isimci

Isimci is a term primarily used in Turkish culture, referring to someone who possesses or is believed to possess the "evil eye," or "nazar" in Turkish. This belief system holds that a person's envious or malevolent gaze can cause misfortune, illness, or harm to others, particularly to children or possessions. The isimci is not necessarily intentionally malicious; the power of the evil eye is often considered an unconscious attribute.

Individuals identified as isimci are often treated with caution and sometimes fear. To ward off the evil eye, amulets, such as the blue "nazar boncuğu" (nazar bead), are commonly used. These beads are believed to absorb or deflect the negative energy of the isimci's gaze. In some communities, there are specific rituals or prayers recited to protect against the evil eye, often involving the person believed to be an isimci.

The concept of the evil eye and the associated figure of the isimci are deeply ingrained in cultural practices and superstitions. While modern scientific understanding does not support the existence of the evil eye, the belief persists in many parts of Turkey and other cultures influenced by Turkish traditions. The term itself is derived from the Arabic word "ism," meaning "name," potentially alluding to the power associated with speaking or looking at someone's name or essence.