Cilicia Stamps
Cilicia, situated in southeastern Anatolia bordering the Mediterranean Sea, experienced a complex postal history shaped by its strategic location near the Levant. During the early 20th century, its postal administration was heavily influenced by the shifting control between the Ottoman Empire and subsequent French mandates following World War I.
- Issued stamps
- 1919–1919
- Region
- Middle East, Levant
- Currency
- French Franc
- Languages
- French, Ottoman Turkish
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- France
About Cilicia stamps
Stamps issued during this transitional period often feature French or Ottoman Turkish inscriptions, reflecting the administrative changes and the region's eventual incorporation into the Republic of Turkey. The area's postal services were frequently subject to provisional issues reflecting periods of military occupation or administrative uncertainty.
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.
- CILICIE
- T.E.O.
How to identify Cilicia stamps
- Look for 'CILICIE' or 'T.E.O.' overprints, typically in black, on stamps originally issued by the Ottoman Empire (Turkey).
- Examine the underlying Turkish stamp design and denomination to confirm the base issue. Overprints can be in various forms and orientations.
Popular series
-
Cilicie Occupation Issues
1919
Stamps of Turkey overprinted 'CILICIE' or 'T.E.O.' (Territoires Ennemis Occupés) by French forces.
-
Cilicie Postage Due Issues
1919
Turkish postage due stamps overprinted for use in Cilicia under French occupation.
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
- €5–€50
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€1,000+
Values vary significantly based on the specific overprint, the underlying Turkish stamp, condition, and whether they are used or unused. Errors and varieties are particularly sought after.
Catalogs. Cilicia 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 Cilicia stamps
Cilicia stamps refer to postage stamps issued during the French occupation of the Cilicia region in southeastern Anatolia, primarily in 1919. These were typically stamps of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) overprinted with 'CILICIE' or 'T.E.O.' (Territoires Ennemis Occupés) by the French military administration.
The value of Cilicia stamps can vary widely. Common issues might be worth a few euros, while rarer overprints, specific varieties, or stamps in pristine condition can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Factors like the underlying Turkish stamp, the type and clarity of the overprint, and postal history significantly influence their value.
To identify Cilicia stamps, look for the distinctive 'CILICIE' or 'T.E.O.' overprints on stamps that are clearly of Turkish origin. Pay attention to the font, color, and placement of the overprint. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Cilicia stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott (under 'French Occupation of Turkey - Cilicia'), Michel (under 'Türkei - Französische Besetzung'), and Stanley Gibbons (under 'Turkey - French Occupation of Cilicia'). These catalogs provide detailed listings, varieties, and estimated values.
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