Turkey Stamps
Turkey, spanning Western Asia and Southeastern Europe, possesses a rich postal history rooted in the Ottoman Empire, which transitioned into the modern Republic of Turkey in 1923. Stamps primarily feature the Turkish language, utilizing the Latin script adopted during Atatürk's reforms, though earlier issues bore Ottoman Turkish script.
- Issued stamps
- 1863–present
- Region
- Middle East, Western Asia and Southeastern Europe
- Currency
- TRY
- Languages
- Turkish, Ottoman Turkish
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Turkey stamps
The country is a founding member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and its postal administration, PTT, reflects its strategic geopolitical position bridging Europe and Asia. Stamp issues document significant national milestones, including the establishment of the Republic and subsequent political and cultural developments.
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.
- TÜRKIYE
- TURKIYE
- TÜRKIYE CUMHURIYETI
How to identify Turkey stamps
- Look for the crescent and star emblem, a prominent national symbol.
- Early issues (pre-1928) feature Ottoman Turkish script; later issues use the Latin alphabet.
- Many stamps depict Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.
Popular series
-
Tughra Issues
1863-1888
Early Ottoman Empire stamps featuring the Sultan's calligraphic signature (tughra), often with intricate designs.
-
Republic Issues (Early)
1923-1930s
Stamps marking the establishment of the Republic, often depicting Atatürk, national symbols, and modernizing reforms.
-
Definitives of the Turkish Republic
Ongoing
Long-running series featuring national landmarks, cultural heritage, and prominent figures.
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
- €0.10–€5
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€5,000+
Early Ottoman issues, especially those with rare cancellations or errors, can be highly valuable. Later Republic issues are generally affordable, with specific commemorative sets or errors commanding higher prices.
Catalogs. 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 Turkey stamps
Turkey stamps are postage stamps issued by the postal administration of Turkey, PTT (Posta ve Telgraf Teşkilatı). They document the nation's rich history, from the Ottoman Empire to the modern Republic, featuring significant events, leaders, and cultural heritage.
The value of Turkey stamps varies widely. Early Ottoman Empire issues, especially those in good condition, with rare cancellations, or featuring errors, can be quite valuable, ranging from hundreds to thousands of Euros. More common modern issues are generally affordable, typically valued between €0.10 and €5, though specific commemorative sets or varieties can fetch higher prices.
To identify Turkey stamps, look for the country's name (Türkiye or Posta) and national symbols like the crescent and star. Early issues will feature Ottoman Turkish script, while later stamps (post-1928) use the Latin alphabet. Many stamps also depict Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Turkey stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values, essential for collectors.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.