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What did the Ottoman War Medal look like?

This medal was a five-pointed star shaped like a star. It was made from metal and covered in a bright red shiny coating. Each of the five points on the star had a small silver ball at the very tip.

Why did Allied troops call it the Gallipoli Star?

British soldiers fighting against the Ottoman Empire gave it this nickname. They saw many enemy troops wearing the red star during the intense Gallipoli Campaign in 1915. Because so many soldiers earned it in that specific battle, the name stuck.

What is written in the middle of the star?

The center of the medal shows the special royal sign of Sultan Mehmed V. Below his name, you can see the Islamic year 1333 written in Arabic script. This year matches the year 1915 on our calendar, which was when the Sultan first created the award.

Could soldiers from other countries earn this medal?

Yes, it was not just for Ottoman soldiers. Allies from Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Bulgaria also earned the star for their help in the war. Fighting side by side, these groups received the medal to honor their shared bravery in battle.

Is this medal still awarded today?

No, the medal is no longer given out. It stopped being issued when the Ottoman Empire fell apart after World War I ended. It is now a piece of history kept by museums and collectors.

What did the Ottoman War Medal look like?

This medal was a five-pointed star shaped like a star. It was made from metal and covered in a bright red shiny coating. Each of the five points on the star had a small silver ball at the very tip.

Why did Allied troops call it the Gallipoli Star?

British soldiers fighting against the Ottoman Empire gave it this nickname. They saw many enemy troops wearing the red star during the intense Gallipoli Campaign in 1915. Because so many soldiers earned it in that specific battle, the name stuck.

What is written in the middle of the star?

The center of the medal shows the special royal sign of Sultan Mehmed V. Below his name, you can see the Islamic year 1333 written in Arabic script. This year matches the year 1915 on our calendar, which was when the Sultan first created the award.

Could soldiers from other countries earn this medal?

Yes, it was not just for Ottoman soldiers. Allies from Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Bulgaria also earned the star for their help in the war. Fighting side by side, these groups received the medal to honor their shared bravery in battle.

Is this medal still awarded today?

No, the medal is no longer given out. It stopped being issued when the Ottoman Empire fell apart after World War I ended. It is now a piece of history kept by museums and collectors.

Home Library Ottoman EmpireOttoman War Medal

Valor decoration

Ottoman War Medal

A red star medal awarded to soldiers for brave service during World War I.

Ottoman Empire Established 1915 All servicesPrecedence: Worn on the right breast below other major Ottoman breast stars.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for gallantry or distinguished military service during World War I.

Eligibility

Open to all Ottoman military personnel and allied soldiers fighting alongside the empire.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn on the right breast below other major Ottoman breast stars.

Ottoman War Medal, Valor decoration, Ottoman Empire medal

History

Sultan Mehmed V established the Ottoman War Medal in March 1915 during World War I. British Commonwealth troops commonly called it the Gallipoli Star, while German soldiers called it the Iron Crescent. It was created to recognize brave wartime service on land and sea as the empire faced massive Allied forces.

The decoration did not replace older awards, but it became the most widely issued Ottoman military decoration of the early 20th century. Troops who served in specific battle areas received white metal clasps to attach to the ribbon.

Over the course of the war, thousands of Ottoman soldiers and allied troops from Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Bulgaria received it. When the Ottoman Empire was dissolved after the war, the medal ceased to be awarded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War IGallipoli CampaignSinai and Palestine CampaignMesopotamian CampaignCaucasus Campaign

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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