2016-12-23 Fri

The 21st century Syria is a devastated war zone! Because of this never-ending and bloody battle, million refugees have fled the country. But in 1921, Syria was on the receiving end of a refugee influx.

The 20th century Syria witnessed a different time. In 1915, the Ottoman Empire began systematically murdering its Armenian population. By the time the empire collapsed, an estimated 1.5 million Armenians had perished. About 500,000 refugees escaped death by fleeing to other countries. Of those, about 95,000 fled to Syria, many to the province of Kilis.

The continuous flow of the refugees exhausted the available supply of regular postage stamps. Hence, in the year of 1921, a non-denominated 1-piaster provisional issue was produced.

This hand stamped piece comes with gauge 9 sewing-machine perforations and is quite difficult to find. Though his is not a particularly attractive stamp, it has almost a century-long history hidden in it.

Philatelic lovers: this stamp would make an excellent purchase.