The Boncuk of Good Service - Acceptance, Chaos & the Case for the Evil Eye

Post 3 of 3 - first published 2007

Just when things seemed to stabilise, the heat arrived early.

I installed an air conditioner in the kitchen — a necessity if I wanted to survive the summer without melting alongside my dishes. The installation went smoothly. I left the unit running and stepped out for groceries.

Thirty minutes later, I returned to find water pouring down the wall.

The air conditioner had sprung a leak, filling the cupboard beneath it. I mopped up what I could and called the shop. The tradesman was “in Taksim” and would come later. Experience told me that “later” could mean anything.

To my surprise, he arrived the next afternoon and fixed the problem — a hole left in the piping.

Relief was short-lived.

Weeks later, the fridge faltered again. Food turned soft. Freezer items lost their bite. I unplugged it and mentally prepared for another drawn-out repair process. But this time, something unexpected happened. After expressing my frustration — clearly and loudly — someone arrived that same afternoon. The refrigerant was topped up, a detail previously overlooked.

Then came the final blow: the tap broke.

At this point, even I had to admit the pattern was suspicious.

According to believers, someone had cast the evil eye — perhaps through envy, praise, or simple observation. Maybe it was compliments directed at my daughter. Maybe it was my blue eyes. Maybe it was just life.

Whatever the cause, I found myself reconsidering that blue glass bead.

Not for protection from evil…

but perhaps to ensure that tradesmen arrive on time and fix things properly.