Early Stamps of the Middle East Part 2: Syria and Cilicia

Join Allan Smith in the second part of his detailed exploration, "The Breakup of the Ottoman Empire: Consequences for Middle East Stamps." Continuing from where he left off with the regions under French influence he specifically focuses on Syria and Cilicia in this installment
The first half of the video provides a concise historical review of Syria setting the stage for understanding the stamps issued in these regions. Allan covers the aftermath of the Sykes-Picot Agreement and the Treaty of Sevres, which significantly impacted the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. He highlights the changes in borders and the establishment of new political entities, brought to life with his expert cartography skills.
At the 4:15 mark, Allan transitions to showcasing the fascinating stamps of Syria, beginning with the iconic Syrian stamp featuring the ruins of Palmyre. He discusses the evolution of inscriptions on the stamps, from Arabic and French in the 1920s and 30s to Arabic and English in later issues. Allan also demonstrates how to distinguish genuine stamps from forgeries, using a 1921 cover as an example. He further highlights notable stamps, such as the 1926 airplane overprints and the 1937 citadel of Aleppo stamp.
The second half of the presentation shifts to Cilicia, where Allan provides a brief historical overview and presents a detailed slide on the various types of Cilician stamps. He showcases a plethora of stamp varieties and offers valuable tips on identifying forged overprints. This section is enriched with examples that illustrate the diversity and historical significance of Cilician philately.
From 1916 to 1938, the Middle East underwent dramatic changes due to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent influence of colonial powers. The stamps from Syria and Cilicia during this period offer a glimpse into the region's complex history and the shifts in power and governance. Allan’s meticulous review provides viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the context in which these stamps were issued, making this presentation indispensable for anyone passionate about Middle Eastern history and philately.

[@pinkgirl1x]

This series is great! Please continue so much to learn!😊

[@iscny]

Thank you for your continued support! 😊 We're delighted you're enjoying the series and finding it informative. Allan has more episodes planned, so there's plenty more to learn. Stay tuned and happy collecting!

[@markhoerner2354]

Thank you for the detailed information for collectors. I find myself searching/buying many of the stamps/countries featured in your posts. The background and history of stamps is what makes the hobby endlessly interesting. Keep up the good work!

[@iscny]

We’re so glad you found our channel and are enjoying the presentations! You're in good company-many of us are finding a new appreciation and desire to collect these stamps after watching the presentations. Stay tuned for Parts 3 and 4 of Allan’s series on early Middle East stamps - they are coming soon! In the meantime, we wish you the best of luck in your hunt for stamps and in the joy of collecting.

[@alioruc910]

Another great video. Mr. Allan's information is fascinating.Thank you so much for sharing. Best regards from Istanbul.

[@iscny]

It’s wonderful to hear that you’re enjoying Allan’s presentations, @alioruc910! We appreciate your support and enthusiasm. Stay tuned for more fascinating content in this series. Thank you for being a valued fellow collector!

[@jeffnewbery7376]

Yes, I echo the previous comment. This was an excellent two episode series. I love the history, very well done.

[@iscny]

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted you are enjoying this series. Allan has more episodes in the works, so keep your eyes peeled for future installments. Stay tuned and happy collecting!