7 Turkish Superstitions That Will Make You Knock on Wood
Turkey is full of surprises — from kind greetings and strong tea to deep-rooted superstitions that shape daily life. Some are funny, some are strange, and some are still followed very seriously, even today. If you’ve ever wondered why someone knocks on wood, pulls their ear, or wears a blue bead — this post is for you.
We’ve added a special bonus at the end — one superstition that mixes mystery with coffee and has become a real cultural hit among foreigners too!
Knock on Wood, Pull Your Ear, Tap the Sky
In Turkey, when someone talks about good fortune or praises someone too much, you’ll often see them do something unexpected:
- Knock on wood twice,
- Pull their earlobe,
- Tap the roof of their mouth with their tongue.
Why do they do this?
It’s a way to avoid bad luck or jealousy. These gestures are like a protective shield against the evil eye. It's also common to say “masallah”, which means "God has protected it." This mix of words and gestures is still very much alive — even Turkish celebrities and influencers do it on camera!
Nazar Boncugu – The Evil Eye Bead
The blue glass bead is everywhere — hanging on walls, pinned to babies’ clothes, glued to taxis, even printed on T-shirts. It’s the most famous Turkish superstition.
What does it do?
It protects against the evil eye — a belief that too much attention, even admiration, can cause harm. If someone compliments you, they might give you “nazar” (bad luck), even if they didn’t mean to. The bead takes that energy for you.
Don’t Pass Knives Directly
Giving someone a knife or scissors hand to hand is seen as bad luck — it may “cut” your friendship.
What to do instead?
Place the item on a table. If someone forgets and hands you a knife directly, say “we won’t fight” (Turkish: kavga etmeyelim) to cancel the bad energy.
Pour Water Behind Someone Leaving
When someone goes on a trip or moves away, it’s common to throw water behind them. Why?
Because water flows freely, and it’s a wish that their journey will go smoothly — like water. This small goodbye ritual is often done silently and with love.
Body Signals: Itchy Hands, Sneezing, Spiders
Turkish superstition turns the body into a message board. Here’s what locals believe:
- Right hand itches: you’ll receive money.
- Left hand itches: you’ll lose or give money.
- Sneezing once while talking: it means you’re telling the truth.
- Seeing a spider in the morning: good luck is coming.
- Seeing a spider at night: something bad might happen.
Bonus: Reading Coffee Grounds (Kahve Falı)
If you thought Turkish coffee was just a drink — think again. After you finish your cup, many locals turn it upside down on the saucer and wait for it to cool. Then comes the magic: fortune-telling with the coffee grounds, called kahve falı.
How does it work?
Someone “reads” the shapes and lines left by the coffee grounds. They might see a bird (good news), a road (a journey), or a snake (a warning). It’s a fun ritual, usually done by women during coffee chats — and now also popular on Instagram and TikTok!
Many cafes now even offer professional coffee readings, and some tour guides include it as part of their Istanbul cultural experiences.
Turkish superstitions may seem simple, but they carry deep emotions — protection, care, and a strong bond with tradition. Whether you’re a believer or not, they make daily life in Turkey feel more colorful, mysterious, and warm.
If you want to explore these traditions with locals and learn their real meanings, book a Private Turkish Culture & Coffee Tour in Istanbul.
Contact us today and step into a world where a small blue bead, a knock on wood, or a swirl in coffee can mean more than you ever imagined.