Turkey. Medal of Merit ("Sanaiya Medal"), in silver

Silver, stamping. An original and quite rare medal in very good collectible condition. The diameter is 34 mm. The obverse depicts the coat of arms of the Ottoman Empire with the inscription on an oval shield: "Relying on the guidance of the Almighty and His help, Abdul Hamid Khan, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire." In the upper part – tugra (personal badge of the sultan, containing his name and title) of Sultan Abdul Hamid. On the reverse there is a laurel wreath framing the place for engraving the name of the recipient of the award and the date of the award. During the Great War, these data were no longer indicated. Guarantee of authenticity.

It was established in 1889 by the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire Abdul Hamid II, who ruled from 31.08.1876 to 27.04.1909, initially under the name "Iftihar Madalyasi" to reward civilians for services in the field of art and science. Over time, the criteria for awarding the medal were significantly expanded, and the award began to be awarded to military personnel. In some cases, this medal became a kind of equivalent of the Medal of Merit (Liyakat Madalyasi). The medal was established in two classes – gold (1st class) and silver (2nd class). Taking into account the fact that the name "Iftihar Madalyasi" was previously used in the designation of another medal ("Medal of General Merit"), this award was renamed "Sanay-i Nefise Madalyasi". During the awarding of servicemen during the Great War, a buckle made of the corresponding metal in the form of crossed sabers and a strap with the date “1332” (1914) was attached to the ribbon of medals of both classes. The medal of the 1st class was originally made of gold, later of gilded silver and gilded bronze. The 2nd class medal was made exclusively of silver.