Independence Medal

İstiklal Madalyası is an official state decoration awarded to military and civilian individuals who rendered distinguished service during the Turkish War of Independence, as well as to the families of those who died in the line of duty during the Millî Mücadele period. It is the only medal established by special law during the founding process of the Republic of Türkiye.

^{Independence Medal (}AA⁾

The İstiklal Madalyası was regulated by the İstiklal Madalyası Law dated 4 April 1921 and numbered 66. According to this law, the medal was awarded to:

• Commanders, officers, soldiers and national heroes who actively served on the front lines or in suppressing internal uprisings,
• Individuals who made significant contributions to the Millî Mücadele from behind the front lines,
• The children or families of those who were martyred during the Millî Mücadele,
• Members of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM),
• And individuals determined by decision of the Grand National Assembly.

^{Presentation of the Representative Independence Medal (Generated by Artificial Intelligence.)}

The İstiklal Madalyası, while having the same metallic design, was classified according to the reason for awarding, with different ribbon colors:

• Red Ribbon Medal: Awarded to soldiers and civilians who fought directly on the front lines and those who provided major support to the Millî Mücadele.
• Green Ribbon Medal: Awarded to members of the TBMM during the Millî Mücadele period.
• Red-Green Ribbon Medal: Awarded to members of parliament who fought directly on the front lines or were martyred.
• White Ribbon Medal: Awarded to individuals who made significant contributions from behind the front lines. (This white ribbon system was later abolished by Law No. 869 and replaced with the red ribbon.)

^{Colors of the Independence Medal Ribbon - (}AA⁾

The İstiklal Madalyası is made of bright yellow brass, measuring 30×40 mm in diameter and weighing 15.55 grams.

• The official image of Ankara in the center, depicting the building of the First TBMM,
• Sun rays in the background symbolizing victory and peace,
• On the right of the building, the date 23 April; on the left, the date 1336 (1920),
• At the bottom, figures symbolizing the Turkish woman: the sickle and scythe representing agriculture, the laurel branches symbolizing peace, and the cart carrying ammunition to the front.

• A map of Türkiye surrounded by the crescent and star, depicting the national borders defined by the Misak-ı Milli,
• The star placed over the map represents Ankara; the ray of light emanating from this star reaches Kars,
• At the bottom, the inscription 1 Teşrinisani 1338 (1 November 1922), indicating the date of manufacture.

The medal was awarded:

• In the presence of the TBMM by the Speaker of the Assembly,
• In the provinces, in a ceremony attended by the highest military commander and civil administrator.
• It is always worn on the right chest; when worn with civilian attire, it may be displayed as a badge in various colors.

According to Law No. 3183 dated 14 February 1926, abroad the medal may only be worn with a formal coat or uniform; with civilian attire, only the badge version may be used.

• Individuals deprived of civil rights or convicted of murder lose the right to wear or possess the medal.
• The medal is inherited by heirs as a keepsake.
• By Law No. 3579 dated 30 January 1929, İstiklal Madalyası was also awarded to regiments and banners that participated in the Millî Mücadele.

• İstiklal Madalyası Law (4 April 1921, Law No. 66)
• Law No. 3579 (30 January 1929)
• Law No. 3183 (14 February 1926)