Nazar Koy- the 'Evil Eye Village'

[lale]

Just 45 minutes from my home is a little village known as 'Nazar Koy' which has been the traditional centre of evil eye bead production for the last sixty to seventy years.

'Nazar Boncuk', 'Evil Eye Beads' are traditionally worn in Turkey to ward off the evil eye. If the bead breaks, it means it has saved you from some great evil. They're found everywhere- in graphics, in jewellery, even embedded into pavements. Most Turkish girls wear one either as a bracelet (like me!) or as a pin.

I visited with guests a few days ago, and here are my shots.



My 35mm f/2 has forced me to fall head over heels in love with Bokeh.



This is one of the nicest men I've met. He told me that he has been making beads since he was 13 and that his daughter was the first person in the village to get into university. He's very proud.



Beads were everywhere in the village-- hanging from trees, on the tree trunks themselves...



And of course, someone strings all those beads onto long strings for shipping and storage.

Hope you all enjoyed those. If you're ever in Turkey- Nazar Koy is a must see. Thanks for looking.

[pjflan7]

very interesting narrative.....Nice learning experience with great photos to show it off.

[mikez53]

Souds like a great place and love the stories with each photo. All the pictures are really nice and like the first best - bokeh. Hope to visit someday. Thank you for sharing.

[Bernzfotos]

Very interesting - great shots - Cheers, Bernz

[Ana F]

lale, these are some lovely, reminiscing shots. I do remember going to Turkey and seeing all kinds of jewellery embroidered with the evil eye, especially at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. I myself bought a bracelet that I lost, hope that isn't a bad omen though! hehe. Thanks for sharing!

[lale]

Thank you! I'm sure it's fine! You should come back and get another one, in that case- but come to Izmir this time. Istanbul's great, but Izmir has a much more homey atmosphere and just as much to do! (Can you tell I'm a little biased? )

[dizwold]

merhaba lale
chok guzel!!
i spent some time in Turkey around Izmir ,kusadasi and Fetiye and remembered these eyes almost everywhere especially hanging up in cars and taxis. This is a great subject matter for me as it has given me back some wonderful memories of this beautiful country
tesseker aderim
mike

[Darryll]

great shots, i wish i could take photos like that...BTW i'm a newbie here, planning to join in photo contest... I want to learn more on this forum.. I hope you guys would be more helpful...

[lale]

Thank you for your comments. They've been a bright spot in what was otherwise a very tough day for me. (My dog passed away because unfortunately she was poisoned.)

[dizwold]

Originally Posted by lale

Thank you for your comments. They've been a bright spot in what was otherwise a very tough day for me. (My dog passed away because unfortunately she was poisoned.)

i am so sorry to hear about you dog my heart goes out to you. My dog passed away this year and its tough when we lose a freind.
alla ismaladuk
mike