Greece Occupation of Smyrna, Overprinted Stamp

Greece · 1919 · 5 Lepta

This stamp is a Greek definitive from the 1911-1921 series, featuring the coat of arms of Greece. It was overprinted in black with 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΚΑΤΟΧΗ ΣΜΥΡΝΗΣ' (Greek Occupation of Smyrna) for use in the city following its occupation by Greek forces after World War I.

Issued during the Greek occupation of Smyrna (modern-day İzmir) from 1919 to 1922, a key event in the Greco-Turkish War that followed the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire.