The use of amulets and talismans, also known as taweez in the Ottoman Empire was deeply embedded in daily life, particularly within the domestic sphere. These objects were not merely decorative; they served protective, religious, and social functions, safeguarding homes and their inhabitants from harm. The Ottoman period (1299–1922) was marked by a fusion of Islamic, Sufi, and local mystical traditions, which influenced the types of talismans and the ways they were used.
One of the most common beliefs surrounding amulets was protection against the evil eye, a concept widespread across the Middle East and North Africa. Many Ottomans also sought divine assistance through talismanic inscriptions on buildings, scrolls embedded with Quranic verses, and ritual objects infused with celestial and numerical symbolism. As Juan E. Campo discusses in his study on Ottoman Cairo, house inscriptions featuring Qur’anic verses were often displayed prominently in domestic reception areas to invoke divine blessings and ward off negative influence.
These taweez were more than personal items; they reflected social status, religious devotion, and cultural continuity. Yasmine Al-Saleh describes a talismanic scroll from the Mamluk period that included Qur’anic verses, invocations, and astrological symbols, illustrating how protective elements were combined in written form. The Ottoman use of similar scrolls suggests continuity in Islamic magical-religious practices, where texts and imagery were believed to channel supernatural protection.
Moreover, the crafting of these objects was not random but often involved skilled artisans, religious scholars, and mystics. Venetia Porter, in her examination of Arabic and Persian seals and amulets housed in the British Museum, highlights how inscribed rings and engraved metal plaques were not only protective but also functioned as status symbols among the Ottoman elit. Petra M. Sijpesteijn further emphasizes the role of medical-magical manuscripts, which instructed users on how to prepare and activate amulets for protection and healing, reinforcing the idea that talismanic practices were part of a broader religious and medical framework.
The Role of taweez in Ottoman Households
One of the primary purposes of amulets in Ottoman households was to guard against the evil eye (nazar)—a malevolent force believed to cause illness, financial ruin, or domestic strife. Hazem Hussein Abbas Ali, in his study on casting discord spells in Egyptian magical texts, highlights an unpublished spell from the Egyptian National Library that was designed to separate spouses or cause disharmony. The presence of such spells reflects the widespread belief in supernatural interference in household relationships and the necessity of counteracting them with protective amulets.
Jinn, supernatural beings in Islamic cosmology, were also considered a threat to domestic harmony. Juan E. Campo discusses the talismanic significance of house inscriptions in Ottoman Cairo, where Qur’anic verses were strategically placed in domestic reception areas to prevent jinn from entering and disturbing the household. These inscriptions, often taken from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255, Ayat al-Kursi), were believed to create an invisible barrier against supernatural harm.
Beyond protection, taweez were also used to attract divine blessings and material prosperity. In Ottoman homes, such scrolls were sometimes hung on walls, hidden under rugs, or stored in wooden boxes near entryways.
Moreover, some amulets were specifically created to bless new homes. It was common for Islamic scholars or Sufi mystics to write protective supplications before a family moved into a new house. Petra M. Sijpesteijn’s study on Arabic medical-magical manuscripts suggests that such texts often included detailed instructions on when and how to place amulets for maximum efficacy, with particular emphasis on timing based on Islamic astrology and lunar cycles.
Types of taweez Used in Homes
1. Wall Inscriptions: Quranic Verses and Sacred Texts
One of the most visually prominent forms of household protection was the inscription of Quranic verses on walls, doors, and ceilings. These inscriptions, often in thuluth or naskh script, were designed to create a sacred space that repelled negative forces.
- Juan E. Campo, in his study of Ottoman Cairo, examines how Quranic inscriptions were placed above doorways, in courtyards, and on interior walls to provide constant divine protection. A common inscription was the Throne Verse (Ayat al-Kursi, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255), believed to act as a barrier against jinn and the evil eye.
- Some homes also featured poetic verses from Al-Busiri’s Burda (vv. 4–6), a famous Arabic poem praising the Prophet Muhammad, as a means of invoking blessings.
- In elite households, these inscriptions were often illuminated with gold and blue pigments, while in more modest homes, they were simply painted or carved into wooden panels.
These wall inscriptions served both a protective and decorative function, merging faith with artistic craftsmanship.
2. Hanging Talismans: Scrolls and Decorative Amulets
Hanging talismans were one of the most widespread forms of household protection, often placed in entryways, bedrooms, and children’s rooms. These talismans were usually made of paper, textile, or metal and featured a combination of Islamic prayers, magic squares, and celestial symbols. In some cases, amuletic textiles were hung in homes. These cloth-based talismans, often embroidered with protective verses, were placed above cradles to safeguard newborns.
These talismans not only served religious and protective purposes but also functioned as symbols of devotion and cultural identity within the household.
3. Seals and Charms: Portable Household Amulets
Another common category of household amulets consisted of small, engraved objects that could be placed in various parts of the home. These included metal seals, gemstone rings, and inscribed plaques. Many of these seals bore the names of God, Quranic verses, or esoteric symbols and were placed in kitchen storage areas, buried under doorsteps, or attached to household items to protect against theft and spiritual harm. These portable amulets allowed households to carry divine protection across different areas of the home, ensuring safety and well-being.
4. Natural Amulets: Sacred Plants, Stones, and Animal Parts
In addition to inscribed and crafted talismans, many natural objects were considered to have protective and healing properties. These items were often placed in household corners, near cooking areas, or sewn into clothing. Some Ottoman households boiled rue (Ruta graveolens) in water and sprinkled it around the home to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. Twigs of celtis australis, a plant believed to hold protective energy, were often hung above doorways or tied together with red thread. Some families also used animal-based amulets, such as dried gazelle hooves or fish bones, which were believed to absorb negative energy and prevent misfortune.
These natural elements were particularly popular among rural Ottoman families who relied on folk remedies and herbal magic to ensure household safety.
Celestial and Numerical Symbolism in taweez
Ottoman amulets often incorporated astral and numerical elements, reflecting the belief that cosmic forces influenced human fate. These elements were derived from Islamic astrology, Greek Hermeticism, and earlier Babylonian traditions.
- Karl R. Schaefer, in his study on block-printed amulets, notes that many Ottoman talismans contained magic squares (wafq), in which numbers and letters were arranged in a specific geometric pattern to attract blessings.
- Some talismans were crafted based on astrological timing. Petra M. Sijpesteijn discusses how some medical-magical texts instructed users to create amulets during favorable planetary alignments, such as Jupiter’s rise for prosperity or the waxing moon for healing.
- Venetia Porter, in her research on Islamic seals and amulets, highlights that Ottoman elite households often used gemstone rings engraved with astrological symbols, believed to bring good fortune.
These celestial and numerical symbols were thought to enhance the potency of talismans, ensuring stronger protection and spiritual efficacy.
Conclusion
The use of amulets and talismans in Ottoman households was not merely a superstition or decorative tradition but an integral part of daily life, spirituality, and material culture. These objects served as protective tools, religious expressions, and status symbols, combining Islamic theology, Sufi mysticism, and artisanal craftsmanship. Their legacy continues to shape modern Islamic spirituality, museum collections, and contemporary design.
This study has explored how Ottoman taweez functioned within homes, their religious significance, their artistic craftsmanship, and their enduring influence in modern times. The final section reflects on the key takeaways from this exploration and raises questions about preservation, reinterpretation, and ethical considerations.