German Post Turkish Empire Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About German Post Offices in the Turkish Empire Stamps
The German Post in the Turkish Empire operated across the Middle East and Southeast Europe, primarily within the Ottoman territories. This postal service was established under the auspices of the German Empire to facilitate communication for its diplomatic missions, commercial interests, and expatriate communities. Stamps issued by this service typically bear German inscriptions, often alongside Turkish denominations, reflecting the dual administrative and linguistic environment. The service's existence was largely confined to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ceasing operations with the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire following World War I.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Middle East
- Subregion:
- Levant and Ottoman territories
- Issuing period:
- 1884 – 1908
- Languages:
- German, Turkish
- Currency:
- TRL
- Parent issuer:
- German Empire
Stamp Catalogs
German Post Offices in the Turkish Empire stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular German Post Offices in the Turkish Empire Stamp Series
Yacht Issue (Hohenzollern) (1900-1905)
Stamps featuring the imperial yacht 'Hohenzollern', overprinted with 'Türkei' and denominations in Turkish currency.
Germania Issue (1905-1908)
Stamps depicting the allegorical figure Germania, overprinted with 'Türkei' and Turkish currency values.
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German Post Offices in the Turkish Empire Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on condition, specific overprint, and denomination. Higher values are often found for rare errors, specific cancellations, or high-denomination stamps.
How to Identify German Post Offices in the Turkish Empire Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying German Post Offices in the Turkish Empire stamps:
- 1 Look for German stamps (often Germania or Yacht designs) with overprints of 'Türkei' and denominations in Turkish currency (e.g., 'Piaster', 'Para').
- 2 Check for cancellations from specific German post offices within the Ottoman Empire (e.g., Constantinople, Smyrna, Beirut, Jerusalem).
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Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are German Post Turkish Empire stamps?
German Post Turkish Empire stamps are issues used by German post offices operating within the Ottoman Empire from 1884 to 1908. These were primarily German stamps overprinted with 'Türkei' and local Turkish currency denominations to facilitate postal services for German diplomatic, commercial, and expatriate communities.
Are German Post Turkish Empire stamps valuable?
The value of German Post Turkish Empire stamps varies. Common issues can be found for a few euros, while rare errors, specific overprints, high denominations, or stamps with desirable cancellations can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Condition is a major factor in determining value.
How can I identify German Post Turkish Empire stamps?
You can identify German Post Turkish Empire stamps by looking for German stamp designs (like the Germania or Yacht issues) that bear an overprint of 'Türkei' and local Turkish currency values. Many also have cancellations from specific German post offices in cities like Constantinople or Smyrna. For precise identification and valuation, consider using a stamp identifier app.
Which catalogs list German Post Turkish Empire stamps?
German Post Turkish Empire stamps are extensively listed in major stamp catalogs. You can find them in Scott (under German Offices in Turkey), Michel (under Deutsche Post in der Türkei), and Stanley Gibbons (under German Post Offices Abroad).
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