Friday, February 24, 2012

The Turkish War Medal - Harp Madalyası - Eiserner Halbmond - Gallipoli Medal

THE TURKISH WAR MEDAL

Eiserner HalbmondHarp Madalyası
Iron Crescent - Gallipoli Star



AUTHOR: M. Demir Erman, ANKARA/TURKEY


Price: 60.00 US$. The registered mail cost 25.50 US$. Tracking number will be supplied.

For payment write to me: demirerman@gmall.com


PAYPAL (extra 5 %), PAYONEER or WISE. (I will send you a payment request.)


Correspondence address:   demirerman@gmail.com   


English and Turkish

172 pages total. 65 pages English, 61 pages Turkish. Annex46 pages of color photos, 

More info:
1. The War Medal:  http://demirerman.wixsite.com/turkish-war-medal

2. GMIC :  http://gmic.co.uk/topic/53717-34the-turkish-war-medal34-a-book-review/#comment-491233

3. Collectors Weekly : http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/68529-the-turkish-war-medal-the-gallipoli

4. Kaiser Cross  : http://kaiserscross.com/152301.html

5. SPINK : https://www.spinkbooks.com

6. Wehrmacht: http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5181726

                http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=567051&page=6

 
CONTENT


Preface and Acknowledgements 6
Very Brief History of the Ottoman Empire 9
World War I 12
Gallipoli War 13
Palestine, Caucasus and Galicia Battles  16
Independence War and the Republic  17
War Medals of the Ottoman Empire  18
The Regulation of the War Medal dated 1915  21
Amendments on the War Medal Regulation  24
The Effective Dates of the War Medal Regulation
 and Amendments  31
Ministry of War and Army Orders About the War Medal  34
Law of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and the
Decree of the Council of Ministers  36
First Type of the War Medal Which was Designed
According to the Regulation but Never Produced Due to a
Shape and Metal Change 39
The War Medal  41
The War Medal and the German Iron Cross 44
The Certificate of the War Medal  46
The War Medal Ribbon  49
The Package of the War Medal  53
War Medal Miniatures, Ribbon Bars And Pins  55   
War Medals of the German and Austrian Make  56
No Name Medals  58
Views on the War Medal  59
SOURCES 62
ANNEX  66




13 comments:

  1. Turkish WAR MEDAL (HARP MADALYASI)

    http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5181726
    ________________________________________
    Turkish WAR MEDAL (TWM) or HARP MADALYASI
    By Demir Erman

    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.

    With the actual regulations, there can be no dispute on the how or why certain things will be seen with this award. I also think the author clearly shows how military awards were viewed by the War Ministry and that the only true War Medal officially produced and awarded, was the painted enamel version, while the rest were simply jeweler’s or aftermarket versions produced for those individuals that wanted a better quality medal for wear after the fact.

    Though various versions of the TWM are shown in the book, as well as packets of issue and other items, due to the numerous varieties produced after the war and the fact not all have been seen, this is not an all-inclusive list of the different manufacturers. Considering many previously unseen versions are still coming to light even today, hopefully more information on these varieties can be shown in future editions.

    Overall, I thought the book was good and of particular value to the collector interested in the Harp Madalyasi. I know some may find the book smaller in size and not as expansive as some of the other militaria references coming out these days but, considering that very little information is readily available on this medal, let alone Turkish awards in general, this book is a very good deal in my opinion. It’s not always the size or print quality of an item, but the information it presents that determines it’s full value.

    I think many will appreciate Demir’s efforts here and certainly, the price is a bargain compared to many other references currently on the market. The regulations alone make the book worthwhile!

    Tim

    ReplyDelete
  2. "The Turkish War Medal" - A Book Review
    10 March 2012

    http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/53717-the-turkish-war-medal-a-book-review/

    Just received the book "the Turkish War Medal" by Demir Erman and was rather impressed with his work. I collect Turkish war medals, but had been put off by the lack of reference material on the subject. The book is a solf covered one and rather inexpensive but the author has put his heart and soul into the effort. Quite a bit of background material on the turkish military establishment and the thought that went into establishing the medal. Good sections on the comparison of the Turkish medal to the German and Austrian variations, the packaging of the medal, and the various award certificates. Definitely gives the beginner collector a basis to begin his colllection in an intelligent manner at a low investment price. Well recommended for the money.

    Mike

    ReplyDelete
  3. "The Turkish War Medal" - A Book Review
    Posted 16 March 2012 - 10:38

    http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/53717-the-turkish-war-medal-a-book-review/page__pid__492081#entry492081

    I just recieved mine this week... Super!

    Cannot be recommended enough, fills a gap that noone has tried to fill before.

    Best
    Chris

    ReplyDelete
  4. "The Turkish War Medal" - A Book Review

    http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/53717-the-turkish-war-medal-a-book-review/

    Posted 16 March 2012 - 23:28
    I found Demir's book on TWM's excellent. From a historical prospective he dealt with good explanations that got to the point. This enabled me to get the background on the things that needed to be covered without long boring explanations. In addition he covered photos of documents, cases and various packets. Excellent photos of TWM's of Turkey and German origin and their manufacturing differences to include the hinges, pins and clasps. There were several examples to compare and lust after. This type of reference was long overdue and Demir has now filled that void. Demir was able to create one book that is bilingual from English to Turkish. Thank you Demir for providing a long overdue reference on one of our favorite awards. Thank you Demir for your fine reference.
    Rocky

    ReplyDelete
  5. "The Turkish War Medal" - A Book Review
    Posted 17 March 2012

    I have received and read this very comprehensive and accessible and almost complete monography with great interest. It filled a gap in my library and I am grateful that Demir took it upon him to examine this decoration and share his knowledge with the world wide community.
    However, I have been looking for the numbers of awards made (to Turkish recipients, to Germans and others) because that puts a medal or decoration into perspective.
    The book also refers to the Imtiyaz and Liyakat Medals, which gives it an extra dimension; this chapter tingles my appetite for more information, like numbers issued, variations, sizes, awards to non-Ottoman recipients, etc. (perhaps another project?).
    As a writer about medals and military subjects I realize that nothing is perfect, but striving for perfection kills the publication of final output, because 100% is impossible. Once closed, new and other interesting facts appear, but the author has a final. Therefore Demir, I hope that this success will encourage you to exhibit more information about the Ottoman medals and decorations, I want it all!
    Carry on Demir!
    Odulf

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dear Demir,

    Thank you very much for sending a copy of your wonderful book on the Turkish War medal. The research you have put into it is truly awe inspiring and is something the medal has needed and deserved for many years. I have read and re-read it and everytime I am more amazed. One small point (and I suspect you may be preparing a book on it). You list all the clasps for the Liyakat medal but alas do not illustrate them all. Is there an available source which does this?

    It is nice to see real systematic and in depth research on Turkish medals and I hope you have a few more projects up you sleeve. I can state with certainty that over the years your book is going to be well thumbed.

    With many thanks and best wishes,

    Paul

    ReplyDelete
  7. Erman, M. Demir The Turkish War Medal - Harp Madalyasi The beginner will be able to base his new collection on this book; the expert will be delighted that all the current research has been brought together in one comprehensive volume. This book covers the unique story of the medal's development, including background material on Turkish military regulations, and the thought processes that went into establishing the medal. The packaging of medal, the award certificates and its wear are all covered, with many full colour photographs highlighting the German and Austrian variations in manufacture. There has been a long-felt want for an all-inclusive description of this fascinating medal, and Mr Erman has filled this need.

    Spink UK
    69 Southampton Row
    Bloomsbury
    London
    WC1B 4ET

    http://www.spink.com/books-publications/book-description.aspx?id=44

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have been meaning to point out a great new book covering an award most of us think is pretty sexy... The "Gallipoli Star" or more correctly the "Turkish War Medal" by Demir Erman is reviewed:
    http://www.kaiserscross.com/152301.html

    Chris

    ReplyDelete
  9. `The Turkish War Medal – The Gallipoli Star

    During WWI, British and Commonwealth Forces called this “The Gallipoli Star.” The Germans and Austrians called it the “Der Eiserner Halbmond” (The Iron Crescent). When the Sultan Mehmed V created this decoration in March 1915, he named it simply the “Harp Madalyasi” (War Medal).
    It’s likely that this decoration was inspired by the Iron Cross, awarded by the Ottoman Empire’s German Allies. Like the Iron Cross First Class, It was worn on the breast pocket. Unlike the Iron Cross, it had only one class. By the Sultan’s decree, it was “bestowed upon those persons who show gallantry and sacrifice, without differentiating any rank and position/title. These persons can be either nationals of the Sublime Ottoman State or allied forces and navies and voluntary nursing units and public servants and employees within the armies and navies.” At the center is the Sultan’s Tughra – a sort of royal cypher – and below it the Islamic year 1333 (1915).
    In April of 1915 The Allies launched an invasion of the Gallipoli Peninsula. By the time it was over in January 1916, both sides had suffered heavily; Over 141,000 Allied casualties and 251,000 Turks. It was during this period that the decoration became associated with Gallipoli. Actually, it could be awarded for actions occurring from the start of the war, and continued to be awarded until the end of the war.
    My example (picture 1 & 2) has had the red enamel paint scratched off. There are scratch marks and bits of red enamel still clinging to it. I’ve added picture 3 to show how it originally looked. I know the back of the star looks like it could be a fake. As soon as I got the star, I sent off for the most definitive reference I could find, “Harp Madalyasi/The Turkish War Medal” by M. Demir Erman. It arrived from Turkey today, and I spent the last hour or so reading through it. I’ve used a lot of Mr. Erman’s information in this post.
    Based on his information, this particular medal is original, and made in the Ottoman Empire during the war. Higher quality examples were made in Germany and Austria after the war for veterans of those countries that wanted a nicer looking decoration.
    I ran across my star recently as part of an eBay lot that was only described as British and Commonwealth badges and pins. Photo 4 shows what was for sale, and the seller wanted way too much as a starting price for some typical WWI & WWII British Army cap badges, an enamel WWII war relief pin and a WWI Canadian shoulder title. I was the only bidder. Did nobody else notice the WWI Turkish War Medal in the eBay lot? Did some see it but decide without the red enamel it wasn’t worth it? Did I pay too much? (If the war medal had its enamel paint, it would have gone for two or three times what I paid for the whole group). All I know is that I’m satisfied with the purchase.

    Chrisnp`

    http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/68529-the-turkish-war-medal-the-gallipoli

    ReplyDelete
  10. DENİZLER KİTABEVİ
    Kitapta, Enver Paşa tarafından Alman Demir Haç Nişanına öykünerek ihdas olunan, üstü kırmızı boyalı yıldız şeklinde, halk arasında ilk olarak Çanakkale’de verildiği için “Çanakkale Madalyası” olarak da bilinen Harp Madalyası anlatılmaktadır. Kitap, Osmanlı İmparatorluğu hakkında çok kısa bir tarihçe ve 1. Dünya Savaşı’nın Çanakkale ve Galiçya cephelerini özetledikten sonra, yurt dışında da çok beğenilerek koleksiyonlara katılan Harp Madalyasının ihdasına ilişkin tüzük ile bu tüzükte daha sonra yapılan değişiklikleri anlatmaktadır. Madalya ile beraber verilen vesika da ayrıntılı olarak ele alınmaktadır. Hem Tüzük, hem vesikanın eski Türkçe Resmi Gazetelerde yayımlanan resimleri yanında bunların günümüz Türkçesine çevrilmiş hali ve İngilizce tercümesi de verilmektedir. Ayrıca, Madalya Alman Demir Haç Nişanı ile karşılaştırılmakta, örnek olarak yapılmasına rağmen kullanılamadan değiştirilen oval ilk tip ile kullanılan Madalya ile beraber verilen şerit ve zarf resimleri de yer almaktadır.

    Bu konuda Dr. K. G Klietmann’ın yazdığı kısa makale dışında bu Madalya hakkında bu kadar kapsamlı bir araştırma dünyada ilk defa yapıldığından, yurt dışındaki koleksiyonculardan büyük takdir almıştır. Bilhassa mevzuat ilgi ile karşılanmıştır. Yazar, subay ve er tipi diye iki tip madalya olmadığını, mevzuattan da destek alarak açıklamış ve subay tipi diye bilinen mineli tiplerin aslında Alman ve Avusturya yapımı olduğunu belirtmiş ve örnekler vermiştir.

    Kitap, Harp Madalyasının tüm bilinmeyenlerini belge ve resimlerle göstermiş olup, madalya koleksiyoncuları ve bilhassa Harp Madalyası hayranları için kütüphanelerinde bulunması gereken bir referans niteliğindedir.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello Demir, How can i buy a copy please?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hello,
    Thanks for your interest in my book. Please pay 60 Euros to my PayPal address:
    muge.erman@gmail.com
    I will send the book by registered mail and supply you with the tracking number.

    Do you want me to sign it?

    With my best wishes

    Demir Erman

    ReplyDelete