2020-06-25 Thu

Abdul Mejid was the 31st Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1839 to 1861 AD. His reign was notable for the rise of nationalist movements within the empire’s territories. He issued two major social and political reform edicts known as the Hatt-i-Serif of Gulhane (Noble Edict of the Rose Chamber) and the Hatt-i-Humayun (Imperial Edict).

Well educated, liberal-minded, and the first sultan to speak French, Abdul Mejid continued the reform program of his father, Mahmud II. He restored Hagia Sophia, built the Dolmabahce Palace, and founded the first French theatre in Constantinople. During the reign, he issued gold, silver, copper, and billon coins. These coins were issued in the denomination of Kurush, Para, Altin, Zeri Mahbub, and piastres.

The above shown 4 Kharub was issued under his reign from Tunis mint. The obverse side has a legend ‘Fi Zarb Tunis 1256’. On the other hand, the reverse side features the inscription. ‘As Sultan Abdul Mejid Khan Al Bahrain Sultan Al Barin’.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions