Alaouites Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Alaouites (Alawite State) Stamps
The Alaouites, often associated with the Alawite State, were a French Mandate territory located in the Levant region of Western Asia. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the French administration of Syria and Lebanon, with stamps initially bearing French inscriptions and later reflecting the local political structure under the mandate. The primary language appearing on these issues was French, often alongside Arabic, reflecting the colonial and local administrative context. This entity existed as a distinct administrative unit until its integration into the Syrian Federation and subsequently the Syrian Republic.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Middle East
- Subregion:
- Levant
- Issuing period:
- 1925 – 1930
- Languages:
- French, Arabic
- Currency:
- SYP
- Parent issuer:
- France
Stamp Catalogs
Alaouites (Alawite State) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Alaouites (Alawite State) Stamp Series
Definitives with French Mandate Overprints (1925-1926)
Stamps of Syria overprinted with 'ALAOUITES' or 'ETAT DES ALAOUITES' and new values, reflecting the initial administrative structure.
Pictorial Issues (1926-1929)
Series featuring local scenes and landmarks, often with bilingual inscriptions (French and Arabic), issued specifically for the Alawite State.
Airmail Issues (1927-1929)
Limited airmail stamps, often sharing designs with contemporary Syrian airmail issues but with specific Alaouites inscriptions.
Alaouites (Alawite State) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early overprinted issues and complete sets in fine condition tend to command higher prices. Rare varieties, errors, and high-value definitives can be quite valuable. Used stamps are generally less valuable than unused, unless they bear significant postal history.
How to Identify Alaouites (Alawite State) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Alaouites (Alawite State) stamps:
- 1 Look for inscriptions 'ALAOUITES' or 'ETAT DES ALAOUITES' (State of the Alaouites) in French, often alongside Arabic script.
- 2 Many stamps are overprints on earlier Syrian or French Mandate issues.
- 3 The period of issue is relatively short (1925-1930), which helps narrow down identification.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Alaouites stamps?
Alaouites stamps were issued by the Alawite State, a French Mandate territory in the Levant (present-day Syria) between 1925 and 1930. They reflect the French administration and local political structure, often featuring French and Arabic inscriptions.
Are Alaouites stamps valuable?
The value of Alaouites stamps varies. Common issues can be found for under €10, while complete sets, early overprints, and rare varieties or errors can fetch hundreds of euros. Condition and postal history significantly impact their worth.
How can I identify Alaouites stamps?
To identify Alaouites stamps, look for the French inscriptions 'ALAOUITES' or 'ETAT DES ALAOUITES', often accompanied by Arabic text. Many are overprints on stamps of Syria or the French Mandate. Using a stamp identifier app can help quickly confirm their origin and details.
Which catalogs list Alaouites stamps?
Alaouites stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (under Syria or French Mandate), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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