Ottoman Empire Stamps used in Mesopotamia (Iraq)

Iraq · 1863 ·

This entry refers to the earliest postal services in the region that would become modern Iraq. Around 1863, the Ottoman Empire operated post offices in major cities like Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul, using contemporary Turkish stamps. These stamps were not specific to Iraq but represent the first government-issued postage used in the area.

Prior to the establishment of Iraq as a nation, the territory was part of the Ottoman Empire. The use of Turkish stamps marks the beginning of organized postal history in the region, preceding the British Indian post offices and the later British Mandate issues for Mesopotamia.