Alaouites 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.
- Issued stamps
- 1925–1930
- Region
- Middle East, Levant
- Currency
- SYP
- Languages
- French, Arabic
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- France
About Alaouites stamps
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.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- ALAOUITES
- ETAT DES ALAOUITES
How to identify Alaouites stamps
- Look for inscriptions 'ALAOUITES' or 'ETAT DES ALAOUITES' (State of the Alaouites) in French, often alongside Arabic script.
- Many stamps are overprints on earlier Syrian or French Mandate issues.
- The period of issue is relatively short (1925-1930), which helps narrow down identification.
- Designs often feature local landscapes, historical sites, or portraits relevant to the French Mandate period.
Popular 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.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- €0.50–€10
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
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.
Catalogs. Alaouites stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about 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.
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.
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. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
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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