International Philately
Featuring Research Volunteer Contributions

Syria

Stamps issued: 1961-PRESENT
Joined with Egypt to form United Arab Republic, 1958-1961

refer to caption
50p Carpet Industry single

A republic in western Asia, bordering on the Mediterranean Sea. Under Turkish control after 1516, Syria was occupied by the Allies late in World War I. British and French forces occupied the coastal areas, while the interior was taken by an Arab army, led by T.E. Lawrence ("Lawrence of Arabia") and Faisal, son of King Hussein of the Hejaz. Lawrence and Faisal established an independent government, which claimed authority over Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and Iraq, as well as Syria. This regime was recognized by a Syrian congress, but France soon overthrew the government and occupied the country. During its brief existence in 1919-20, the Syrian Arab Government issued over 100 stamps, mostly overprints on Turkish issues. Faisal was compensated by being made king of Iraq, which his family ruled until 1958.

In 1922, France assumed formal control of Syria under a League of Nations mandate. In 1941, a republican government was established, and the country became independent, although French troops remained until 1946. Syria was united with Egypt during 1958-61. Since 1963, it has been ruled by the Baathist party, a socialist, pan-Arab group. Hafez al-Hassad assumed power in a 1970 coup and has since ruthlessly repressed all political opposition. Syria has participated in each of the four Arab-Israeli wars since 1948. After the 1967 war, the Golan Heights, a strategic position commanding the plains of northern Israel, was lost to the Israelis. In 1973 additional territory was lost, but it was returned in a U.S.-brokered settlement in 1974. Syrian forces entered Lebanon in 1976 as part of an Arab peacekeeping force, and since the 1980s Syria has dominated that country. In 1991 Syria was the first Arab state to condemn the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and sent troops to help defend Saudi Arabia. Hopes for a permanent peace settlement between Syria and Israel rose in the general atmosphere of good feeling after Iraq's defeat the following year but soon foundered.

Narrative by Linn's Stamp News

Precedent Countries:

AUTONOMOUS REPUBLIC
Stamps issued: 1934-1958

refer to caption
5p Evacuation of Port Said by British and French Troops single
 

FRENCH MANDATE
Stamps issued: 1922-1934

refer to caption
2p View of Alexandretta single
 

LATAKIA
Stamps issued: 1930-1933

refer to caption
Overprint on 1p stamp of Syria single

This area, originally called Alaouites, was a district of western Syria under French mandate. Its stamps were replaced by those of Syria in 1937, after its merger with Syria in December 1936.

Narrative by Linn's Stamp News

 

ALAOUITES
Stamps issued: 1924-1930

refer to caption
Overprint on 50c Stamp of Syria single

A district of Syria, bordering on the Mediterranean Sea. Alaouites was a Turkish territory until 1918, when it was occupied by the French. During 1920-41, it was ruled by France under mandate from the League of Nations. In 1930, the name of the province was changed to Latakia, and stamps so inscribed came into use. In 1941, Latakia was annexed by Syria, and its issues were replaced by Syrian stamps.

Narrative by Linn's Stamp News

 

ILE ROUAD
Stamps issued: 1916
Prior to 1918 see Turkey

refer to caption
1pi surcharge and overprint on 25c stamp of French Offices in the Levant single

An island in the Mediterranean, off the coast of Latakia. Ile Rouad was occupied by the French from Turkey in 1916, after which stamps of the French offices in Levant were overprinted "Ile Rouad." The area was attached to Syria in 1920.

Narrative by Linn's Stamp News

International Philately

Related Content

postcards with heART