Title: نَظَر‎

Romanization: Nazar

English Translation: sight, surveillance, attention

Context: The nazar, or evil eye is a deeply rooted folk belief that has been passed down through generations in many cultures. When I was younger, I saw it as a real force, something that could cause harm if you weren’t careful. People around me treated it seriously, using folk objects like the blue eye amulet. This is why we say Mashallah after complimenting someone, as we don’t want to place any bad or envious energy on them.
As a folk object, the nazar charm functions as a physical object that embodies cultural beliefs and practices. The evil eye charms are commonly worn as jewelry, displayed in homes, or placed in cars to provide protection. Even though they are small, their presence carries deep symbolic meaning. They serve as a constant reminder of the belief that unseen forces, like envy or negative energy, can influence our lives.
Beyond the object itself, the belief in the evil eye is reinforced through folk narratives, stories of sudden misfortunes blamed on envious glances, or tales of people who used protective symbols to escape harm. These stories serve as cautionary tales, warning people to be mindful of their successes and to avoid drawing too much attention to themselves. As I got older, I stopped believing in the nazar in the same way. Even though I don’t personally believe in it anymore, I still respect its role culturally as a symbol of how people use objects to explain and control the uncertainties of life.”

Analysis: The nazar boncuk, or evil eye charm, is a classic example of a folk object a tangible representation of a widespread belief system that transcends generations and geographical boundaries. It exists as a material expression of the folk belief in the nazar, or evil eye, which is found in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and even Latin American cultures.

As a folk object, the nazar serves a protective function. People wear it as jewelry, hang it in their homes, place it on newborns, or even attach it to animals and possessions to shield them from harm. The object’s blue color and eye-like shape are significant, blue is traditionally seen as a protective color in many cultures, and the eye shape is thought to reflect or “block” harmful gazes. These characteristics demonstrate how folk objects often incorporate symbolic imagery to reinforce their purpose.

Beyond its protective role, the nazar also functions as a marker of identity and tradition. Its widespread use connects individuals to their cultural heritage, making it an object that carries both personal and communal meaning. Even people who may not strongly believe in the evil eye still wear or display the charm as a nod to their cultural roots.

Like many folk objects, the nazar has evolved over time. Traditionally made of glass and handcrafted, modern versions are now mass-produced in different styles, including bracelets, necklaces, keychains, and even phone accessories. Despite these adaptations, the nazar still carries its original protective symbolism, showing how folk objects can maintain cultural significance even when their form changes.

The nazar is deeply embedded in folklore, not only as a physical object but as part of a larger belief system that includes folk narratives, superstitions, and rituals. The act of saying Mashallah after a compliment or tying a black thread on a baby’s wrist are examples of verbal and customary folklore that work alongside the nazar charm to reinforce protection against the evil eye.

Photo of Nazar: