Watch List notes:

OTTOMAN - TURKEY: Abdul Hamid II, 1876-1909, AR medal, AH1314, NP-1112, Medal for the War with Greece (Yunan Muharabsei Madalyasi), tughra of the sultan encircled by a laurel wreath with a rose at the base // inscribed 'Greek War, Day - Sunday, 23rd of Zilkade (Dhu'l-Qa'da, the 11th month of the Islamic calendar), AH1314 (=1897AD), pierced for suspension as usual, VF. The War of 1897 between Greece and the Ottoman Empire lasted just 30 days. Initially, the cause was the landing of elements of the Greek army on Crete on 21 January 1897 in support of an uprising by the Greek population against Ottoman rule. The Great Powers intervened, making Crete an international protectorate. A Greek army under Prince Constantine then advanced into Ottoman Thessaly and Macedonia and another into Epirus. In the ensuing fighting the Greeks were outnumbered and forced to retreat. Again, the Great Powers intervened and the Sultan ordered a ceasefire on 20 May. A treaty was signed on 20 September under which Greece was obliged to pay compensation. The medal was awarded to Ottoman military who resisted the Greek incursions.