French Post Turkish Empire Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About French Post Offices in the Turkish Empire Stamps
French Post in the Turkish Empire operated across various territories within the Ottoman Empire, primarily in the Levant and parts of North Africa, functioning as a concessionary postal service of France. These offices existed under the framework of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) but maintained a distinct administrative identity separate from the Ottoman postal system. Stamps issued for these offices predominantly feature French language inscriptions and denominations in French currency, reflecting the colonial and extraterritorial rights enjoyed by France in the region before the establishment of independent national postal administrations. The service's operational period spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries, concluding with the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and subsequent political realignments.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Middle East
- Subregion:
- Levant
- Issuing period:
- 1885 – 1943
- Languages:
- French, Turkish, Arabic
- Currency:
- FRF
- Parent issuer:
- France
Stamp Catalogs
French Post Offices in the Turkish Empire stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular French Post Offices in the Turkish Empire Stamp Series
Surcharged French Stamps (1885-1902)
French stamps overprinted with 'TURQUIE' and new values in French currency (centimes, francs) for use in the Ottoman Empire.
Merson Type Surcharges (1902-1921)
French Merson series stamps surcharged with 'LEVANT' and new values, often in Turkish currency (piastres) or French currency.
War Orphans Issue (1916-1921)
Stamps issued during WWI, often featuring surcharges for war orphans, used in various French Levant offices.
French Post Offices in the Turkish Empire Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Rarer issues include high values, specific surcharges, errors, and stamps used on cover from less common post offices. Condition significantly impacts value.
How to Identify French Post Offices in the Turkish Empire Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying French Post Offices in the Turkish Empire stamps:
- 1 Look for 'TURQUIE' or 'LEVANT' overprints on French stamps.
- 2 Denominations are typically in French Centimes/Francs or Turkish Piastres/Paras.
- 3 Stamps often feature designs common to metropolitan France, but with specific overprints.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are French Post Turkish Empire stamps?
French Post Turkish Empire stamps were issued by French post offices operating within the Ottoman Empire from 1885 to 1943. These were primarily French stamps overprinted with 'TURQUIE' or 'LEVANT' and new denominations, reflecting France's extraterritorial postal rights in the region.
Are French Post Turkish Empire stamps valuable?
The value of French Post Turkish Empire stamps varies widely. Common issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from €0.50 to €10. However, rare surcharges, high denominations, errors, and stamps from specific post offices or on cover can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros, especially in fine condition.
How can I identify French Post Turkish Empire stamps?
To identify French Post Turkish Empire stamps, look for French stamp designs with overprints like 'TURQUIE' or 'LEVANT'. The denominations will typically be in French currency (centimes, francs) or Turkish currency (piastres). For precise identification and to distinguish between similar issues, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting a specialized catalog.
Which catalogs list French Post Turkish Empire stamps?
French Post Turkish Empire stamps are extensively cataloged in major philatelic references. You can find them listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (under French Offices in the Turkish Empire/Levant), Michel (Frankreich – Levant), and Stanley Gibbons (France – Levant).
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