Ottoman Empire – Obelisk of Theodosius

This stamp is a primary example of late Ottoman iconography, issued as part of a significant series that moved away from purely calligraphic designs toward topographical and architectural views of the capital, Constantinople.The central illustration features the Obelisk of Theodosius (Dikilitaş) at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, a monument that symbolizes the empire’s role as the successor to Roman and Byzantine power. Surrounding the obelisk is the tughra (royal monogram) of Sultan Mehmed V and the star-and-crescent emblem, reinforcing the sovereign's religious and political authority. The intricate geometric borders draw from Islamic tile-work patterns, blending the ancient history of the city with the contemporary institutional identity of the "Postes Ottomanes." This issue highlights the Ottoman Empire’s effort to modernize its postal image while celebrating its deep historical roots in Istanbul.