Turkey 1863 Tughra Issue

Turkey · 1863 · 20 Para

This stamp features the Tughra of Sultan Abdülaziz, an intricate calligraphic monogram that served as his official signature and the state emblem of the Ottoman Empire. The design is framed by a crescent moon, a prominent symbol of the empire, with the denomination inscribed below in Ottoman Turkish script. This was the first postage stamp issued by the Ottoman Empire.

Issued during the Tanzimat reform era, these stamps marked the Ottoman Empire's entry into the modern postal system, facilitating standardized communication across its vast territories. The Tughra design reinforced the Sultan's authority during a period of significant political and social change.