The Eye of Allah: An Ancient Amulet Against the Evil Eye

The Eye of Allah 🧿, also known as. Nazar Bonjuk in Turkish or simply "Evil Eye", is a fascinating amulet that has deep roots in Turkish and Greek culture. This talisman, famous for its alleged ability to protect against the "evil eye," has a rich history and deep cultural significance that goes far beyond its mere appearance. The symbol of the Eye of Allah is 🧿.

Origins and Diffusion

The Eye of Allah originated in Turkey, but its popularity has spread far beyond national borders. Today, you can find this amulet in many Mediterranean countries, particularly in Greece, where it has become a much sought-after souvenir among tourists.

Appearance and Variety

The amulet typically takes the form of a blue glass disc with a stylized "eye" in the center. However, numerous variations exist:

• Color: Although blue is the traditional color, versions can be found in different colors.
• Dimensions: They vary from small pendants to large decorative discs.
• Shapes: In addition to the classic round shape, there are oval or teardrop-shaped versions.

The Meaning of the Color Blue

The prevalence of the color blue in the Eye of Allah is not accidental. In the Aegean regions, people with light eyes, especially blue, are rare. These individuals are believed to bring bad luck, a superstition born out of interaction with peoples of northern Europe, where light eyes are more common.

The Concept of "Nazar" and Evil Eye

The "Nazar", or evil eye, is a concept deeply rooted in Turkish culture. It is believed that:

• Compliments, even if well-intentioned, may contain envy or resentment.
• This negative energy can negatively affect new acquisitions, businesses or even newborn babies.
• The Eye of Allah acts as a shield against these negative forces.

The Legend of the Eye of Allah

An interesting legend surrounds the origin of the Eye of Allah:

In a Turkish coastal town, residents tried to move a large rock from the shore. Despite the efforts of a hundred men and the use of explosives, the rock remained motionless. A man known for his "evil eye" was called in. When he exclaimed, "What a big rock!" suddenly a loud roar was heard and the rock shattered into a thousand pieces.

This story illustrates the belief in the power of the evil eye and, consequently, the importance of the Eye of Allah as protection.

The Eye of Allah and the New Births

The belief in the protective power of the Eye of Allah is especially strong when it comes to infants:

• Turkish parents consider it essential that their children always wear the amulet.
• The Eye of Allah is attached to the baby's diapers, strollers, clothes and other items.
• It is believed that too many compliments on a specific part of the child's body can attract the evil eye.

A popular anecdote tells of a healthy infant who became mysteriously ill after receiving numerous compliments, a classic example of what Turks call "Nazar."

How the Amulet Works

The Eye of Allah is believed to work in this way:

1. The amulet attracts the negative energy of the evil eye to itself.
2. When the amulet breaks, it is believed to have absorbed and neutralized the evil eye.
3. Once broken, the amulet must be replaced immediately to maintain protection.