Turkey, Ottoman Empire. A Hejaz Railway Medal, III Class, Reduced Version, c.1910

(Hamidiye Hicaz Demiryolu Madalyasi). Instituted in 1900. In nickel, measuring 30 mm in diameter, edge nicks, very light contact, original ribbon suspended from a hanger with dual prong pinback, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Hejaz Railway Medal was instituted in 1900 and struck to commemorate the opening of the new railway between Damascus and Mecca. Sultan Abdulhamid ordered the railway built, in order to have control over the Arabian Peninsula and to facilitate the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca, which would increase his support among the Islamic believers. Construction began in 1900 and lasted for eight years. It was built without foreign support and funds. Special taxes were collected and postage stamps were issued to finance the project.