead helps ward off this evil according to many superstitions.
If a person is complimented a lot, or is particularly attractive, or has a run of good luck, then it's believed that a nazar bead can help ward off the inevitable bad luck to follow.
But obviously in the modern era, they serve the equally important purpose of looking super cool and being some of the best souvenirs you'll pick up on your trip to Turkey.
Gifts for newborn babies
For obvious reasons, one of the main gifts given at baby showers and to newborn babies are items with nazar beads.
Newborns are especially cute and receive an inordinate number of compliments, making them prime targets for "nazar."
The beads help ward these off and obviously function as decorative pieces for the cute newborn.
Hidden on clothing to ward off evil
People will sometimes even ask whether a child has a nazar bead on them before offering a compliment.
This, of course, is not practiced 100% of the time as nazar beads can be seen in all manner of items, but technically – especially for children – the nazar bead should be hidden for maximum effectiveness.
Necklaces
On necklaces, the nazar bead tends to be worn in an understated fashion, with either the beads running down the chain or as an amulet at the end.
Bracelets
Bracelets with many small little nazar beads are also very common, as bracelets are a common fashion accessory in Turkey.
Earrings
Nazar bead earrings tend to be slightly more ostentatious than other forms of jewelry, often as drop earrings. Stud nazar earrings are common as well, though often-times the point is to show off that beautiful blue color of the nazar bead.
Rings
That deep blue on your finger looks prettier than almost any other color you'll find, and obviously nazar bead rings tend to be cheaper than real stones so it's a perfect fit for your souvenir to take back home.
Wall/ Home decoration
This is another of the most common uses of nazar beads. Hanging wind chimes are very common, or any sort of little decoration dotted on the wall or somewhere.
Towels/ Sheets
Turkish towels and Turkish bedsheets are amongst the highest quality and most famous in the world. So it's no surprise that nazar-designed bedsheets and towels are equally popular.
