Popyrus | Heritage
 |
| Stamps |
Tiny bits of paper formerly started their
journey around the world in the peaceful nooks of villages and the busy centers
of cities. These were not your typical newspaper; they had art, history, and storytelling.
Postage stamps were what they were. Postage stamps are a gateway to a world
beyond our own, showcasing the beauty of birds, kings, and ancient customs.
Each stamp is an artistic canvas, featuring national heroes, seasonal colors,
or cultural echoes. From the first "Penny Black" of Britain to the
current designs, they have celebrated peace, battles, and commemorated
historical events like royal weddings and moon landings.
Ø Know more about the 10 Most Expensive Postage Stamps in the World
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| Penny Black |
The Birth of the Stamp:
Postal stamps have revolutionized letter
delivery since the 1840s. Prior to this, mail was often fanned and postage
payments were confirmed using ink and hand-stamps. In 1840, the UK introduced
the first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black, to reform the chaotic postal
system in Great Britain and Ireland. Postage stamps were adopted in Switzerland
and Brazil within three years, followed by the United States a little later. By
1860, they were used in ninety countries worldwide. There was no country name
on the earliest postage stamps since they were not required to display the
issuing nation.
Khedive Ismail stamp
Stamps are printed on custom-made paper,
usually rectangular, with a back glazed with adhesive gum or self-adhesive.
They include the name of the issuing nation (except for the United Kingdom), a
denomination, and often depict people, events, institutions, or natural
realities symbolizing the nation's traditions and values. When Khedive Ismail
returned from his voyage to Europe, he learned about the post office and the
significance of postage stamps. It was under his reign that Egypt first became
familiar with postage stamps. He started making plans for them as soon as he
got back to Egypt.
Pharaonic stamp
The First Egyptian Stamps:
In
1866, Egypt saw the introduction of its first postal stamp. Since then, the
postage stamp—which was made of cotton or linen—has grown in importance as a
means for recording significant historical occurrences. The first seven standard stamps with Ottoman inscriptions were released for the Tamgai Post
Office at the beginning of January 1866. Postage stamps were first Egyptianized
in 1867 when they were printed in Egypt at the Abnasonb stone press in
Alexandria, following their printing in Genoa, Italy. The third edition was
then published by the Amiriya press in Bulaq in 1872. Since the Egyptian
postage stamp initially appeared and continued to do so for more than 150
years, hundreds of events have been documented since the Pharaonic era, marking
the beginning of Egypt's 5,000-year history.
Ø If you still have a stamp, send us a
picture of it.
