History

The State Medal of Distinguished Service was instituted on October 24, 1983. It is rewarded to Turkish citizens, foreigners and organizations for distinguished service in contribution to the emerge of Turkish State through generous action, self-sacrifice, accomplishment or merit at home or abroad.

The original name of the medal is "Devlet Üstün Hizmet Madalyası" and is one of the three civil state decorations of Turkey.

On the obverse is the Turkish moon and crescent with the initials "T.C.", short for "Türkiye Cumhuriyeti" ("Turkish Republic").

The reverse shows symbols and motifs with the inscription "T.C. Devlet Şeref Madalyası" ("Turkish Republic Medal of Distinguished Service").