Nishan
/nɪˈʃɑːn/noun
A badge, decoration, or order of honor, especially one associated with Turkey or the former Ottoman Empire.
Did you know?In Ottoman usage, nişan could refer to an official decoration or distinguishing mark, transforming the ordinary idea of a ‘sign’ into a symbol of authority and status.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Iranian period
Iranian
nišān
“A mark, sign, distinguishing token, or indication”
Middle Persian
Middle Persian
nišān
“A sign, mark, or identifying symbol”
Medieval Persian
Persian
نشان (nišān)
“A sign, mark, emblem, or badge of distinction”
Ottoman period
Ottoman Turkish
nişan
“A mark, sign, medal, or official decoration”
19th Century
English
nishan
“An Ottoman or Turkish order, badge, or decoration”
Modern English
English
nishan
“A historical decoration or honor associated with Turkey and the Ottoman world”