In December 1965, Iraq issued a beautiful set of three stamps to commemorate the Second Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Dates Conference held in Baghdad. Designed by A. Al-Jaboori and printed by Litho Rosenbaum Brothers, Vienna, these stamps not only highlight the economic significance of dates in Iraq but also celebrate their cultural and agricultural importance. Featuring vivid illustrations of date palms in full bloom, this series captures a key aspect of Iraq’s identity and its contributions to global agriculture.
Historical Context
Dates have been a cornerstone of Iraqi agriculture for centuries. Known as “the tree of life” in the Middle East, date palms symbolize prosperity and sustenance. The 1965 FAO Dates Conference in Baghdad was a landmark event aimed at promoting date production, fostering international cooperation, and addressing challenges in the agricultural sector.
Iraq’s stamps commemorating this event stand as a testament to the country’s leading role in date cultivation and its desire to spotlight this heritage on a global platform. By issuing these stamps, Iraq not only marked its participation in the conference but also emphasized its pride in this integral aspect of its cultural and economic fabric.
Stamp Details and Values
3 Fils (Gold and Light Blue)
- Issue Date: 27 December 1965
- Design: Depicts a serene grove of date palms, symbolizing Iraq’s agricultural riches.
- Printing Technique: Lithographed by Litho Rosenbaum Brothers, Vienna.
- Perforation: 14
- Values (Stanley Gibbons Evaluation):
- Mint: £0.75
- Used: £0.45
10 Fils (Red and Blue)
- Design: Features a vivid landscape of flourishing date palms with a vibrant red and blue color scheme.
- Values (Stanley Gibbons Evaluation):
- Mint: £1.80
- Used: £0.45
15 Fils (Pink and Light Blue)
- Design: Highlights the elegance of date palms in a soft pink and blue palette, symbolizing growth and abundance.
- Values (Stanley Gibbons Evaluation):
- Mint: £3.00
- Used: £1.50
Set of 3 Stamps
- Mint Value: £5.00
- Used Value: £2.20
Design and Artistic Elements
The Date Palms stamps are a visual celebration of Iraq’s agricultural heritage. Each stamp features a detailed illustration of lush date palms, capturing their natural beauty and their role as a vital resource. The vibrant color schemes—ranging from gold and blue to red and pink—emphasize the richness and diversity of Iraq’s date production.
The inscriptions in Arabic and English underscore the international significance of the FAO conference while anchoring the stamps firmly in Iraqi culture. The elegant design and meticulous attention to detail make this issue a masterpiece of mid-20th-century philately.
Cultural and Economic Significance
The Date Palms stamps serve as more than a commemorative issue; they reflect Iraq’s pride in its agricultural achievements and its aspirations for global collaboration in the field of food security. Dates have long been a symbol of sustenance and prosperity in Iraq, with the country’s fertile lands producing some of the world’s finest varieties.
The FAO conference brought global attention to the challenges and opportunities in date cultivation, and these stamps stand as a tribute to Iraq’s leadership in this sector. For collectors, they represent a snapshot of a pivotal moment in agricultural history and a unique insight into Iraq’s cultural heritage.
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