Purity from the Villages of Antalya: Local Soap Varieties

Nazar bead, which has an important place for Turkish communities in history, is a symbol believed to get rid of bad energy. It is believed to be protected from bad eyes, energy and words when wearing the Nazar bead, which continues its existence in the culture of the Turks, which is a traditional heritage.

Dating back to 3300 BC, the nazar bead had a very important place in Mesopotamian civilisations. This bead, which the oldest findings obtained from the findings in Mesopotamia, is thought to keep evil spirits away from the people living at that time.

The nazar bead, which is believed to ward off the bad energy of the blue colour, was also found in Ancient Egypt, where talismans used for a similar purpose were found.

In Greek and Roman mythology, blue beads, which are believed to be protected from nazar in the same way; played a protective role in order to be removed from the concept of nazar.

When the Turks migrated from Central Asia to Anatolia, they brought the belief in the nazar with them. In the Pre-Islamic Period, various talismans were used to ward off evil spirits under the influence of Shamanism. The nazar bead has been accepted as one of these talismans and has survived until today. In the Ottoman Period, the use of nazar beads became widespread and was used in various art forms, household items and jewellery.

Characteristics of Nazar Bead Shape and Colours

Nazar bead, which is generally in the shape of an eye; It is believed to be designed with the idea that the eye is the window of the person opening to the world. Eye; It is the first exit point of all positive, negative, good, bad thoughts of the person towards the world. Eye to eye with a person can understand the emotions in that person’s thoughts, state and movements. Therefore, the gaze that comes eye to eye with the gaze can reflect their energy to the person opposite them.

It is believed that the nazar bead protects the person by attracting all this bad energy. At the same time, it was also believed that it brought good luck. The furnaces made for the nazar beads were opened with special ceremonies among the people and only the nazar beads were made from glass workmanship in these furnaces. For a real Nazar bead, it is not allowed to make anything else in its furnace, and the master reserves the furnace of the bead only for it.

The shape of the nazar bead is usually blue in colour and eye-shaped. In the centre there is a white circle and inside it a smaller black or dark blue circle. The outer part may be light or dark blue. This design gives the nazar bead an ‘eye’ like appearance.

The colour of the nazar bead; blue is a colour that is thought to have protective properties against evil. According to ancient beliefs, it absorbs and neutralises the evil energy of the nazar. The eye-shaped design provides protection by reflecting or scattering evil glances.

Nazar Beads Will Be the Luckiest Item You Will Bring with You When You Return from Your Holiday in Turkey!

Nazar bead, which symbolises thousands of years of belief, is believed to give luck and positive energy to its wearer because it collects evil spirits, moods and energy on it. Designed in the form of glass using many shades of blue throughout history, Nazar beads can be found as jewellery accessories such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings in Turkish markets. Or large versions can be used to hang at the entrance of the house, workplaces, cars or baby carriages.

When returning from your holiday in Turkey, you can give it as a gift to your loved ones to protect them from the evil eye. You can present the nazar bead, which is a popular gift for those who open a new workplace or new homeowners, especially for newborn babies, to your loved ones around you.

With a history dating back thousands of years, kilims are one of the most deeply rooted crafts in Anatolian culture. Both a work of art and an indispensable part of everyday life, kilims have been woven by women for centuries, transforming their life stories and emotions into motifs.

Rugs woven in various styles across almost every region of Turkey remain a vibrant tradition, particularly in Antalya and its surroundings.

What is a Rug?

A kilim is a type of flat weave obtained by tightly weaving warp and weft threads without knots on a hand loom. The difference between kilims and carpets is that kilims do not use knots and are generally thinner. Kilims woven from wool, cotton or goat hair can be used for many purposes, such as display in living areas, wall decoration or as a cover.

The Tradition of Kilim Weaving in Turkey

The tradition of kilim weaving in Anatolia has been preserved for centuries as part of the cultural heritage of Turkish communities that migrated from Central Asia. Each region has its own unique motifs, colours, and techniques. Kilims often play an important role in a young woman’s dowry and sometimes serve as a source of income for families. This craft is not only a means of livelihood but also serves as a cultural memory.

In regions such as Kayseri, Uşak, Sivas, Konya, and Antalya, kilim weaving is continued both with traditional methods and modern production approaches. Especially in regions like Antalya, which attract significant tourist interest, kilims are sold both as authentic souvenirs and as collectible pieces.

The Importance of Rugs in the Antalya Region

Antalya, the pearl of the Mediterranean, stands out not only for its nature and history but also for its rich handicraft culture. Settlements in the region such as Toroslar, Elmalı, Gömbe, Serik, Korkuteli, and Manavgat have been the centres of rug weaving from past to present.

The kilims produced in these regions are typically made from goat hair and wool yarn and adorned with traditional motifs. Motifs such as ‘ram’s horn,’ ‘elibelinde,’ ‘scorpion,’ and “abundance” serve both as decorative elements and carry symbolic meanings. For example, the ‘elibelinde’ motif represents fertility and the productivity of women.

Women in the villages of Antalya continue to weave kilims on wooden looms set up in their homes, viewing this work as both a cultural duty and an economic activity. Especially in the summer months, kilim workshops and markets in the region come alive with the interest of local and foreign tourists.

The Kilim Production Process: Patterns Woven with Labour

Rug weaving is an art that requires patience and skill. First, wool or hair obtained from animals is cleaned, spun, and dyed. In the Antalya region, natural plant-based dyes are still used; colours are obtained from materials such as walnut shells, onion skins, and pomegranate peels. This extends the lifespan of the rug and prevents the colours from fading.

After the dyed threads are dried, they are placed on the loom and weaving begins according to the pattern diagram. Some master weavers weave the patterns from memory, which gives each kilim its own unique spirit. An average-sized kilim can be completed by one person in approximately 3-4 weeks.

Discover the Famous Antalya Rugs That You Can Take Home With You as a Souvenir From Your Holiday!

Hand-woven rugs from Antalya are highly valued both domestically and internationally. Boutique shops in tourist areas display and sell hand-woven rugs in their windows. In addition, the public markets and local handicraft festivals established in Elmalı and its surroundings are of great importance in promoting these products.

Women’s cooperatives and local craft communities combine traditional rug weaving with modern marketing concepts, creating employment opportunities while preserving cultural heritage. Some boutique hotels and restaurants in Antalya even decorate their spaces with these handcrafted products, offering visitors an authentic atmosphere.

Culture in a Knot, Story in a Motif

A rug is not just a floor covering; it is an art form that intertwines Anatolian women, nature, traditions, and life. This tradition, which is still alive in the Antalya region, is of great value both in terms of cultural sustainability and increasing the economic power of the local people.

During your stay at Kilikya Palace, one of Antalya’s top 5-star hotels, explore local markets and witness the hard work of women at the loom. Every knot in the kilims carries not just thread, but history, labour, and the full spectrum of life.