Greek Occupation in Turkey Stamps
The Greek Occupation of Smyrna (Izmir) refers to a brief period in Western Anatolia, a region of modern-day Turkey, following World War I. This area, part of the Ottoman Empire until its collapse, saw the establishment of a Greek administration that issued provisional stamps to facilitate local mail services.
- Issued stamps
- 1912–1914
- Region
- Middle East, Western Anatolia
- Currency
- GRD
- Languages
- Greek
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Greece
History and background
These issues primarily feature Greek language inscriptions, reflecting the temporary Hellenic control imposed by the Allied powers before the Turkish War of Independence led to the region's reintegration into the Republic of Turkey. The stamps serve as significant artifacts of a volatile geopolitical transition in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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.
- ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ ΣΜΥΡΝΗΣ
- ΣΜΥΡΝΗ
How to identify them
- Look for Greek stamps (often Hermes Head issues) with overprints in Greek text, typically indicating 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ ΣΜΥΡΝΗΣ' (Hellenic Administration of Smyrna) or similar.
- Pay attention to the specific type of overprint, the color, and the value of the surcharge, as these are crucial for identification and valuation.
- Examine postmarks for 'ΣΜΥΡΝΗ' (Smyrna) or other local towns under Greek administration.
Popular series
-
Smyrna Provisional Issues
1919-1922
Overprinted stamps of Greece used during the Greek administration of Smyrna, featuring various surcharges and inscriptions.
-
Occupation of Western Thrace Issues
1919-1920
Though distinct, these issues share a similar historical context of Greek military administration and provisional stamp usage in territories formerly part of the Ottoman Empire.
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, surcharge, condition, and rarity of the base stamp. Unused stamps and those with rare overprint varieties command higher prices.
Catalogs. Greek Occupation in Turkey 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 Greek Occupation in Turkey stamps
Greek Occupation in Turkey stamps refer to provisional postage stamps issued by the Greek administration in the region of Smyrna (modern-day Izmir) and surrounding areas in Western Anatolia following World War I. These were primarily Greek stamps overprinted with inscriptions in Greek to signify their use under the temporary Hellenic control.
Yes, many Greek Occupation in Turkey stamps can be valuable, especially rare overprints, specific surcharge varieties, and stamps in fine condition. Their historical significance and limited issuance contribute to their philatelic demand. Common issues might be affordable, but rare examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros.
To identify Greek Occupation in Turkey stamps, look for Greek base stamps (often the 'Hermes Head' series) bearing overprints in Greek text, typically indicating 'Hellenic Administration of Smyrna' or similar. Pay close attention to the details of the overprint, including its wording, color, and any surcharges. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Greek Occupation in Turkey stamps are well-documented in major international philatelic catalogs. You can find them listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, Michel Katalog, and Stanley Gibbons Stamp Catalogue, usually under Greece or a specific section for occupation issues.
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