The Ottoman Coat of Arms: What Do the Symbols Mean?

The Ottoman coat of arms traces its origins to the Crimean War (1853–1856), when Queen Victoria awarded Sultan Abdulmejid I the Order of the Garter. As per tradition, the recipient’s coat of arms was to be displayed in St. George’s Chapel, but the Ottomans had no official emblem. In response, Victoria commissioned Charles Young, assisted by Etienne Pisani, to design one based on Ottoman symbols and European heraldic traditions.

Although this early version of the coat of arms was created under Abdulmejid I, it was not widely adopted. It wasn’t until Sultan Abdulhamid II took the throne that the final version was officially established on April 17, 1882. The Ottoman coat of arms served as a symbol of imperial identity and diplomacy during the late 19th century. It was featured on official documents, government buildings, and embassies. 

The Ottoman coat-of-arms was prepared using many symbols and shapes and had a rich and magnificent appearance. Grandeur, superiority, and power were the initial emotions it inspired. The upper part of the coat-of-arms signifies the seat of the state leader. The middle part represents the state and crown. As a whole, the shield symbolizes the protection of the state.

The Symbols and their Meanings

The Ottoman Coat of Arms

• At the top, there is the tughra (signature) of Ottoman Sultan. The sun motif around the tughra comes from the sultan being likened to the sun, lighting up the Ottoman territories.
  
  
• Below the tughra, there is a crescent with Arabic letters, which reads: 
  "المستند بالتوفيقات الربّانية ملك الدولة العثمانية" (The ruler of the Ottoman state who relies on divine blessings).

• The turban with feathers on top, which is a symbol of Osman Ghazi, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. while tughra symbolize the present sultan, this headgear/turban symbolize the Ottoman throne.

• Below the turban, A shield with the sun in the middle surrounded by 12 or more stars, which represents the provinces of the Ottoman Empire or Zodiac (The zodiac is a band of the sky divided into 12 sections, each associated with a constellation. The Sun, Moon, and planets appear to move through this path in the sky)

• On the right-hand side of the coat-of-arms an Ottoman banner is portrayed with a white crescent-star figure on a red field. Stands for the symbol of independence on the coat-of-arms.
  
  
• On the left-hand side of the shield there is another banner with a white crescent-star symbol on a green field. It symbolizes Caliphate banner. 

* On the right-hand side of the Ottoman coat-of-arms, the following weapons and symbols were depicted from above, respectively:

1. Spear 
2. Single-bladed hatchet 
3. Double-bladed hatchet 
4. Spear 
5. Sword
6. Cannon 
7. Trumpet/Sword 
8. Iron mace 
9. The trumpet(below red banner), symbolizes the band in the Ottoman army, which played the national anthem and some enthusiastic songs.

* On the left-hand section of the Ottoman coat-of-arms, the following weapons and symbols were depicted from above, respectively:

1. Spear 
2. Bayonet-rifle (which was the main weapon of the Ottoman army at that time.)
3. Single-bladed hatchet 
4. Revolver - 
5. Şeşper (six-fold mace) or scepter 
6. Balance - symbolizing the Ottoman Empire's keenness to follow justice in all its affairs.
7. Two books: The upper book in green represents the Holy Quran, and the lower red represents the state law. This indicates that the laws are derived from Islamic law and do not contradict it.
8. Cornucopia/Horn of fertility (below the green banner)- It refers to the fertility of the lands of the Ottoman Empire, and also symbolize the tolerance towards the different subjects of the state.
9. Anchor- Refers to the Ottoman fleet.

* In the small group below the armor shield, the following symbols were depicted on the shield: 

1. Zurna (wind instrument) 
2. Lantern 
3. Quiver 
4. Floral motif

* The medals below the Coat of arms (from right to left)

1. Şefkat Nişanı, (which was presented to women who performed successfully in the field of charitable work for the people, appeared for the first time during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid II in 1878.
2. Mecidi Nişanı, (It was awarded to the most prominent military figures as a form of honor)
3. Nişan-ı iftihar,  (It was the second highest-ranking chivalric medal of the Ottoman Empire)
4. Nişan-ı Osmani (It was awarded by the Sultan to Ottoman civil servants and military leaders for outstanding services to the state)
5. Imtiyaz Nişanı (The medal was given to reward merit and superior service during Abdulhamid II's period)

These coats of arms were commonly seen in everyday life, appearing on clocks, photo papers, bonds, cigarette packs, cup holders, tobacco boxes, furniture, postcards, book covers, and harnesses. However, the most beautiful ones were those embroidered on velvet by women and displayed on the walls of homes and villas.

References:

1. Ahmed Akgunduz and Said Öztürk, Ottoman History: Misperceptions and Truths
2. https://www.islamveihsan.com/osmanli-armasindaki-semboller-ne-anlatiyor.html