In this important work Eldem examines how a system that was initially foreign to the Ottomans evolved over time and how they succeeded in recasting it into a form that suited their own needs, both practical and ideological. While the book can be read as a history of Ottoman medals and decorations, it also constitutes a useful catalogue thanks to real-size reproductions of all the items examined and detailed captions describing them.

ENGLISH ADMIRAL IS RECIPIENT OF FIRST OTTOMAN MEDAL
The history of Ottoman medals and decorations dates back to the beginning of the 19th century. In the classical Ottoman system, rewards took the form of gifts such as money, or the bestowal of furs, caftans or robes of honor known as 'hil'at', or of opulent jewels, known as 'çelenk's or bejeweled aigrettes. The story of Ottoman medals and decorations begins in 1798 when the English Admiral, Lord Nelson, earned the appreciation of the Ottomans by defeating the French, who had occupied Egypt. Explaining that the gift was essentially of English invention and design,