The belief in the evil eye is a widespread folk belief rooted in the idea that malicious glances can have negative effects on people, animals, homes, or valuable objects, and its origins date back to pre-Islamic times. This belief, which persists in various forms across different societies and cultures, has led to the emergence of practices and protective objects designed to ward off the evil eye. These objects are generally referred to as “evil eye charms” and vary in terms of form, material, area of use, and symbolic meaning. Within the scope of this study, traditional evil eye charms used in the Van region were examined in the context of folk beliefs, daily life practices, usage patterns, and symbolic meanings. The data for the research were obtained through fieldwork conducted in various regions of Van; the identified examples of nazarlık were photographed and documented. As a result of the fieldwork, it was determined that various objects—such as the “üzerlik” herb, the “nazar boncuğu” (evil eye bead), amulets, horseshoes, miniature shoes, and animal horns—are used for protection against the evil eye. The primary objective of this study is to introduce the traditional examples of amulets in Van—which have not previously been comprehensively researched—to the scientific community and to reveal the place these objects hold in the local people’s belief system. The research demonstrates that amulets are not merely protective objects but also important elements that reflect Van’s traditional culture and intangible cultural heritage.

Tradition, folk culture, the evil eye, amulets, Van.