The First Connection Between the Sun and the Crescent:

The Ertuğrul Frigate

In 1887, during the visit of Japanese Prince Komatsu Akihito and his wife to Istanbul, they met with Sultan Abdulhamid II, who expressed his hospitality. In gratitude, the Japanese Emperor gifted the Chrysanthemum Order to the Sultan. In return, Sultan Abdulhamid II decided to present the Imperial Order to the Japanese Emperor. He ordered a warship to set sail for Japan, both for a reciprocal visit and to deliver the order.