Ottoman Kars Siege Memorial Medal of 1855/56
Identifier
ANRO-1555
Reference Description
Ottoman Kars Siege Memorial Medal of 1855/56
Obverse: Features the tughra of Sultan Abdul Mejid I, surrounded by a wreath.
Reverse: Depicts a cityscape of Kars, including its castle and a flag.
Specifications: Silver, 36.7mm, 23.70g
Artist / Engraver: Unsigned
Edge:
Mintage:
Reference: Osmanlilarda Madeni Paralar by Nuri Pere - 1099 (according to the author, AE medal also exists)
Image shown: Gemini Auction XII Lot 505
Obverse: Features the tughra of Sultan Abdul Mejid I, surrounded by a wreath.
Reverse: Depicts a cityscape of Kars, including its castle and a flag.
Specifications: Silver, 36.7mm, 23.70g
Artist / Engraver: Unsigned
Edge:
Mintage:
Reference: Osmanlilarda Madeni Paralar by Nuri Pere - 1099 (according to the author, AE medal also exists)
Image shown: Gemini Auction XII Lot 505
Notes
In 1272 AH, the town of Kars became a focal point in the Crimean War, a conflict that involved the Ottoman Empire, allied with Britain and France, against Russia. The town was subjected to a protracted siege by Russian forces led by General Nikolay Muravyov, also known as Mouravieff. The Ottoman garrison in Kars was commanded by British officers, including General William Fenwick Williams. Despite their valiant efforts, the garrison faced insurmountable challenges. A devastating outbreak of cholera severely weakened the troops, and food supplies dwindled as the siege wore on. Ultimately, these factors led to the surrender of Kars to Russian forces in November 1855.
The medal minted under Sultan Abdul Mejid I commemorates this specific period and the Ottoman defense of Kars. The obverse of the medal features the tughra, the Ottoman Sultan's calligraphic monogram, encircled by a wreath. The reverse depicts a cityscape of Kars, including its prominent castle and the Turkish flag flying above it. This medal was not a celebration of victory but rather a commemoration of the valiant, albeit unsuccessful, defense of the fortress town. It was awarded to those who had participated in the defense of Kars against the Russian siege.
From an Armenian perspective, the medal serves as a tangible artifact that encapsulates a turbulent period in the history of Kars, a town that had once been part of Armenian heritage and had its own dynasty of Armenian rulers. The medal stands as a poignant reminder of the complexities and struggles that have shaped the town's history, particularly during the pivotal year of 1272 AH.
The medal minted under Sultan Abdul Mejid I commemorates this specific period and the Ottoman defense of Kars. The obverse of the medal features the tughra, the Ottoman Sultan's calligraphic monogram, encircled by a wreath. The reverse depicts a cityscape of Kars, including its prominent castle and the Turkish flag flying above it. This medal was not a celebration of victory but rather a commemoration of the valiant, albeit unsuccessful, defense of the fortress town. It was awarded to those who had participated in the defense of Kars against the Russian siege.
From an Armenian perspective, the medal serves as a tangible artifact that encapsulates a turbulent period in the history of Kars, a town that had once been part of Armenian heritage and had its own dynasty of Armenian rulers. The medal stands as a poignant reminder of the complexities and struggles that have shaped the town's history, particularly during the pivotal year of 1272 AH.
Files
Collection
Citation
“Ottoman Kars Siege Memorial Medal of 1855/56,” Armenian Numismatic Research Organization, accessed November 15, 2024, https://armnumres.org/items/show/1555.