Shopping Gifts

Evil Eye Blue Beads
When you visit North Cyprus, it’s impossible not to notice the blue beads (also known as nazar boncugu) hanging everywhere, from front doors to car mirrors. Of course, there is a significant meaning behind these blue eye beads; it is believed they protect people from the “evil eye” of others.
The “evil eye” tradition in North Cyprus

The evil blue eye beads are used to keep one protected from evil looks of those who wish bad fortune upon them, jealousy or even the most extreme; death. If you believe it is better to be safe then sorry, you can purchase these beads from nearly all gift shops. The beads are meant to work by bouncing off the hateful looks of others with the help of its blue glass surface. It is also believed that the colour blue represents protection.
The blue beads are thought to have originated from the ancient Egyptians, and they soon came in use all across the Mediterranean. These beautiful beads began to gain popularity in the island after seeing the Anatolians from Turkey use them. According to the Turkish Cypriots, there can be three different kinds of evil eye: the unintentional unconscious evil eye, the evil eye which causes deliberate harm and the invisible evil eye.

Finding blue beads in Northern Cyprus

It’s easy to find places which sell the blue beads, what with the locals being so suspicious of someone’s evil glance! Don’t be surprised if you see animals and even plants with blue beads attach to it, as they are not exempt from the evil eye. Even family homes are susceptible to other peoples evil eye, which explains the blue beads adorning some front doors or even embedded in to the wall.
Buying blue evil eye beads in North Cyprus

By adding iron, copper, water and salt as well as the obvious glass, the blue bead is thought to become more resistant to the evil of others. The blue beads aren’t only for hanging up; you can also wear them as accessories, where many of the blue bead jewellery are accompanied with gold or silver.
Burning Olive Leaves to Ward off Evil Eye

Another way guarding off others evil thoughts against you is by burning olive leaves, a unique Turkish Cypriot tradition that has been continuing for centuries

Take Home a Box of Cyprus Delight!

Do you wish to purchase something that will both remind you of your exciting North Cyprus holidays as well as being a tasty treat? Cyprus delight also known as lokma is your answer. There is an immense amount of lokma to choose from, such as those stuffed with pistachios to the fruity variety sprinkled with coconuts particles. The quality of the Cyprus delights are much higher then the boxes of Turkish delights that are on offer at British supermarkets. Don’t limit yourself to just lokma when they are so many more Turkish Cypriot traditional foods to spoil yourself with ; halloumi cheese (hellim), special village breads, olives and if you have a sweet tooth, helva.
Designer Knitwear from the Bandabulya

If you head on to the back of the municipal market, you will come across the shop of Ayten Huseyin, who sells hand made bags and accessories, which make perfect presents for women of all ages. Ayten Huseyin studied at the prestigious St Martins School of Art in the UK and later found success in Paris and Italy as an accomplished fashion knitwear designer. She has now returned to her home country of North Cyprus and lives in her parent’s old house in Nicosia. If you would like to get your hands on a truly individual and designer item designed by a successful and well known designer, visit her shop at the Bandabulya.

If you love searching for antiques, the souvenir bazaar north of the Selimiye Mosquewill leave you spoilt for choice. Visit Erdal Jewellery on Kadinlar Pazari for your jewellery shopping.