Collectibles

New English Paperback. Roy. 8vo. (24 x 17 cm). In English and Turkish. 111, [61] p., color and b/w ills. The Turkish war medal. Gallipoli Medal - Eiserner Halbmond.= Harp madalyasi. Çanakkale madalyasi. Often and incorrectly referred to as the 'Gallipoli Star' or 'Iron Half-Moon', my interest in the Harp Madalyasi (War Medal) , started a few years ago and I was immediately confronted with a myriad of unanswered questions due to the general lack of substantiated information on the subject. Luckily, I befriended other collectors interested in this award and eventually met the author in one of these online forums. First, let me say, that a printed reference on this subject was long overdue and I could not think of a better, more knowledgeable person, to bring this subject to light. The book briefly discusses the history of the Ottoman Empire and how it's military awards came into being, along with the European influence on design and purpose that led to the establishment of the War Medal. Various battles and campaigns are mentioned and examples of the various clasps often encountered on the War Medal ribbon are also shown. One of the book's highlights centers around the award regulations and amendments that applied, which are shown in great detail and reprinted with full translations. This is something many references overlook and often the collector has to rely on hearsay or other collector opinions, which often lead to confusion or erroneous statements as facts.