DOHA: The first Arab philatelic exhibition that opened at Villagio Mall on Thursday unravels the 19th century socio-political milieu of these nations.
The four-day event has showcased the stamps and currencies of 17 Arab nations.
The collections from Kuwait dates back to the early last century when it used the Indian stamps after the country faced shortage of stamps under the Second World War.
After break out of the World War in 1939, letters were used to be censored at postal stations. Such covers carried a censor sealing tape on side and censor marking. The samples of these rare covers were on display at the exhibition.
UAE's collections include a cover sent from Dubai to the then Anglo-Iranian Oil Company in Abadan.
Syria has showcased its ancient stamps bearing the different ornaments and scroll-work. Its collections include the 1890's printings, postal cards and the stamps released to mark the country's 'Cotton Festival'.
Iraq's collection is predominantly the stamps released during its former president Saddam Hussain's period.
The exhibition is also marked by the display of combined stamps released by the League of Arab states. They include the 'Palestine Day' stamp (1961), 'Arab solidarity for Palestine Defence'(1976) and 'United Arab Republic'.
Tunisia's love for its flora and fauna and the country's cultural heritage are evident from its collections. The stamps issued in different years depict its different flowers, birds and animals, ancient sites and monuments and Tunisia's handicraft products.
Bahrain's collections are marked by its 'Save Ozone Layer' and 'Day of Arab Women' stamps. Its exhibits also include the stamp released to mark the 'International Day against Drugs', 'World Cup 2002' and the country's 'National Day'.
Bahrain has one of its oldest postal cover dating back to January 15, 1902 on display. This is the earliest recorded issue of the "One Anna" 'Horseshoe postage Due cachet'.
It has also showcased a registered letter sent from the Director, Customs and Port to Sussex, England, on October 19, 1932. The letter has Indian rupees endorsed on the back and does show signs of having had a sizeable and heavy content.
The postal document related to a parcel being sent from Bahrain to Doha in 1968 has also been exhibited at the show.
Jordan has its collection of rare stamp that was released in 1927.
The host country Qatar's exhibits include the QR60,000 worth rare circle stamps, released way back in 1966. The stamps of Qatar are unique because of their quality and subjects.
An estimated $7m worth stamps have been exhibited at the show. Postal corporations and philatelic societies, representing seventeen countries of the region are participating in the event.
The exhibition was formally opened by Ali M Al Ali, Chairman and Chief Executive of Q-Post.
© The Peninsula 2008
