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Medal for the Greco-Turkish War of 1897 (Yunan Harbi)

RecipientAwarded to Brigadier Frost Pasha (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1838 - 1902)

Date1897

Object NameMedal

Mediumsilver

ClassificationsMedals

Dimensions2.5cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1937 by H M Frost.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS011652.7

Keywords

About MeThis is an Ottoman Turkish silver medal awarded for the 30-day war with Greece in 1897. The War of 1897 between Greece and the Ottoman Empire lasted 30 days. Initially, the cause was the landing of elements of the Greek army on Crete on 21 January 1897 in support of an uprising by the Greek population against Ottoman rule. The Great Powers intervened, making Crete an international protectorate. A Greek army under Prince Constantine then advanced into Ottoman Thessaly and Macedonia and another one into Epirus. In the ensuing fighting the Greeks were outnumbered and forced to retreat. Again, the Great Powers intervened, and the Sultan ordered a ceasefire on 20 May. A treaty was signed on 20 September under which Greece was obliged to pay compensation. The medal was awarded to Ottoman military that resisted the Greek incursions. It is pierced at the top for a suspension loop that connects to a decorative suspension bar attaching the ribbon. The ribbon measures 2 cm, and has 8 red and 7 green stripes. The front bears the tughra of Abdülhamid II, surrounded by a laurel wreath, with a distinctive rose at the bottom of the wreath. The reverse has an Ottoman Turkish inscription translating as "Greek War, Day - Sunday, 23rd of Zildake, 1314" (where "Zildake" is the 11th month of the Muslim calendar, while 1314 AH is 1897 AD).