Austrian Post Turkish Empire Stamps
The Austrian Post Turkish Empire issues pertain to the postal network operated by the Austro-Hungarian Empire within the Ottoman Empire, primarily in the Levant and the Balkans. This unique postal administration existed under special bilateral agreements, allowing Austrian mail services to operate in territories where the Ottoman Empire held sovereignty.
- Issued stamps
- 1867–1914
- Region
- Middle East, Levant and Balkans
- Currency
- Austro-Hungarian Krone (until 1892 Gulden)
- Languages
- German, Turkish
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Austria
History and background
Stamps issued for these offices typically feature German inscriptions alongside denominations in Austrian currency, reflecting the imperial administration. These issues ceased following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the subsequent reorganization of postal services in the successor states.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for 'K.K. Oesterr. Post' or 'K.u.K. Post' inscriptions, often alongside denominations in Austrian currency (Kreuzer, Gulden, Heller, Krone) or Turkish currency (Para, Piaster).
- Many stamps are overprinted with new values or 'Levant' indications.
- The portrait of Emperor Franz Joseph I is a common motif on earlier issues.
- Check for watermarks, which can be crucial for distinguishing between similar issues.
Popular series
-
Franz Joseph I Issues
1867-1883
Early issues featuring Emperor Franz Joseph I, often overprinted with denominations in Turkish currency (Para, Piaster) or without overprint for use in Austrian currency.
-
Newspaper Stamps
1867-1890
Distinctive stamps used for newspaper postage, often featuring the head of Mercury or other allegorical figures.
-
Krone Currency Issues
1892-1908
Stamps denominated in the new Austro-Hungarian Krone currency, often overprinted with values in Turkish Piaster for local use.
-
Bosnia-Herzegovina Issues Overprinted
1900-1914
Stamps originally issued for Bosnia-Herzegovina, overprinted for use in the Austrian Post Offices in the Turkish Empire, reflecting the complex political landscape.
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
- €1–€20
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€5,000+
Values vary significantly based on condition, overprint type, and specific postmark. Early issues, rare overprints, and stamps on cover command higher prices. Forgeries exist, especially of rare overprints.
Catalogs. Austrian Post Turkish Empire 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 Austrian Post Turkish Empire stamps
Austrian Post Turkish Empire stamps were issued by the Austro-Hungarian Empire for use in its post offices operating within the Ottoman Empire, primarily in the Levant and parts of the Balkans, from 1867 to 1914. These offices provided mail services under special agreements.
The value of Austrian Post Turkish Empire stamps varies widely. Common issues can be found for a few euros, while rare overprints, specific denominations, or stamps in pristine condition, especially on original covers, can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Condition and authenticity of overprints are key value drivers.
To identify Austrian Post Turkish Empire stamps, look for German inscriptions like 'K.K. Oesterr. Post' or 'K.u.K. Post'. Denominations may be in Austrian currency (Kreuzer, Gulden, Heller, Krone) or overprinted with Turkish currency (Para, Piaster). Many feature Emperor Franz Joseph I. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Austrian Post Turkish Empire stamps are extensively listed in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (under Austria or Austrian Post Offices in Turkey), the Michel Europa-Katalog (under Österreich - Levante), and the Stanley Gibbons Stamp Catalogue (under Austria - Levant).
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