Medals from Turkey
(and the Ottoman Empire)
Turkish and Ottoman Military Medals, Orders & Awards.
The history of Turkey spans the medieval history of the Seljuk Empire, the medieval to the modern history of the Ottoman Empire, and the history of the Republic of Turkey, created after the overthrow of Sultan Mehmet VI Vahdettin by the new Republican Parliament in 1922. Several orders, decorations, and medals have been awarded throughout the history of Turkey.
Turkish medals, orders, and decorations represent a rich tapestry of honor, valor, and service, reflecting the nation’s proud military heritage and cultural identity. From ancient times to the modern era, these prestigious honors have been bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage, leadership, and dedication in various fields of endeavor.
Popular Turkish Medals, Orders & Decorations
Turkish medals, orders, and decorations serve not only as symbols of individual achievement but also as reminders of the values and principles that the nation holds dear. They embody the ideals of courage, honor, and selflessness and inspire future generations to strive for excellence and service to their country. Explore the most renowned medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by Turkey.
The Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Distinguished Service
The Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Distinguished Service (Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri Üstün Hizmet Madalyası) was first created in 1967.
The Chelengk
The Chelengk (çelenk) was a military decoration of the Ottoman Empire that continued to be awarded for military merit up to the 1820s.
The Imtiyaz Medal
The Imtiyaz Medal (İmtiyaz Madalyası), also known as Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Nişan-ı İmtiyaz) is an Ottoman military decoration instituted in 1882.
The Order of the Medjidie
The Order of the Medjidie is a military and knightly order of the Ottoman Empire instituted in 1851 by Sultan Abdülmecid I.
The Order of the State of Republic of Turkey
The Order of the State of Republic of Turkey is conferred by the President to foreign nationals, and is the highest state order of its type.
Turkish and Ottoman Medals
from Before WW1
The tradition of honoring exemplary service and achievement dates back centuries in Turkey, with early forms of recognition often taking the shape of symbolic gifts, honorary titles, or public acclaim. Over time, as Turkey evolved into a modern nation-state, a more structured system of medals, orders, and decorations emerged to recognize and celebrate individuals’ contributions to society and the state
Turkish and Ottoman medals from before World War I reflect the rich history and traditions of the Ottoman Empire, as well as its military prowess and cultural achievements. These medals were awarded for various reasons, including acts of valor in battle, long and faithful service, contributions to the empire’s welfare, and diplomatic or administrative achievements.
The Chelengk
The Chelengk (çelenk) was a military decoration of the Ottoman Empire that continued to be awarded for military merit up to the 1820s.
The Red Crescent Medal
The Red Crescent Medal was instituted in 1912 to reward services to the Red Crescent (the equivalent of the Red Cross in Islamic countries).
The Liyakat Medal
The Liyakat Medal (Liyakat Madalyasi) was a decoration of the Ottoman Empire established in 1890 and awarded in two classes: gold or silver.
The Imtiyaz Medal
The Imtiyaz Medal (İmtiyaz Madalyası), also known as Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Nişan-ı İmtiyaz) is an Ottoman military decoration instituted in 1882.
The Turkish Medal for the Siege of Silistria
The Turkish Medal for the Siege of Silistria is a campaign medal issued to British personnel present during the period of the Crimean War.
The Iftikhar Sanayi Medal
The Iftikhar Sanayi Medal is a medal made of gold or silver awarded by the Ottoman Empire and first granted by Sultan Abdulhamid II.
The Gallipoli Star or 1915 Turkish Campaign Star
The Gallipolli Star or Ottoman War Medal is a military decoration awarded by the Ottoman Empire and instituted in 1915 for gallantry in battle.
The Order of Osmanieh
The Order of Osmanieh or Osmaniye is a civil and military decoration of the Ottoman Empire created in January 1862 by Sultan Abdülaziz.
The Order of the Medjidie
The Order of the Medjidie is a military and knightly order of the Ottoman Empire instituted in 1851 by Sultan Abdülmecid I.
Turkish Medals from
WW1 and After
Turkish medals from World War I and after reflect the tumultuous period of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent establishment of the Republic of Turkey. During World War I, the Ottoman Empire was engaged in a series of conflicts, including the Gallipoli Campaign and the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, among others. Turkish soldiers displayed courage and valor on the battlefield, and several medals were awarded to recognize their contributions.
The Turkish Medal of Independence
The Turkish Medal of Independence was issued in 1920 in limited number and awarded for contributions during the Turkish War of Independence.
The Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Merit
The Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Merit is awarded to those who show great skill in the achievement of the tasks assigned to them.
The Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Achievement
The Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Achievement is awarded for exceptional success in the performance of important missions during war time.
The Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Distinguished Courage and Self-Sacrifice
This medal is awarded to those who fulfill the duties entrusted to them with great courage while putting their lives in danger.
Order of Merit of the Republic of Turkey
Order of Merit of the Republic of Turkey (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Liyakat Nişanı) is awarded to foreign scientists, academics, and artists.
The Order of the Republic of Turkey
The Order of the Republic (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Cumhuriyet Nişanı) is the second highest Turkish state order after the Order of the State.
The Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Distinguished Service
The Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Distinguished Service (Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri Üstün Hizmet Madalyası) was first created in 1967.
The Order of the State of Republic of Turkey
The Order of the State of Republic of Turkey is conferred by the President to foreign nationals, and is the highest state order of its type.
