Russian Post Turkish Empire Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Russian Post in the Turkish Empire Stamps
Russian Post in the Turkish Empire operated primarily in the Levant and Black Sea regions, serving Russian diplomatic missions and commercial interests across the Ottoman territories of Eurasia and North Africa. These post offices, established under the authority of the Russian Empire, issued distinctive stamps valid within the Ottoman realm, often denominated in kopecks or paras. The postal system functioned as an extension of Russian imperial administration, predating the full integration of these areas into the modern Turkish postal network following the empire's dissolution. Stamps from this entity typically feature Cyrillic script alongside Ottoman script or French, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the treaty ports they served.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Middle East
- Subregion:
- Levant, Black Sea
- Issuing period:
- 1863 – 1913
- Languages:
- Cyrillic, Ottoman Turkish, French
- Currency:
- RUB
- Parent issuer:
- Russian Empire
Stamp Catalogs
Russian Post in the Turkish Empire stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Russian Post in the Turkish Empire Stamp Series
First Issue (1863) (1863)
Overprinted Russian stamps (usually 10 kopecks) with 'T.P.' (Turkish Post) or 'P.O.' (Poste Ottomane) and new values in paras or piastres.
Levant Issues (1900-1910) (1900-1910)
Russian stamps overprinted with new values in Turkish currency (paras and piastres) for use in the Levant post offices.
Constantinople Issues (Various)
Stamps specifically prepared or overprinted for use in the main Russian post office in Constantinople (Istanbul).
Russian Post in the Turkish Empire Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on the specific overprint, denomination, condition, and rarity of the underlying Russian stamp. Early issues and specific error varieties are highly sought after.
How to Identify Russian Post in the Turkish Empire Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Russian Post in the Turkish Empire stamps:
- 1 Look for Cyrillic script on the base stamp, often with additional overprints in French or Ottoman Turkish script indicating new denominations (e.g., 'PARAS', 'PIASTRES').
- 2 Check for the 'T.P.' or 'P.O.' overprints on early issues.
- 3 Denominations will typically be in kopecks (on the base stamp) and paras/piastres (on the overprint).
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Russian Post Turkish Empire stamps?
Russian Post Turkish Empire stamps were issued by Russian post offices operating within the Ottoman Empire, primarily in the Levant and Black Sea regions, from 1863 to 1913. These stamps were Russian stamps overprinted with new denominations in Turkish currency (paras and piastres) for local use.
Are Russian Post Turkish Empire stamps valuable?
Yes, many Russian Post Turkish Empire stamps can be valuable, especially early issues, rare overprints, and stamps in excellent condition. Common stamps might fetch a few dollars, but rare varieties or key issues can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Their value depends on rarity, condition, and specific overprint details.
How can I identify Russian Post Turkish Empire stamps?
To identify Russian Post Turkish Empire stamps, look for Russian imperial stamps featuring Cyrillic script, often with additional overprints in French or Ottoman Turkish script indicating new values in paras or piastres. Early issues may have 'T.P.' or 'P.O.' overprints. For precise identification and valuation, use a specialized stamp catalog or a stamp identifier app.
Which catalogs list Russian Post Turkish Empire stamps?
Russian Post Turkish Empire stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott (under 'Russian Post Offices in Turkey' or similar), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, historical context, and estimated values for collectors.
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