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What does Liakat mean?

In the Ottoman language, the word Liakat means merit or loyalty. Sultan Abdul Hamid II created this medal in 1890 to reward people who served the state well. It was a special way to show that someone had done an excellent job for their country.

What were the ribbon colors of the Liakat Medal?

The ribbon had a wide red stripe right down the middle. On both sides of the red, there were thin green edges. These colors were bright and made the medal easy to spot on a uniform.

How did a combat award differ from a peaceful award?

If a soldier earned the medal for bravery in a real battle, they got a special addition. Two small silver crossed swords, called sabers, were pinned onto the ribbon. This helped everyone know the person had been a hero while fighting on the front lines.

Who was eligible to receive the gold version?

The gold version of the medal was very rare and special. It was usually given to top military leaders or soldiers who did something truly amazing in the face of danger. Most regular soldiers were given the silver version instead.

Did foreign allies receive the Liakat Medal?

Yes, they did. During World War I, soldiers from Germany and Austria fought alongside the Ottoman army. Many of these foreign partners were given the Liakat Medal to thank them for their brave service during the war.

What does Liakat mean?

In the Ottoman language, the word Liakat means merit or loyalty. Sultan Abdul Hamid II created this medal in 1890 to reward people who served the state well. It was a special way to show that someone had done an excellent job for their country.

What were the ribbon colors of the Liakat Medal?

The ribbon had a wide red stripe right down the middle. On both sides of the red, there were thin green edges. These colors were bright and made the medal easy to spot on a uniform.

How did a combat award differ from a peaceful award?

If a soldier earned the medal for bravery in a real battle, they got a special addition. Two small silver crossed swords, called sabers, were pinned onto the ribbon. This helped everyone know the person had been a hero while fighting on the front lines.

Who was eligible to receive the gold version?

The gold version of the medal was very rare and special. It was usually given to top military leaders or soldiers who did something truly amazing in the face of danger. Most regular soldiers were given the silver version instead.

Did foreign allies receive the Liakat Medal?

Yes, they did. During World War I, soldiers from Germany and Austria fought alongside the Ottoman army. Many of these foreign partners were given the Liakat Medal to thank them for their brave service during the war.

Home Library Ottoman EmpireLiakat Medal

Valor decoration

Liakat Medal

A widely awarded Ottoman medal given for battlefield bravery and faithful military merit.

Ottoman Empire Established 1890 All servicesPrecedence: Worn directly after the Imtiaz Medal among Ottoman military medals.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for bravery in combat or for meritorious military service to the Ottoman Empire.

Eligibility

Open to all Ottoman military ranks, civilian personnel, and foreign soldiers.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn directly after the Imtiaz Medal among Ottoman military medals.

Liakat Medal, Valor decoration, Ottoman Empire medal

History

The Liakat Medal was instituted in 1890 by Sultan Abdul Hamid II. It was designed to serve as a general decoration for merit, loyal state service, and military valor. Struck in gold and silver, it was smaller than many campaign medals and meant for everyday wear.

During the early 20th century conflicts, including the Balkan Wars and World War I, it became the primary combat medal for front-line soldiers. To distinguish combat bravery from civil service, recipients in battle received crossed sabers on the ribbon.

The silver Liakat Medal with sabers was the most common decoration for bravery earned by regular Ottoman soldiers during World War I. Awards of the medal ceased after the Ottoman monarchy ended in 1922.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Greco-Turkish War of 1897Italo-Turkish WarBalkan WarsWorld War I

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Enver Pasha, including Ottoman War Medal, Imtiaz Medal, Liakat Medal, Order of the Medjidie, Order of Osmanieh, shown against a light Ottoman Empire flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWI

Ottoman War Medal Imtiaz Medal Liakat Medal+2

Enver Pasha

Who Was Ismail Enver Pasha?

A key leader who shaped the Ottoman Empire's role in the First World War.

Ottoman Empire1914-1918

Read Story

Sources

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