Turkey - Ottoman Empire: Loyalty and Bravery Medal (Tarz-i Cedid Büyük İmtiyaz Madalyası)
General Information
Country: Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
Name: Loyalty and Bravery Medal (Tarz-i Cedid Büyük İmtiyaz Madalyası)
Institution Date: 1878
Material: Silver
Diameter: 47.41 (including suspension ring suspension ring, which has been soldered) x 36.85 mm
Hijri Date on Reverse: ١٣٠٠ (1300 AH = 1882-1883 AD)
Condition: Edge nicks, bruised, but in good condition
This Ottoman military decoration was awarded for exceptional loyalty and bravery, often to high-ranking military officers and individuals who demonstrated outstanding service to the empire.
Design Features
Material & Size:
Crafted in silver, denoting a high-level military honor.
Measures 36.85 in diameter.
Obverse:
Features the Ottoman coat of arms, emphasizing imperial power.
Includes inscriptions recognizing loyalty and bravery.
Reverse:
Inscribed in Ottoman Turkish, with a translation of:
"Honorary Aide-de-camp to His Majesty the Sultan - A'amr Farooq" (Yaveran-i Hazret-i Sehr-yari - A'amr Farooq).
Features the Hijri date ١٣٠٠ (1300 AH = 1882-1883 AD), marking the official introduction of the 
Historical and Collectible Significance
Awarded to High-Ranking Individuals:
This particular medal is likely linked to Prince Ömer Faruk, an Ottoman Imperial Prince and son of Caliph Abdulmejid II.
Given his high military and aristocratic status, this award signifies imperial favor and elite military service.
World War I Service & German Military Ties:
Prince Ömer Faruk served in the German Army during WWI, particularly at Gallipoli and the Western Front.
He was recognized with the Iron Cross 1st Class and the Order of the Red Eagle by Kaiser Wilhelm II, along with a gold cigarette case and signed photograph—a mark of high prestige.
After Verdun, he served in the Prussian First Foot Guards Regiment, an elite military unit reserved for aristocracy.
Post-War Influence:
After WWI, Prince Ömer Faruk became a significant sports figure, serving as Chairman of Fenerbahçe Football Club (1919-1924).
Despite his aristocratic and military upbringing, he maintained a strong connection to Turkish traditions.
Exile & Later Life:
Following the abolition of the Ottoman monarchy, Ömer Faruk was exiled.
He later lived in Cairo, Egypt, where he passed away in 1969.
He was eventually buried in Istanbul, a final tribute to his Ottoman heritage.
The Ottoman Loyalty and Bravery Medal (Tarz-i Cedid Büyük İmtiyaz Madalyası) is a highly prestigious and rare military honor, particularly with its named inscription to Prince Ömer Faruk. Given his royal lineage, WWI military service, and later cultural influence, this medal is a valuable piece of Ottoman imperial history.