Hatay Stamps
Hatay, historically known as the Sanjak of Alexandretta, is a region in the northern Levant, geographically situated in the Eastern Mediterranean bordering modern-day Turkey and Syria. Its postal history is complex, reflecting its unique status under the French Mandate for Syria and Lebanon, which administered the territory until its incorporation into Turkey in 1939.
- Issued stamps
- 1939–1939
- Region
- Middle East, Levant
- Currency
- TRY
- Languages
- French, Arabic, Turkish
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Turkey
About Hatay stamps
Stamps issued during its period as an autonomous state or under French administration typically featured French and sometimes Arabic inscriptions alongside local denominations. The transition to full Turkish sovereignty resulted in a definitive shift in postal administration, language, and currency to the Turkish system.
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.
- HATAY
How to identify Hatay stamps
- Look for 'HATAY' inscriptions, often in both Latin and Arabic scripts.
- Many stamps are overprints on Turkish issues, so identifying the underlying Turkish stamp is key.
- Check for French text alongside Arabic or Turkish, especially on earlier issues or those reflecting the French Mandate influence.
Popular series
-
Definitives of 1939
1939
The primary and only definitive series issued by Hatay, often overprinted on Turkish stamps or featuring local designs.
-
Overprints on Turkish Stamps
1939
Turkish stamps overprinted with 'HATAY' and new denominations, reflecting the transition period.
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–€10
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
The value of Hatay stamps can vary significantly based on condition, specific overprints, and whether they are part of a complete set. Errors or rare varieties can command higher prices.
Catalogs. Hatay 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 Hatay stamps
Hatay stamps were issued by the short-lived State of Hatay (formerly the Sanjak of Alexandretta) in 1939, during its transition from French Mandate administration to incorporation into Turkey. They reflect a unique philatelic period with overprints on Turkish stamps and some local designs.
The value of Hatay stamps varies. Common issues can be found for a few euros, while complete sets, specific overprint varieties, or stamps in pristine condition can fetch significantly higher prices, sometimes hundreds of euros. Rarity and demand play a crucial role.
To identify Hatay stamps, look for the 'HATAY' inscription, often in Latin and sometimes Arabic script. Many are overprints on Turkish stamps. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Hatay stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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