Pride and Privilege A History of Ottoman Orders, Medals and Decorations

Our new publication is the accompanying catalogue of the special exhibition of Ottoman orders and decorations on view at the Museum from September 28 through December 26. “From the very end of the eighteenth century to the collapse of their Empire after World War I, the Ottomans “discovered”, adapted and gradually put to extensive use western forms of honors: orders, medals and decorations. From the aigrette bestowed on Admiral Nelson in 1798 to the “Iron Cescent” of a doomed war, this work retraces the complex and fascinating history of Ottoman decorations, with a particular emphasis on their historical significance, symbolism and meaning. Illustrated with real-size reproductions of each of the items discussed, it constitutes a serious attempt to merge historical analysis with a detailed phaleristic approach” (from the back cover of the book).