With Ottoman Empire..
The Story of Turkey’s First Postage Stamp.. When was the first stamp printed in Turkey? The first postage stamp was issued on January 1, 1863. This stamp, which was issued during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz, was printed in 1862 and was put into circulation in 1863. This series of stamps, which are rectangular and without lace, is called “Stamps with Tugra” because it carries the sultan’s signature on it.
These stamps were printed with lithography on thin paper, black on white and then painted with sponge dipped in aniline paint at the Mint. Tugra and patterns were drawn by Sikkezenbaşı Abdülfettah Efendi. The printing was carried out by Ensercioğlu Agop.
These stamps were issued with three separate emissions. Emissions consist of four values of 20 Coins, 1 Kurus, 2 Kurus and 5 Kurus. I. Flat printing on emission thin paper, II. Emission thin paper, flat printing, III. Emission is printing on thick paper. III. The emission was realized by re-printing the values of 20 Para and 1 Kuruş due to the decrease in the availability of stamps.
Significant Step:
The issuance of these historic stamps marked a significant step in Turkey’s postal history. Furthermore, their value goes beyond their postage purpose, providing a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
After the initial release of the stamps, they quickly gained popularity among the public. Additionally, they became a symbol of the Ottoman Empire’s modernization efforts during that era. Moreover, the elegant design featuring the sultan’s Tugra added a touch of prestige to the letters and parcels they adorned.
Over time, as the postal system expanded and demand increased, additional emissions were introduced, each with its unique features and changes in printing techniques. As a result, the stamps became collectible items, attracting philatelists from around the world, who sought to add these historical artifacts to their collections.
As the political landscape evolved, so did the designs of the postage stamps. In fact, the reigns of subsequent sultans brought their own distinctive elements to the stamps, reflecting the changing times and cultural shifts within the empire.
With Republic of Turkey..
In the decades that followed, Turkey witnessed significant political and social transformations. Consequently, this led to the eventual replacement of the Ottoman Empire with the Republic of Turkey in 1923. Therefore, with the establishment of the republic, new postage stamps were introduced, reflecting the country’s new identity and direction.
Despite these changes, the “Stamps with Tugra” remain an enduring symbol of Turkey’s postal history. Hence, they serve as a reminder of the early steps the nation took in the world of philately. Notably, today, these historic stamps hold a special place in the hearts of collectors, historians, and anyone with an appreciation for the rich tapestry of Turkey’s past. In addition, as time goes on, the legacy of Turkey’s first postage stamp continues to captivate and inspire people worldwide.
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