French Post Offices in the Ottoman Empire (1885 – 1923)

The French established their first post office in the Ottoman Empire in 1885, marking the beginning of a significant era in postal history.

This post office was located in the city of Constantinople, which is now known as Istanbul.

The French post offices in the Ottoman Empire were initially established to facilitate trade and commerce between the two countries, as well as to promote French culture and influence.

These post offices were a key part of France's efforts to expand its colonial empire and spread its language and customs throughout the region.

The French post offices in the Ottoman Empire were known for their efficiency and reliability, with mail being delivered quickly and securely.

In fact, the French postal system in the Ottoman Empire was so well-organized that it even introduced a new system of postage stamps, which featured images of Ottoman landmarks and French monarchs.

On a similar theme: Mr. Louis Dejoy Chief Executive Officer Post Offices

The French had a significant presence in the Ottoman Empire, with post offices operating in various cities between 1812 and 1923. They were one of nine countries that had negotiated "Capitulations" with the Ottomans, which granted them extra-territorial rights in exchange for trade opportunities.

The French post offices used postage stamps of France, denominated in centimes and francs, but these were not compatible with the local piasters. To address this issue, some French stamps were surcharged in piasters, starting in 1885, at a rate of four piasters to the franc.

The Merson series was introduced in 1902, featuring the inscription "LEVANT" on some stamps, and higher values were surcharged in piasters. This was a significant change, as it allowed for more flexibility in the postal system.

The French also issued their own stamps between 1893 and 1903, with four post offices issuing their own unique stamps: Cavalle (present-day Kavala), Dedeagh (Dedeagatch, present-day Alexandroupoli), Port Lagos, and Vathy (Samos).

Here's a list of some of the cities where French post offices were located:

The French postal system was known for being "quick and safe, though frequently altered", according to Porter. This was due in part to the use of French Levant stamps, which were introduced in 1902.

The French operated a number of post offices in the Ottoman Empire, often in conjunction with local French consulates. In Palestine, three offices were opened: Jaffa in 1852, Jerusalem in 1890, and Haifa in 1906.

The stamps used by the French post offices in the Ottoman Empire were regular French ones, after 1885, stamps were overprinted in Turkish currency. From 1902, French Levant stamps were also used.

French mail-steamers, known as the Messagerie Imperiale, operated by the Compagnie des Services Maritimes des Messageries Nationales, departed every fortnight from the coast of Syria to Alexandria and Constantinople.

The only doubly taxed cover of the forerunner period seen so far was mailed from New York in February 1914. Upon arrival at the French P.O. in Jerusalem, one 10 and one 20 centimes P.D. stamps were affixed on March 6.

A second attempt to recover the charges was made in New York as evidenced by the duplex "Due 6 cents" of April 4, 1914.

The French post offices in the Ottoman Empire issued a range of stamps, including the 1886 "1 PIASTRE" overprinted value in red ink, which is a key indicator of the earliest stamps used in these offices.

These stamps were overprinted or inscribed issues of the Republic of France, specifically the Type Sage Peace and Commerce issues. The Type Sage stamps of the Ottoman Empire come in two types, both featuring the inscription "LA SAGE INV" in the bottom bar.

Type I stamps have "INV" printed under the "B" of "REPUBLIQUE", while Type II stamps have "INV" written under the "U" of the "REPUBLIQUE". The 1902 and 1903 "LEVANT" inscribed issues are standard Type Blanc, Type Mouchon, and Type Merson postage stamps.

The denominations of this set may be in centimes, francs, or piastres, and are often marked with the name of the city, such as Beyrouth or Tripolis. The stamps were used in various postcards and covers, including a 1902 postcard from Beyrouth to Thiais and a 1905 cover from Beirut to Mahala Austria.

The stamps used by French post offices in the Ottoman Empire were overprinted or inscribed issues of the Republic of France.

These stamps can be identified by a surcharge in paras and piastres, done in black, except for the 1886 "1 PIASTRE" overprinted value in red ink.

The Type Sage stamps of the Ottoman Empire have the inscription "LA SAGE INV" in the bottom bar, and can be further identified as either Type I or Type II based on the placement of "INV" under the "B" or "U" of "REPUBLIQUE".

The earliest stamps used in French post offices in the Turkish Empire were Type Sage Peace and Commerce issues, identified by a surcharge in paras and piastres, done in black, except for the 1886 “1 PIASTRE” overprinted value in red ink.

These stamps are a great find, and if you're lucky, you might have one in your collection.

Type Sage stamps of the Ottoman Empire come in two types, both with the inscription “LA SAGE INV” in the bottom bar. The main difference between Type I and Type II is the position of the “INV” inscription.

To determine which type you have, look closely at the “REPUBLIQUE” inscription. If the “INV” is printed under the “B,” it's a Type I. If it's written under the “U,” it's a Type II.

The 1902 and 1903 “LEVANT” inscribed issues are standard Type Blanc, Type Mouchon, and Type Merson postage stamps. They feature the name of the city on the top or bottom tablet.

These stamps are relatively common, so they might not be as valuable as some of the other stamps in your collection.

If you're not sure what you're looking at, start by checking the object's size and shape. A small, intricately carved figurine is likely to be a miniature sculpture, while a large, heavy vase is probably a ceramics piece.

Measurements can be deceiving, but knowing the object's weight can give you a clue about its material and potential value. For example, a bronze statue can weigh significantly more than a similar-sized sculpture made from a lighter material.

Look for any labels or signatures on the object, as these can indicate the artist's name or the object's provenance. A signature can greatly impact the object's value, especially if it's a rare or highly sought-after piece.

Check the object's surface for any signs of wear or damage, as these can affect its condition and value. A minor scratch or chip might not be a deal-breaker, but a significant crack or break can significantly decrease the object's worth.

Examine the object's color, texture, and pattern to determine its material and potential age. For example, a vase with a distinctive glaze or a painting with a specific brushstroke style can give you clues about its origins and value.

Compare the object to similar pieces you've seen before to get a sense of its rarity and potential value. If you've seen a similar item sell for a high price, it could be a good indicator of the object's worth.

French post offices in the Ottoman Empire operated between 1812 and 1923, with the system coming to an end with the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923.

The post office used postage stamps of France, but these were denominated in centimes and francs instead of the local piasters. This led to the surcharging of some French stamps in piasters, starting in 1885, at a rate of four piasters to the franc.

The Merson series was issued with the inscription "LEVANT", both as centime/franc, and with higher values surcharged in piasters, starting in 1902. This series was a significant development in the French post office's operations in the Ottoman Empire.

Four post offices also issued their own stamps between 1893 and 1903: Cavalle (present-day Kavala), Dedeagh (Dedeagatch, present-day Alexandroupoli), Port Lagos, and Vathy (Samos).

Some notable post offices in the Ottoman Empire include: