Handmade Evil Eye Bead Atelier, Izmir, Turkey

Evil eye beads belonging to Anatolian culture have made in the evil eye bead ateliers since 1950 in Turkey's Izmir province Nazarkoy district . This art, which requires mastery, is a difficult handicraft. During bead making high fire, iron, steel rod, tongs, glass and special paints are used. The evil eye bead which is believed to protect from bad energy of a malevolent glare in Turkish culture, is mostly used in jewelry and decoration and it has a specific place in Turkey tourism for representing Turkish culture. The craftsmans say that 10 years ago there were 12 ateliers in Nazarkoy but now few ones are survived because local trade was badly affected due to the entry of Chinese ornaments into the country. Workshop owners continue to produce 3 days in a week with few workers in order to keep their business alive under competitive condition. After the production process, the local people of the region, usually they are women, hand-braid or string the evil eye beads using materials such as rope and make them ready to be purchased decoratively. It is sold in small shops in the village square. Footage is taken on September 01, 2021 in Izmir, Turkey.