Brief Postal History of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a country in the South Caucasus region, bordered by Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, and the Caspian Sea. It is known as the "Land of Fire" because of its natural gas flames that burn from the ground.

Azerbaijan’s postal history is full of change! In the 19th century, it was part of the Russian Empire, so its stamps showed "Российская Империя" (Russian Empire). After gaining independence in 1918, it issued its first stamps with "Azərbaycan Cümhuriyyəti" (Azerbaijan Republic). However, in 1920, Azerbaijan became part of the Soviet Union, and its stamps displayed "СССР" (USSR). When Azerbaijan regained independence in 1991, it once again printed stamps with "Azərbaycan."

Stamps Through the Years

  • 1858: Russian Empire stamps used in Azerbaijan.
  • 1919: Azerbaijan issues its first national stamps with "Azərbaycan Cümhuriyyəti." (Azerbaijan Democratic Republic).
  • 1920: Azerbaijan joins the Soviet Union and became the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic (ASSR); Soviet stamps replace national ones.
  • 1921: The first Soviet stamps overprinted with "Azerbaycan" are issued for local use.
  • 1991: Azerbaijan regains independence and issues its first modern stamps with "Azərbaycan" (Republic of Azerbaijan).
  • 1992: The first post-independence definitive stamp series is released, featuring national symbols.

Did You Know?

  • Some early Soviet stamps used in Azerbaijan were overprinted with "Azerbaycan" instead of printing new designs.
  • Some Azerbaijani stamps feature Gobustan rock carvings, which are over 12,000 years old!

A selection of Azerbaijan stamps.

Azerbaijan

Issued 1993: Flowers – 25 qopik, Eichler's tulip (Tulipa eichleri).

Azerbaijan

Issued 1993: Flowers – 50 qopik, Striped Squill (Pushkinia scilloides).

Azerbaijan

Issued 1995: Marine Animals – 50 manat, European Squid (Loligo vulgaris).

Azerbaijan

Issued 1995: Marine Animals – 150 manat, Salp Chain (Pegea confoederata).