World of Stamps: By Geir Sør-Reime

The popular protest against the President and the current government in Syria have been going on for more than a year, and the world’s attention has been on the Syrian people and their sufferings during these months. Similar to the revo- lutionaries in , the demonstrators in Syria have started using the 1932-58 and 1961-63 of Syria to distin- Syria 1965 2nd an- guish themselves from niversary of March 8, the current government 1963 Revolution and Syria 1948 of President Basher al- Assad regime flag also showing Assad, first introduced (Sc. 467) flag used by 1958-61, re-introduced 1980. anti-Assad m o v e m e n t The Syrian Arab Republic has an area of (Sc. 345) 71,479 square miles and a population of around 22.5 million. The country has a long and com- plicated history. The area became a Roman province in 64 BC. The city of Antioch eventually became the Syria 1932 Ancient bridge 3rd largest in the Empire and a very at Antioch (Sc. 220) important economic center. At least three Roman emperors were Syr- ians. In AD 640, Syria came under the Islamic empire, which made Damas- cus its capital soon afterwards. Syria 1932 Great In AD 750 the capital of the empire Mosque at was moved to Baghdad, and Syria’s (Sc. 218)

Issue 19 - July 6, 2012 - StampNewsOnline.net  If you enjoy this article, and are not already a subscriber, for $12 a year you can enjoy 60+ pages a month. To subscribe, email [email protected] role diminished. During the Crusades, coastal areas of Syria were briefly held by the Crusaders. In 1260, the area came under Mongol control, later replaced by Egyptian control. In 1516, the conquered Syria from the Egyptian sultanate, and the following year, also itself. Syria remained under Ottoman rule until WWI. and Britain agreed to divide the Ottoman areas and Syria and neighboring areas fell to France. British troops entered Damascus in December 1918 together with their Arab allies under Feisal, the son of the ruler of Mecca.

Syria, French Occ. 1920 (Sc. 30) Syria, French Occ. Syria, French 1921 (opt. on Arab Occ. 1919 (Sc. 5) Kingdom) (Sc. 83)

Syria, French Occ. 1923 (Sc. 55)

Feisal established an Arab government Arab Kingdom 1920 based in Damascus, (Sc. 98 and 92) on but the French and entire British were unwilling to support him. In 1920, independence was declared with Feisal as King, but the French defeated his troops and entered Damascus in July 1920.

Issue 19 - July 6, 2012 - StampNewsOnline.net  Alaouites 1926 Alaouites 1926 air (Sc. 38) post (Sc. C11) Alaouites (Ala- The French initially wite state) 1925 divided Syria into several (Sc. 1) states: the State of Alep- po, the , the State of Greater , the and Jabal . In 1924, the States of and Alaouites 1928 Damascus were united to (Sc. 46) the State of Syria, and in 1936, the Alawite Syria and Great State and Jabal Druze Lebanon 1923 were also incorporat- (Sc. 104) ed into the Republic of Syria. In 1937, the Sandjak of Al- exandrette, formerly part of the , was made an autonomous state, incorporated with (as Ha- Hatay 1939 definitive (Sc. 18)

A l e x a n d r e t t a Alexandretta 1938 (Sc. Alexandretta 1938 air 1938 (Sc. 2) 11) post (Sc. C4) tay) in 1939. Alexandrette had been a separate unit 1920-23. Latakia was the main town in the Alawite State. State of Jabal Druze was established for the Druze population. Latakia 1931 air post (Sc. C3)

Issue 19 - July 6, 2012 - StampNewsOnline.net  Syria was administered by France under a League of Na- tions mandate Syria 1924 air post 1923-1943. Syria 1929 air post, (Sc. C22) Although an Damascus Industrial independence agreement had been Exhibition (Sc. B38) reached in 1936, it was not ratified by the French. Dur- ing WWII, Syria was under the control of the French Vichy government, but Free French and British troops occupied Syria in July 1941. Although Syria proclaimed its inde- pendence then, this was not recognized until January 1, 1944. In April 1946, French and British troops were evacuated from the country.

Syria 1946 Indepen- S y r i a 1 9 4 2 Syria 1942 Indepen- dent Republic overprint United Syria dence, President Has- on fiscal stamp (Sc. (Sc. 291) sani (Sc. 284) 314)

I n F e b r u a r y 1958, Syria and Egypt united as the United Arab Repub- lic, but already in September 1961, Syria seceded from the merged state. Left, UAR 1961 3rd anniver- During the 1967 sary of UAR (Sc. 50); right, 1958 UAR war, Israeli forces Syria 1961 Syrian Arab Re- (Issue for captured the Golan public, issued after secession Syria), Es- from the UAR (Sc. 420A) t a b l i s h - Heights, an area m e n t o f of tension between the two countries since UAR (Sc. 1) Israeli independence 1948, in a 2-days cam-

Issue 19 - July 6, 2012 - StampNewsOnline.net  Syria 1974 1st anniver- sary of (Sc. 691) paign. Syrian attempts to regain the area during the 1973 war were unsuccess- ful. In 1981, Israel annexed the . Syria 1971 1st In 1971, then Minister of anniversary of Defence, Hafez al-Assad became President Pres.Assad’s of Syria. Upon his death in 2000, his son “Correctionist Bashar al-Assad became President. Movement” (Sc. The first stamps issued specifically for 599) an area now belonging to Syria, were made by the French when they in 1916 occupied the island of

Syria 2005 Rouad Rouad 1916 (Sc. 14) (Arwad) Island (Sc. Rouad 1916 (Sc. 1575) 10) Arwad (called Rouad by the French). French stamps over- printed “ILE ROUAD” (Island of Rouad) were issued there between 1916 and 1920, when the island was incorporated into the State of the . An aerial view of Arwad was shown on a 2005 stamp commemorating World Tourism Day. The first stamps then issued for larger parts of Syria were issued by the French, from November 1919 onwards. These were stamps of France and of the French post-of- fices in Turkey overprinted T.E.O. Syria, French Occ. 1919 (Territoires Ennemis Occupés (Sc. 10) – Occupied Enemy Territories) and surcharged in Egyptian currency.

Issue 19 - July 6, 2012 - StampNewsOnline.net  Syria 1920 postage due (Sc. J4) Syria, French Occ. 1921 (opt. on Arab In February 1920, the Syria, French Kingdom) (Sc. 90) overprint was changed Occ. 1920 (Sc. to O.M.F. Syrie (and 26) still surcharged in Egyptian currency). O.M.F. stands for Occupation Militaire Francaise (French Military Occupa- tion). From May 1920, the surcharge was Syria 1922 postage made in Syrian currency (centimes and due (on Arab King- piastres). dom) (Sc. J16) The Faisal-led Arab Kingdom released its first stamps also in

Syria 1976 commemo- rating stamps by Arab Kingdom (Sc. 738) Arab Kingdom 1920 on entire March 1920, being Turkish stamps handstamped “Arab Government” in , often also surcharged with new values. Later, Arab Kingdom 1920 stamps were also overprinted “Syrian Arab Government” in Arabic within a triangle. Distinctive stamps with ornate designs were released also. One of these exists with an inscription reading “Com- memoration of Syrian Independence 8 March 1920”.

Issue 19 - July 6, 2012 - StampNewsOnline.net  A f t e r t h e French entry into Damascus July 28, 1920, several of the stamps of the Arab Kingdom were also over- printed “O.M.F. Syrie”. Turkish stamps were similarly over- printed 1921. French stamps O.M.F. overprint on Arab Kingdom Sc. 88(2), 92 were also over- issues (Syria Sc. 84, 89) on registered cover to p r i n t e d a n d Switzerland. surcharged in the same manner until France was award- ed a League of Na- tions mandate over the area, effective Syria and Great Leba- from September 28, non 1923 (Sc. 117) Syria and Great 1923. Lebanon 1923 At first, French (Sc. 110) stamps overprinted “Syrie-Grand Liban” and surcharged also were issued for use in both Syria and Lebanon, but al- ready in 1924, sepa- Syria 1924 (Sc. Syria 1924 Olympic 121) Games (Sc. 166) rate stamps were is- sued for both areas. From January 1924 onwards, French stamps overprinted “SYRIE” and surcharged also were issued. In 1925, separate stamps were issued for the then three states that present-day Syria was divided into: The State of Syria, and the State of the Alawites. There was also a

Issue 19 - July 6, 2012 - StampNewsOnline.net  State of Jebel Druze, but no distinct stamps were made for this state.

Alaouites 1928 air post Alaouites 1925 postage A l a o u i t e s (Sc. C19) due (Sc. J6) 1925 (Sc. 29)

For the State of the Alawites, first French and then Syrian stamps were issued with an “ALAOUITES” overprint (also in Ar- Latakia 1931 (Sc. 5) Latakia 1931 (Sc. 22) abic) between 1925 and 1930. In 1930, this state was made a republic, the Republic of Latakia, and Syrian stamps overprinted “LAT- TAQUIE” (also in Arabic) were issued. In 1936, the Re- public of Latakia was merged with Syria, and the use of distinct stamps ceased. The first stamps inscribed “SYRIE” (Syria) and having Syrian motifs, appeared only in 1925.

Syria 1926 air post Syria 1934 air post Syria 1925 postage semi-postal for refugee (Sc. C57) due (Sc. J37) relief (Sc. CB3) Syria became a Republic under French mandate in 1930, but the establishment of the Republic was only celebrated in 1934 with a long series of pictorial stamps.

Syria 1934 Autonomous Republic, Parliament Building (Sc. 232)

Issue 19 - July 6, 2012 - StampNewsOnline.net  The independent Syrian Republic (now incorporating the Republic of the Alawites) was established 1941, after British and Free French forces had occupied the area and ousted the French Vichy government administration. The proclamation of independence was marked a series of stamps featuring President Hassani, in April 1942 (Sc. 284, see p. 4). The Free French Forces in Syria and Lebanon issued their own stamps 1942-45. The first were Syrian F r e e and Lebanese stamps over- F r e n c h printed with Lorraine crosses forces, Sc. and the text “FORCES FRAN- M1-M3 CAIS LIBRE – LEVANT” (Free French Forces in the Levant) and surcharged also. Later, pictorial stamps with the same inscription were issued. In 1943, the Syrian Republic issued a series of stamps celebrating the union of the states of Latakia and Jebel Druze with Syria. In 1946, the British and French forces left Syria, and this was celebrated with overprinted stamps. 1946 Independent 1943 United Also the first anniversary Republic overprint Syria Proclo- of the evacuation was (Sc. 314) mation (Sc. similarly celebrated, in 292) 1947. In 1955, the 9th anniversary of the evacuation was marked with a pair of pictorial stamps, as was the 10th anni- versary in 1956 Syria 1996 50th anni- and the 15th Syria 1997 51st anni- versary of evacuation anniversary in versary of evacuation of foreign troops (Sc. 1961. Stamps of foreign troops (Sc. 1354) 1391)

Issue 19 - July 6, 2012 - StampNewsOnline.net  commemorating the evacuation were then issued annually from 1962 onwards until 1982. Also in 1987 a stamp was issued Syria 2009 National to commemorate the Day evacuation, and then Syria 2005 Na- annually again from 1988 until 2001, and tional Day (Sc. again from 2003. From 2005 onwards, 1569) National Day commemoratives were issued annually replacing the evacuation day stamps. The unstable political situation of the country has been reflected in many stamps. In March 1949, a “rev- olution” overthrew the democratically elected President Left to right: Syria 1946 President el-Kouatly el-Kouatly (depict- (Sc. 319); 1949 Revolution, Col. Zayim (Sc. ed in 1948 stamps) 348); 1956 President el-Kouatly (Sc. C209) and installed Gen- eral al-Zaim as President. Both the revolution and the “election” of al-Zaim were commemorated with stamp is- sues. When el-Kouatly was re-installed in 1955, this was again marked with stamps in 1956. In 1958, Syria and Egypt united to form the (UAR), and Egyp- tian President Nasser also became President of the UAR. Separate stamps for each part of the united republic were issued, however. Some of these were in identical designs, but the two parts of the united republic contin- ued to use separate currencies. Most issues UAR 1960 2nd made for Syria were inscribed “U.A.R.” (in anniversary of UAR (Sc. 38); a few cased “R.A.U.”) only, although some see also p. 4 had the country title in English and others

Issue 19 - July 6, 2012 - StampNewsOnline.net 10 in French (Republique Arabe Unie). In 1961, Syrian military revolted and proclaimed Syrian independence again, now as the Syrian Arab Republic. The first stamps with this title appeared in November 1961. (See Sc. 420A, p. 4.) There were presidential elections in 1962, where al-Kudsi was elected Presi- dent. In 1963, the Baath Party made a new revolution and overthrew al-Kudsi, again marked with 1963 stamps. Ever since, Syr- ian Presidents have been from the Baath Party. S y r i a 1 9 6 2 The first anni- President el- versary of the Kodsi (Sc. 442) Baath Revolu- tion was marked with three 1964 stamps, as was the second anniversary Left, Syria 1965 National Rev- 1965, the third 1966, and an- olutionary Council (Sc. 477); nually onwards from 1967 (ex- right, 1968 5th anniversary of cept 1978) until 1999, and from 1963 revolution (Sc. 497) 2001 onwards. The Baath Party itself was also commemorated on sev- eral stamps, including a 1972 pair for its 25th anniversary, another single in 1987 for its 40th anniversary, and again in 1996 for its 50th anniver- sary, and in 1997 for the Left, Syria 1968 21st anniver- 50th anniversary of its revo- sary of Baath Party (Sc. 500); right, 1997 50th anniversary of lution. Baath Party (Sc. 1388) A l s o the 55th anniversary was marked with stamps, in 2002. In 1971, stamps were issued to Syria 1971 air post for commemorate the election of Hafez elections (Sc. C489) al-Assad as President. He led the

Issue 19 - July 6, 2012 - StampNewsOnline.net 11 so-called Novem- ber 16th Rev- olution, which was also com- memorated on 1971 and 1973 Syria 1973 3rd anni- stamps, and an- Syria 1975 5th an- versary of Assad’s rise niversary of Pres. to power (Sc. 668) nually from 1975, Assad’s “Correctionist 1976, 1977, 1978 Movement” (Sc. 719) 1979, 1980, 1981 Al-Assad’s re-election was commemorated on three 1978 stamps, and again in 1985 with three stamps. Stamps were also issued for his re-election 1992 and 1999. Al-Assad’s son and desig- Syria 1999 re- S y r i a 1 9 9 0 nated heir, Basel, was killed election of Pres- P r e s i d e n t in a car accident 33 years ident Assad Assad defini- old, in 1994. A single stamp (Sc. 1425) tive (Sc. 1214) was issued in memoriam. This led to his younger and less known brother, Bashar, becoming President-in-Waiting. When his father died, Bashar was installed as President in 2000, and this was commemorated with a strip of four stamps and a souvenir sheet portraying him. Stamps were also issued 2001 for the 1st anniversary of his installation. A memoriam issue for his father was also issued 2001.

S y r i a 2 0 0 1 S y r i a 1 9 9 4 , 1st anniver - death of Basel sary President Syria 2001 Pres. Hafez al- Al Assad (Sc. Bashar al-Assad Assad in memoriam (Sc. 1493) 1307) (Sc. 1487a)

Issue 19 - July 6, 2012 - StampNewsOnline.net 12 Bashar’s second term was commemorated on 2007 stamps. His portrait now adorns the definitive series of the country. In 1973, Syria made an initial successful attempt of regaining the Golan Heights Syria 2006 de- Syria 2007 re- from Israel, who had occu- finitive, Bashir election of Pres- pied them in the 1967 war, al-Assad (Sc. ident Bashar 1585) al-Assad (Sc. but Israeli forced managed 1617a) to re-conquer them and in fact moving far beyond the 1967 cease-fire lines. All the same, in 1974 Syria commemorated the first anniversary of what they label as the “October Liberation War” with two stamps. The briefly managed to re-conquer the city of Qneitra, which now lies in a UN observer zone, but in 1975, Syria issued a single stamp for its reoccupation of Qneitra. In 1983, two stamps celebrated the 9th anniversa- ry of the “liberation” and in 1985 for the 10th anniversary (in 1984). Annual issues were then made with a few excep-

Syria 1975 Re-occupa- Syria 1984 Qneitra (Sc. tion of Kuneitra (Qnei- 1028) tra) (Sc. 711) Syria 1990 16th tions un- anniversary lib- til 1991. eration of Qnei- tra (Sc. 1202) S t a m p s were also issued 1996 and 2001. In 1998, a souvenir sheet was is- sued for the 25th an- niversary of the 1973 Syria 1998 October War (Sc. 1419) war.

Issue 19 - July 6, 2012 - StampNewsOnline.net 13 Israeli post-office Majdal Shams, Golan Heights

The Druze village of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights was one of the villages of Syria that came under Israeli control after the 1967 war. Since 1981, it has been consid- ered an integral part of Israel. Prior to that, it was under Israeli occupation, but an Israeli post-office operated there, using stamps of Israel. As mentioned earlier, the most north-western part of Syria, the Sandjak of Alex- Alexandretta 1938 andretta, was Alexandretta 1938 postage due (Sc. J6) separated and death of Kemal Atatürk made an autono- (Sc. 13) mous region through a French-Turkish treaty, in 1921. In 1923, it was attached to the State of Aleppo, and from 1925, the State of Syria, though remaining autonomous. In 1938, Turkish troops entered the area, and after a new French-Turkish agreement, an assembly was called for the area, which later proclaimed the independence of it, as the Republic of Hatay. Following a referendum the following year, Hatay was united with Turkey. Stamps for the Sandjak of Alexandretta were first is-

Issue 19 - July 6, 2012 - StampNewsOnline.net 14 sued April 1938, stamps of Syria were used until then. The 1938 stamps consisted of Syrian stamps overprinted “Sandjak d’Alexandrette”. In December 1938, some of these stamps were additionally overprinted with a black border and the date November 10, 1938, in memory of Kemal Atatürk, the Turkish leader. In 1939, Turkish stamps were issued in the area over- printed “HATAY DEVLETI” (Republic of Hatay), and sur- charged also. These stamps were not recognized by the French authorities, and mail to Syria and Lebanon franked with these stamps were treated as unpaid. A pictorial issue inscribed HATAY DEV- LETI was issued June 22, 1939. Only a few days later, this series was issued with an Left, Hatay 1939 (Sc. overprint commemo- 6); right Hatay 1939 rating the incorpo- overprinted for annexa- tion to Turkey (T.C. = Turkish Republic in ration of Hatay into Turkish) (Sc. 25) Turkey. The overprint (T.C. ilhak tarihi 30-6- 1939) denotes the date of incorporation into the Turkish Republic (June 30, 1939).

Issue 19 - July 6, 2012 - StampNewsOnline.net 15 If you enjoyed this article, and are not already a subscriber, for $12 a year you can enjoy 60+ pages a month. To subscribe, email [email protected]