Deq

Deq are traditional Kurdish tattoos that mostly adorn the bodies of women. The motifs of these tattoos are related to nature, such as the sun, the stars or the moon. People believed that Deq protect from illnesses and the evil eye (Nazar) and grant beauty, strength, and fertility. The symbols can also be found on architectures, graves, or carpets. Due to the expansion of Islam within the Kurdish community, the tradition became less common.