In the early 20th century, before the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Palestine was part of the Ottoman-controlled territories. Among the fascinating remnants of this period is this postcard sent from Jerusalem to Germany in 1910, which provides not only a philatelic treasure but also a historical narrative of the region.
The Postcard: A Piece of History
The postcard features a picturesque view of Jerusalem’s iconic landmarks, including the Dome of the Rock, with the Mount of Olives visible in the background. This beautifully printed postcard captures the essence of Jerusalem during the Ottoman era.
On the reverse, the handwritten message is in German and is accompanied by a distinct Ottoman postal cancellation. A single 20-para Ottoman stamp is affixed, reflecting the postal rates for international correspondence at the time.
The Cancellation: A Mark of Ottoman Authority
The cancellation on the stamp is in Arabic script, consistent with the multilingual postal markings used during the Ottoman Empire. It includes:
- The name “Quds” (Arabic for Jerusalem), clearly indicating the point of origin.
- The date, written in both the Rumi calendar (used in the Ottoman Empire) and the Gregorian calendar, providing an exact timestamp of when the card entered the mail system.
This cancellation not only validated the postage but also reflected the administrative reach of the Ottoman postal service. Jerusalem was a key postal hub, facilitating correspondence for both local residents and international travellers or pilgrims.
The Message: A Personal Connection
Written during Easter 1910, the message provides a glimpse into the sender’s experience in Jerusalem and the broader Holy Land. Here’s a summary of the text:
- The sender mentions being in Jerusalem during the 50th anniversary celebrations of a jubilee event (likely related to the Church or religious organizations in the Holy Land).
- Reference is made to Nazareth, suggesting the sender may have visited other sacred Christian sites as part of a pilgrimage.
- The tone is warm and reflective, focusing on the spiritual and historical significance of the visit.
- The message ends with blessings and regards to the recipient, signed by Dr. Ludwig Ortmüller, who may have been a prominent figure or cleric.
Philatelic Significance
This postcard offers a fascinating example of Ottoman-era postal services:
- Ottoman Postal System: The postmark and stamp showcase the efficiency and reach of the Ottoman mail system, connecting Palestine to Europe.
- 20-Para Stamp: The Ottoman stamp, printed in red, carries the emblem of the Ottoman Empire and is a beautiful example of early 20th-century philately.
- Distinct Cancellation: The Arabic-script cancellation from Jerusalem not only validates the postcard but also provides insight into Ottoman administrative practices and the multilingual nature of their governance.
Historical Context
At the time this postcard was sent, Palestine was part of the Ottoman Empire, governed under a millet system that allowed religious communities autonomy. Jerusalem, as a city of profound religious significance, attracted pilgrims from across the globe, facilitated by the Ottoman postal system and international routes.
Share Your Thoughts
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