French Post Turkish Empire Stamps
French Post in the Turkish Empire operated across various territories within the Ottoman Empire, primarily in the Levant and parts of North Africa, functioning as a concessionary postal service of France. These offices existed under the framework of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) but maintained a distinct administrative identity separate from the Ottoman postal system.
- Issued stamps
- 1885–1943
- Region
- Middle East, Levant
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French, Turkish, Arabic
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- France
History and background
Stamps issued for these offices predominantly feature French language inscriptions and denominations in French currency, reflecting the colonial and extraterritorial rights enjoyed by France in the region before the establishment of independent national postal administrations. The service's operational period spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries, concluding with the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and subsequent political realignments.
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.
- TURQUIE
- LEVANT
How to identify them
- Look for 'TURQUIE' or 'LEVANT' overprints on French stamps.
- Denominations are typically in French Centimes/Francs or Turkish Piastres/Paras.
- Stamps often feature designs common to metropolitan France, but with specific overprints.
Popular series
-
Surcharged French Stamps
1885-1902
French stamps overprinted with 'TURQUIE' and new values in French currency (centimes, francs) for use in the Ottoman Empire.
-
Merson Type Surcharges
1902-1921
French Merson series stamps surcharged with 'LEVANT' and new values, often in Turkish currency (piastres) or French currency.
-
War Orphans Issue
1916-1921
Stamps issued during WWI, often featuring surcharges for war orphans, used in various French Levant offices.
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
- €100–€5,000+
Common stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Rarer issues include high values, specific surcharges, errors, and stamps used on cover from less common post offices. Condition significantly impacts value.
Catalogs. French 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 French Post Turkish Empire stamps
French Post Turkish Empire stamps were issued by French post offices operating within the Ottoman Empire from 1885 to 1943. These were primarily French stamps overprinted with 'TURQUIE' or 'LEVANT' and new denominations, reflecting France's extraterritorial postal rights in the region.
The value of French Post Turkish Empire stamps varies widely. Common issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from €0.50 to €10. However, rare surcharges, high denominations, errors, and stamps from specific post offices or on cover can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros, especially in fine condition.
To identify French Post Turkish Empire stamps, look for French stamp designs with overprints like 'TURQUIE' or 'LEVANT'. The denominations will typically be in French currency (centimes, francs) or Turkish currency (piastres). For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
French Post Turkish Empire stamps are extensively cataloged in major philatelic references. You can find them listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (under French Offices in the Turkish Empire/Levant), Michel (Frankreich – Levant), and Stanley Gibbons (France – Levant).
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