Austrian Post Turkish Empire postage stamp year 1896 10 Piaster Mint never hinged (**)
Overview of Austrian Postage Stamps in the Turkish (Ottoman) Empire
From the mid-18th century until the outbreak of World War I, Austria maintained an extensive network of post offices within the Ottoman Empire. These Austrian post offices operated independently due to the unreliable Ottoman postal system and served both official and commercial correspondence. The postal network grew to include up to 65 locations across the Balkans and eastern Mediterranean, with the first office established in Galata (near Istanbul) in 1748. The last Austrian post offices in the region closed on September 30, 1914.
Stamp Issues and Currency Changes
Early Usage (Pre-1867):
- Before the introduction of dedicated stamps, Austrian post offices in the Ottoman Empire used regular Austrian or Lombardy-Venetia stamps, distinguishable only by their cancellations2.
1867–1883: Soldi Denominations
- In 1867, Austria began issuing stamps specifically for its Ottoman offices. These stamps were visually identical to contemporary Austrian stamps but denominated in soldi (2 to 50 soldi), a currency then used in Austria.
- These stamps often featured the portrait of Emperor Franz Joseph or the Austrian coat of arms.
1886–1907: Paras and Piasters
- In 1886, to align with local practice and other foreign post offices, Austria switched to Turkish currency: paras and piasters. This was initially achieved by surcharging existing Austrian stamps with new values in Turkish currency.
- For example, the 1891 issue involved overprinting Austrian kreuzer-denominated stamps with values such as “2 PARA” on a 20 kreuzer stamp.
- Later, stamps were printed directly with values in paras and piasters, ranging from 10 paras to 20 piasters.
1908–1914: Jubilee and Final Issues
- The final series, including the Jubilee issue (1908–1914), featured stamps with values directly inscribed in paras and piasters, continuing the use of Austrian imperial imagery and design elements.
- These stamps were used up until the closure of the Austrian post offices in the Ottoman Empire at the start of World War I.
Austrian post offices in the Ottoman Empire produced a fascinating and varied series of postage stamps from 1867 to 1914. These stamps reflect both the political realities of the time and the practical needs of international commerce. Their designs, overprints, and currency changes make them a rich field for collectors and historians alike
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