Turkey

Russia

The Stamps of Russia’s Post Offices in the Ottoman Empire: 1865–1867

The stamps of the Russian Levant—issued for Russian Post Offices in the Ottoman Empire—are an intriguing chapter in philatelic history. Known for their iconic ship and double-headed eagle design, these stamps hold a unique place in global postal history, symbolizing Russia’s strategic postal influence in the Eastern Mediterranean during the mid-19th century. Historical Context In […]

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Ottoman Postcard: A Glimpse into Baghdad’s History (1907)

The Ottoman Empire’s vast administrative reach included Baghdad, which was an essential hub for trade, culture, and communication in the early 20th century. This postcard from 1907, sent from Baghdad to Paris, provides a remarkable insight into the city’s history and the efficient postal system of the Ottoman Empire. The Postcard: A Historical Snapshot The

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Palestine

A Glimpse into Ottoman Palestine: A Postcard from Jerusalem (1910)

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

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Innovation

The 1903 Austro-Hungarian Post in Turkey: Varnish Bars as an Anti-Fraud Innovation

Stamp Details: Issue Year: 1903 Catalogue Reference: SG No. F4A Denomination: 50 Centimes Perforation: 13×13½ Paper: Granite Paper (with silk threads) Feature: Varnish Lines Key Features: Granite Paper: This stamp is printed on granite paper, easily recognizable by the visible silk threads embedded into the paper. This was a security measure to prevent counterfeiting. Varnish

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Italo-Turkish War

Benghazi and the Italo-Turkish War: The Dawn of Modern Warfare

On October 20, 1911, Italian forces occupied Benghazi during the Italo-Turkish War, marking the beginning of Italian Libya. This conflict between the Kingdom of Italy and the Ottoman Empire was a relatively short but impactful war that reshaped the political and technological landscape of the 20th century. A Strategic Conflict The Italo-Turkish War, fought from

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ESTERO

1881 – 83 The Italian Overprint: “ESTERO” on the 2 Lire Orange-Red

The Italian Post Offices in the Ottoman Empire hold a fascinating place in philatelic history. Among their intriguing issues is the striking 2 lire orange-red stamp from the 1881–83 General Issue, distinguished by the bold “ESTERO” overprint. However, this particular denomination remains unique as it was prepared but never issued, making it a noteworthy curiosity

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French Post Office in the Levant

French Post Office in the Levant – Sufi Whirl: The Spiritual Journey of the Dervishes

The mystique of the Sufi dervishes has captivated people across cultures and centuries. This 1907 postcard, sent through the French Post Office in the Levant, features a captivating group of whirling dervishes from Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). Addressed to Belgium, this piece offers not just a postal artifact but also a glimpse into the profound spiritual

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German Post Offices in the Turkish Empire

Tracing the Journey: A 1909 Newspaper Wrapper Through the German Post Offices in the Turkish Empire

The fascinating postal history of the German Post Offices in the Turkish Empire offers collectors a glimpse into a bygone era of international communication. This rare 1909 watermarked newspaper wrapper, franked with a 10 para stamp, provides a unique example of cross-border mail from Ramleh (Jerusalem) to Alexandria, Egypt. The Journey of the Newspaper Wrapper

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Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD)

Pakistan – Celebrating Unity – The 1965 Regional Cooperation for Development Pact Stamp Set

On July 21, 1965, Pakistan issued a special set of stamps commemorating the first anniversary of the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) pact. This historic agreement, signed in Istanbul on July 21, 1964, by Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi of Iran, Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan of Pakistan, and General Cemal Gürsel of Turkey, marked a

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The post office in Galata, Constantinople

The Evolution of German Offices in Ottoman Empire: A Journey Through Overprints and History

When philatelists discuss German stamps, the overprinted issues from the Ottoman Empire are a unique intersection of postal history, international relations, and currency exchange. German post offices in Turkey, established to serve German nationals and facilitate trade, offer an intricate story of stamp modifications driven by evolving requirements and local influences. Here, we explore the

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