The blue evil eye amulets that are commonly marketed as tourist souvenirs in Turkey are significant in Middle Eastern culture. Called ‘nazar’, these eye shaped amulets are supposed to protect people from the evil eyes of others, typically envious and jealous looks that may lead to bad luck. A common sight in Turkey, Albania, Bosnia, Greece and Cyprus, the nazar is displayed in homes, offices and often incorporated into jewellery and clothing. In fact, a private Turkish airline displays this icon as a logo on the tail fins of their planes.
