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How many classes did the Order of the Medjidie have?

This medal was divided into five different classes to honor people for different levels of work. The First Class was the highest honor and included a large star worn on the chest. The lower classes were smaller badges that were worn on the chest or hanging from a ribbon.

What symbol sits in the center of the badge?

In the very middle of the medal is a special mark called a tughra. This mark represents the Sultan who led the Ottoman Empire. Around this mark is a circle colored red that holds special words for the person who earned it.

What four words are written on the badge?

The red circle on the badge shows the words Zeal, Devotion, and Fidelity. These words were meant to inspire courage and hard work in the people who received the award. It also includes the year 1268, which is the date the Sultan created the award using the Islamic calendar.

How did military awards show combat action?

The Ottoman Empire wanted to show when someone earned a medal for bravery during a war. To do this, they added two small crossed swords behind the middle part of the badge. This special change helped people know right away that the soldier had fought in real battles.

Why did many British and French officers receive it originally?

The medal was created in 1851, just before the big Crimean War began. Because Britain and France fought on the side of the Ottomans during that war, they were given these medals to show thanks. Many leaders from these countries wore the medal as a sign of their strong partnership.

How many classes did the Order of the Medjidie have?

This medal was divided into five different classes to honor people for different levels of work. The First Class was the highest honor and included a large star worn on the chest. The lower classes were smaller badges that were worn on the chest or hanging from a ribbon.

What symbol sits in the center of the badge?

In the very middle of the medal is a special mark called a tughra. This mark represents the Sultan who led the Ottoman Empire. Around this mark is a circle colored red that holds special words for the person who earned it.

What four words are written on the badge?

The red circle on the badge shows the words Zeal, Devotion, and Fidelity. These words were meant to inspire courage and hard work in the people who received the award. It also includes the year 1268, which is the date the Sultan created the award using the Islamic calendar.

How did military awards show combat action?

The Ottoman Empire wanted to show when someone earned a medal for bravery during a war. To do this, they added two small crossed swords behind the middle part of the badge. This special change helped people know right away that the soldier had fought in real battles.

Why did many British and French officers receive it originally?

The medal was created in 1851, just before the big Crimean War began. Because Britain and France fought on the side of the Ottomans during that war, they were given these medals to show thanks. Many leaders from these countries wore the medal as a sign of their strong partnership.

Home Library Ottoman EmpireOrder of the Medjidie

Distinguished service decoration

Order of the Medjidie

A famous Ottoman order of merit awarded to soldiers and foreign allies for distinguished service.

Ottoman Empire Established 1851 All servicesPrecedence: Worn below the Order of Osmanieh in the Ottoman orders of chivalry.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Conferred for distinguished military command, leadership, or remarkable service during wartime.

Eligibility

Open to Ottoman military officers, state officials, and foreign military officers.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn below the Order of Osmanieh in the Ottoman orders of chivalry.

Order of the Medjidie, Distinguished service decoration, Ottoman Empire medal

History

Sultan Abdulmejid I founded the Order of the Medjidie in 1851 to modernize the Ottoman awards system. It was designed following European chivalric traditions and divided into five distinct classes. It rewarded both military leaders and civil servants for notable service to the state.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the order was heavily awarded during wartime. When presented for military bravery in combat, crossed sabers were added behind the central medallion of the badge.

During World War I, commanders and officers across the Ottoman army, navy, and air forces earned various classes of the order. The decoration was completely retired when the Republic of Turkey replaced the Ottoman Empire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Crimean WarRusso-Turkish War of 1877-1878Balkan 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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