Postage stamps and postal history of Hatay

File:Stamp Alexandretta 4pi.jpg

France overprinted Syrian postage stamps and issued them in 1938; this 4-piastre value was used sometime in 1939.

This is a survey of the postage stamps and postal history of Hatay State.

Background

After the First World War the Sanjak of Alexandretta became part of the French Mandate of Syria, under a special statute, but Turkey demanded its return as the area was ethnically divided between Turks, Sunni Arabs, and large numbers of Alawites. In July 1939, much to the resentment of the Syrians, France ceded the Sanjak of Alexandretta to Turkey, largely to secure Turkey's friendship in the upcoming European conflict. Since then Syria has continued to claim the region. There was a public vote a plebiscite held, and the people of Alexandretta wanted to join free state of Turkey instead of joining a French mandated Syria.

Postage stamps

Syrian overprinted stamps were used. ref: Yvert & Tellier catalogue and others.

Sources

• Stanley Gibbons Ltd: various catalogues
• Encyclopaedia of Postal Authorities
• Rossiter, Stuart & John Flower. The Stamp Atlas. London: Macdonald, 1986. ISBN 0-356-10862-7