Leander's Tower (Kız Kulesi) - 1/4 anna

The theme of this issue centers on historical legend and architectural beauty, showcasing Leander's Tower (Maiden's Tower) set against the Bosphorus skyline. The illustration carries a message of cultural romanticism and defensive history, reflecting the Ottoman Empire's pride in its iconic landmarks and imperial capital. However, the subsequent "IRAQ" and "IN BRITISH OCCUPATION" overprints transform the object into a witness of geopolitical upheaval. In the context of early 20th-century Iraq, this stamp reflects the pragmatic military necessity of using captured postal stocks; the British administration utilized these symbols of Turkish sovereignty to maintain essential communications, thereby creating a hybrid artifact that documents the collapse of one empire and the expansion of another over Mesopotamian territory.