Iraq, British Occupation of Mesopotamia, Overprinted Turkish Stamp

Iraq · 1918 · 1 Anna on 10 Paras

This stamp is a Turkish fiscal or postage stamp overprinted in black with 'IRAQ' and 'IN BRITISH OCCUPATION'. The new value, '1 Anna', is also overprinted, surcharging the original Turkish denomination. This issue marks the initial postal administration under British control in the region.

Issued during World War I, these stamps represent the British occupation of Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) after capturing Baghdad from the Ottoman Empire in 1917. They were a provisional measure, using existing Turkish stamps until dedicated Iraqi issues could be produced.