About Alexandretta

Alexandretta originates from my husband's home town in Turkey, Iskenderun. 

Iskenderun is historically known as Alexandretta. It gained it's name Alexandretta when it was colonised by the French during the Ottoman times. It is a city in the province of Hatay, on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey.

My inspiration came from my first and recent visit to Turkey, where my husband and I got married. I have a Turkish Cypriot background, so I truly loved seeing my heritage and exploring the origins of my culture.

Alexandretta / Iskenderun postcard view in the Ottoman times

Photo credit: levantineheritage.com

The beautiful jewellery on my website are all made in Turkey. The theme for my brand comes from my passion and love for the evil eye. I still remember wearing an evil eye beaded bracelet when I was a little girl which I absolutely adored!

The Evil Eye, also known as Nazar or the Third Eye, represents protection and guidance; it protects you from jealousy, evil and misfortune. The belief in the evil eye dates back 5,000 years, as early as the 6th century. It is one of the strongest symbolic images in the world and is used across various cultures throughout history.

During my visit to Turkey, I visited the Antakya Archeological museum, in Hatay, Iskenderun. I was inspired by the original KAICY mosaic artwork which has been preserved since the Roman Empire times, and symbolises the story of the evil eye.

 

Photo credit: Carole Raddato

The artwork shows a dwarf holding forked knives, indicating a talisman warding off the evil. Behind the dwarf is the Eye, being attacked by a pitch fork and animals. Above the dwarf is an inscription in Greek reading KAICY, meaning "and you too" which is actually a curse meaning "may it happen to you as well". 

Today this symbol has become an inspiration for my love of art and jewellery which I hope will be enjoyed by others too.