Nazar (Evil Eye Amulet)

The blue glass eye (nazar boncuğu) protects against the evil eye — envious or malicious stares that can cause harm, illness, or bad luck. You'll find them hanging in homes, cars, offices, and even on airplanes.

The concept dates back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt (3300 BC). The blue glass amulet specifically became popular in the Ottoman Empire. Blue was chosen because it was believed to reflect the evil gaze back to the sender. The tradition spread throughout the Mediterranean, Middle East, and South Asia.

No glass eye can deflect envy or negative energy. However, the practice serves a genuine psychological purpose: it gives people a sense of control over unpredictable misfortune. Studies show that belief in protective amulets can reduce anxiety, which in turn improves decision-making and health outcomes. The placebo effect is real.

The nazar has become a global fashion accessory — you'll see it on Zara jewelry, Urban Outfitters home decor, and high-fashion runway shows. Turkish Airlines puts one on every plane. It's on phone cases, laptop stickers, and tattoos. It might be the most commercially successful superstition artifact in human history, generating hundreds of millions in annual sales.