Category: 1. Stamp News

1. North Cyprus Stamps - the final stamp issue for 2022 has arrived and the year is now complete.

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 21st Dec 2022

   All ready and waiting for you in the NEW Stamp Issue shop category, including the Complete Year Set for 2022.

    

   "Anniversaries and Events" (Yıl Dönümleri ve Olaylar)

   Date of Issue: 6 December 2022
   
   Text provided by Turkish Cyprus Post.

   "Centenary of the Great Victory" (Büyük Zafer'in 100 Yili).

   Türkiye was occupied by allied forces after the defeat of the Ottoman Empire at the end of the First World War (1914-1918). The occupation prompted Türkiye's War of Independence in 1919, during which Turkish forces, led by Gen. Mustafa Kemal, eventually ousted the occupiers from Anatolia.

   Turkish forces fought the last battle, Dumlupina, from 26 to 30 August in 1922, when Greek forces were decisively defeated. By the end of the year, all foreign forces had left the territories that would collectively become the new Republic of Türkiye in 1923.

   30 August the Victory Day, is celebrated with joy across Türkiye and in north Cyprus. The day also honours the founder of modern Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The main ceremony is held at Atatürk's mausoleum in Ankara.

    

   "Observer Membership to the Organization of Turkic States".

   November 11 2022 has been a historic day for the Turkish Cypriot people and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, four days before the 39th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic, has been accepted as an observer member of the Organization of Turkic States, whis is a rising power day by day.

   Obtaining observer status at an international organization with our Constitutional name, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for the first time, has added a special meaning to this historic day.

   The successful conclusion of the observer membership process to the Organization of Turkic States confirms that the new two-state vison of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Turkey on the Cyprus problem is compatible with regional and global conjuncture.
   
   

   Comprising of 3 stamps in the set, each with a different value.

   Available as a set of 3 stamps, Post Office Offial FDC and a set of Full Sheets (3 stamps per sheet).

   Name of artist: Görel Korol Sönmezer.

    

   Sample Images are below.
   Our website listings contain directly scanned images of the set of 3 stamps, FDC and Full Sheets.

    

   Visit the Home/Shop page of our website at CyprusStamps.com
   

   The North Cyprus Stamps 2022 Complete Year Set consists a Mint set of each of the following issues:

   1. AVRUOA "Hikayeler ve Mitler" - EUROPA 2022 "Stories and Myths" - Issue Date: 9 May 2022. 

   2. "Kerpiç Evler" - Traditional Cypriot Architecture - Issue Date: 19 September 2022. 

   3. "2022 FIFA Dünya Kupası (Katar)" - FIFA World Cup (Qatar) - Issue Date: 3 October 2022. 

   4. "Anniversaries & Events" (Yıl Dönümleri) - Issue Date: 6 December 2022.

    

    

    

2. Cyprus Stamps 2022 - the list of issues for the year has now concluded.

   Posted on 5:30pm Thursday 8th Dec 2022

   Cyprus Stamps 2022 list of issues - now complete.

   The final 2 stamp issues of FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022 and Christmas 2022 arrived yesterday 7 December.

   This concludes the full list for the Republic of Cyprus Stamps releases.

   With that, we have now added the Complete Year Set of MINT stamps into the NEW Stamp Issue shop category or you can find it under the 2020s shop category.

   It comprises of the following:
   Refugee stamp reprint 2022.
   Owls.
   Anniversaries and Events (*3 single stamps issues):
   *50th Anniversary of Pancyprian Organization of large families.
   *60th Anniversary of Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
   *World Day of Autism.
   EUROPA 2022 "Stories and Myths".
   Maritime Link Between Cyprus - Greece.
   20 Years Office of the Commissioner for Electronic Communications and Postal Regulation.
   EUROMED Issue: Antique Cities of the Mediterranean.
   12 Gods of Olympus.
   Centenary of Asia Minor Catastrophe.
   FIFA World Cup 2022.
   Christmas 2022.

   The Year Set does not include the EUROPA "Stories and Myths" Booklet which may be purchased as a separate item (subject to availability).
   
   Click the link on the image below to take you to the Year Set.
   
   

3. Cyprus Stamps - UPDATED info on Preliminary Stamp Issues list for 2022.

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 3rd Aug 2022

   Republic of Cyprus stamps 2022 - Preliminary List of Issues.
   
   

   Very little has happened this year, a few changes to the initial dates provided and a few delays.

   The information below is current as at 3 August 2022.
   

   Issue Date: 18 February 2022
   "Owls" comprising two stamps
    "Refugee stamp reprint 2022"

   
   Issue Date: 23 March 2022
   "Anniversaries and Events"
   "50th Anniversary of Pancyprian Organization of large families"
   "60th Anniversary of Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry"
   "World Day of Autism"  All comprising one stamp

    

   Issue Date: 6 May 2022
   "EUROPA 2022" - "Stories and Myths" / "Ιστορίες και μύθοι"
   

   The above issue will consist of two stamps, a booklet containing 2 strips of 4 stamps (8 stamps) and a Post Office Official FDC.
   The common theme adopted by the European Postal Organization (POSTEUROP) is "Stories and Myths".
   
   

   Issue Date: 17 June 2022 - see website, see NEW Stamp Issue category.
   Two surprise issues.
   
   Maritime Link Between Cyprus - Greece
   and
   20 years Office of the Commissioner for Electronic Communications and Postal Regulation
   UPDATE: this commemorative issue was delayed and eventually released on 11 July 2022. The other issue arrived a few days later than the above two stamps.
   
   

   Issue Date: 11 July 2022 - Arrived 21 July see NEW Stamp Issue category.
   Common issue with countries of Euromed Postal "Maritime Archeology or antique cities of the Mediterranean" comprising one stamp.
   
   Note: there is no indication the below issue is to be released on the same date:
   "FIFA World Cup 2022" comprising one stamp
   
   

   Issue Date: 16 September 2022
   "12 Gods of Olympus" comprising twelve stamps 
   "Centenary of Asia Minor Catastrophe" comprising one stamp

   
   Issue Date: 18 November 2022 
   "Christmas 2022" comprising three stamps. In addition three maximum cards will be issued.

   On the same date the Presentation Packs as well as the Special Albums 2022 will be released. We no longer stock either of these but list as a Full Year Set minus any Booklets, which are available to purchase separately subject to availability.

   The face value of all the stamps will be communicated at a later date.

   First Day Covers of all the above issues with the exception of the Refugee stamp reprint will be released at the same time.

    

   ------------------------------------------

   North Cyprus Stamps 2022 Preliminary Issues List 

   Below are the preliminary release dates for the north Cyprus (Turkish Cypriot) 2022 planned issues.
   
   As we have no English version of the information received so far, the translations below are our own. We will correct any of the titles/descriptions as soon as we can....
   
   
   On 9 May 2022:
   AVRUOA "Hikayeler ve Mitler"  - EUROPA 2022 "Stories and Myths" - see the NEW Stamp Issue shop category.
   
   

   On 25 July 2022:
   "Kerpiç Evler"  - our rough translation: Mud Brick / Traditional Houses - deferred/delayed. Date still to be advised.
   
   

   On 3 October 2022:
   "2022 FIFA  Dünya Kupası (Katar)" - FIFA World Cup (Qatar)
   
   

   On 6 December 2022:
   "Yıl Dönümleri"  -  assuming an Anniversaries & Events issue.

4. Cyprus Stamps 2022 Anniversaries and Events set of 3 stamps

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 5th Apr 2022

   Below are the details of the most recent stamp issues.
   

   ***Latest Stamp Issue Details***

   Republic of Cyprus Stamps 23 March 2022
   
   Cyprus Stamps "Anniversaries and Events" comprising of 3 stamps.
   

    

   50 years since the creation of the Pancyprian Organization of Large Families

   The Pancyprian Organization of Large Families (P.O.P.) celebrates 50 years since its establishment (in 1971) and 50 years of operation.

   The role and mission of the P.O.P. is to provide support to large families by means of upgrading family policy, the protection and safeguarding of social rights, the fight against social exclusion, the development and prosperity for large families, the promotion of actions regarding employment, housing and education, tackling the problem of low birth rate, etc.

   P.O.P.’s vision has always been the recognition of the great contribution made by large families by the State, by the Church and by Society. This has become a reality and the contribution made by large families is now respected and appreciated.

   P.O.P.’s vision and goals never cease. Its work and action include highlighting the demographic problem, the struggle to raise and improve the standard of living and the benefits afforded to large families, as well as elevating the family institution.

   ---

   World Autism Awareness Day

   The World Autism Awareness Day was established in 2007 by the United Nations (UN) and is celebrated annually on April 2^nd to raise awareness of the needs of persons with autism by contributing to their acceptance and integration into society.

   On this day, hundreds of buildings around the world light up in blue by participating in the "Light it up Blue" event.

   The blue of the sea, the blue of the sky, the blue that embraces the skills and talents of persons with autism, shedding light on the dark side of isolation and marginalization.

   ---

   60 Years since the creation of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry

   2022 is a particularly important year for the Limassol Chamber of Commerce & Industry, which this year celebrates 60 years of creative presence in the economic and business events of the town and district of Limassol.

   On the 4^th of September 1962, two great institutions which already used to collaborate closely, the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Limassol Development Association, formally joined forces by creating the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Since then, the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EVEL) is committed to serving the main objectives of the two pre-existing bodies, namely the provision of support to entrepreneurs at a multiple level, and the diversified promotion of the development needs of the town and district of Limassol.

   For this specific reason, EVEL has since played an important role in supporting its members in various manners, at a collective, sectorial and individual level, and acts a as a lever of awakening and exerting pressure in order to create the necessary projects that will strengthen Limassol's competitiveness and will upgrade the quality of life of its inhabitants.

   
   Image from Cyprus Stamps Website:

   
   
   
   
   

    

5. Cyprus Stamps 2022 - Cyprus Scops Owl and 2022 Refugee Fund Tax Stamp Issues

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 3rd Mar 2022

   ***Latest Stamp Issue Details***

   Republic of Cyprus Stamps 18 January 2022
   
   Cyprus Scops (Barn) Owl 
   and
   Cyprus Refugee Fund 2022 Tax stamp

   
   The Cyprus Scops Owl is a tiny owl, endemic to Cyprus. During the day, it can occasionally be seen sitting very still on the branches of trees, although it is more likely to be heard at night than seen in daylight. Its territorial two-note call, a characteristic sound of early spring in Cyprus, is what usually signifies its presence. This whistling call differs from that of the Eurasian Scops Owl, which is a one-note whistle. It nests in the hollows of trees such as conifers and olive trees, and has been found to nest regularly in nest boxes placed for larger owl species, such as the Barn Owl.

   
   Image from Cyprus Stamps Website:

   
   
   In order to handle the massive problems caused by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, with 200,000 Greek Cypriots displaced in their own country, the Government fo the Republic of Cyprus set up a "Special Refugee Fund".  To support the Fund and to reduce the financial impact of the refugee problem, Cyprus Post issued a special refugee stamp, which, under legislation must accompany every object to be posted.
   
   Image from Cyprus Stamps Website:
   
   
   
   

   Find them in the NEW Stamp Issue shop category from our website

   Please note the message in the header logo at the very top of the website regarding Dispatch Dates for orders placed after 4 March 2022.

6. It's Time To Make A Change - we're having an update SOON!

   Posted on 6:45pm Wednesday 23rd Feb 2022

   What's happening at Cyprus Stamps?
   
   If you have been looking at our website over the past few days you may have noticed a few changes, particularly if you are a desktop or laptop user.

   We have removed the left hand side column as we're beginning to work our way to changing to a new template which will be more mobile friendly.
   
   In previous years, our mobile and tablet device users were much lower in numbers but our current stats now show us the balance between desktop/laptop users are almost equal.
   
   I've also removed a couple of pages and combined the Payment process and options, Dispatch information, Refunds and FAQs into one page.
   
   You should also keep a close eye on the Header Logo which appears at the top of every page of the website.
   
   We're not exactly certain when the full switch will take place, although anticipate it may be before the end of the first week in March 2022.

   But if you see a message in the website header logo next time you look, which refers to us being Out of Office soon, it means it's definitely happened!

   To see the current changes, please visit our website
   
   

   And if you haven't already done so, don't forget to Sign Up for our Newsletters.

7. JUST LANDED! NEW North Cyprus stamps issue date: 4 November 2021 - "Old Local Soft Drinks".

   Posted on 12:35pm Sunday 5th Dec 2021

   North Cyprus (Turkish Cypriot) 4 November 2021
   North Cyprus Stamps SG 2021 "Old Local Soft Drinks"

    

   The history of soda (aerated water) within the Turkish Cypriot society dates back to the World War II period. During this time, in the town of Lefka, Huseyn Kutrafali (Sener) started the production of soda in codd marble bottles, under his own name Hussein Koutrafali LEFKA. Right after, in the post war period, RUSTEM (Kemal Rustem) started to produce sodas in Nicosia, and BERBEROGLU (Mustafa Berberoglu) in Limassol. 

   Later, in the early 1950s, the production of soda brands, Tevfic Fikret's FIKRET in Lefka, Xero (Gemikonagi); Erdem Oskar's BAHAR in Limassol, Evdim; and Ramiz Manyera, Ali Eyup (Eyupoglu), Nebil Nami (pharmacist), and Erdogan Sinek partnerships TAKSIM in Famagusta have started. 

   In late 1950s and early 1960s, Mazhar Hasan (Kunter) and Ahmet Mumtaz's (Soyer) FERHA refreshing beverages in Limassol, Zehra Oguz's (Kanatli) ZEHRA OGUZ KASABA BAF soda in Paphos, Ramiz Manyera's BEL-KOLA in Nicosia, and Ali Eyup's SUPER KOLA in Famagusta have started production. Right after that, towards the mid 1960s  Mustafa Osman was also starting the production of MOL (Mustafa Osman Limassol), in Limassol. Ozgun Kutalmis's SENFA started production in Nicosia in the 1970s. 

   Turkish Cypriot local soda production, which remained a few brands in the 1980s, could not withstand the disapportionate power of global soda brands and came to an end by the 1990s, including the most experienced Ramiz Manyera's great hit BIXI COLA with its tin can for the first time. 

   Today, only SUPER KOLA founded by Ali Eyup (Eyupoglu) in Famagusta continues its production under the management of third generation family representatives.

   Graphic Design by Senih CAVUSOGLU

   Sample Images:
   

   
   

8. TRNCs First Domestic Automobile - Gunsel B9 on postage stamps - 4 October 2021

   Posted on 12:00pm Sunday 5th Dec 2021

    

   On 4 October 2021 North Cyprus Stamps issue was released as follows:
   
   "TRNCs First Domestic Automobile - Günsel B9"
   
   Near East University Founding Rector Dr. Suat Günsel's dream of producing the first domestic car of the TRNC, which started as his childhood dream, turned into the vision over time and embodied over the years with the experience, creativity and efforts of the Near East Enterprises, now stands before you as a "dream that comes true"
   
   For the first time in 2016, the concept model of GÜNSEL's first model, the 100% electric B9, was presented to consumers.
   Despite its small body, the mouflon, which likes to be at heights, has a nature-defying appearance with its crescent-shaped horns.
   The lines of GÜNSEL's B9, starting from the headlights and continuing to the cabin, reveal an upright stance like the horns of the mouflon. It has a road-defying stance with its strong shoulder lines on the side.
   In the next period, while the works for the prototype continued, investments were started for the Günsel Production Facilities established on the Near East University Campus.
   In November 2020, the first launch and test drives of GÜNSEL outside the TRNC took in Istanbul. B9 made a big impact in Turkey and the world with its appearance and performance.
   
   Graphic Design: Görel Korol Sönmezer

   Sample from the sheet of 8 stamps:
   
   
   

9. NEW North Cyprus (Turkish Cypriot) Stamp Issue 9 September 2021: "Olympic and Paralympic Games" Tokyo 2020

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 21st Sep 2021

   North Cyprus (Turkish Cypriot) 9 September 2021
   North Cyprus Stamps SG 2021 "Olympic and Paralympic Games" Tokyo 2020
   

   This issue consists of a set of 2 stamps of different values.
   Also available in full sheets of 11 stamps plus a vignette in the bottom right hand corner and on a single Post Office Official FDC.

   The Tokyo 1964 Games completely transformed Japan, enhanced Japanese people's awareness of the outside world and helped bring about rapid growth of Japan's economy. The 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games which have been postponed for a year due to the coronavirus outbreak in 2020 will enable Japan, now a mature economy, to promote future changes throughout the world, and leave a positive legacy for future generations. The world's best technologies were adopted in competition venues and in operating the games.
   
   Games of the XXXII Olympiad (23 July - 8 August 2021)
   Meliz Redif who participated in the Turkish Athletics Women's National Team from the TRNC and competed in the 2012 London Olympic Games, is depicted on the 3 TL stamp in the series.

   Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games (24 August - 5 September 2021)
   Badminton and Taekwondo made their paralympic debut.
   Ibrahim Yavuz who participated in the Turkish Wheelchair Basketball Men's National Team from the TRNC and competed in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games is depicted on the 2 TL stamp in the series.
   
   Graphic Design by Görel Korol Sönmezer

   Sample Image/s
   
   
   
   

    

10. Cyprus Stamps release information: 6 May 2021 "The Lady of Lapithos" and Cyprus EUROPA 2021 "Endangered National Wildlife"

    Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 1st Jun 2021

    Republic of Cyprus Stamps 6 May 2021
    Cyprus Stamps Efrosini Proestou "The Lady of Lapithos"
     and
    Cyprus Stamps EUROPA 2021 "Endangered National Wildlife"

    
    
    "The Lady of Lapithos Efrosini Proestou" a single stamp issue.
    
    Heroic figure of occupied Lapithos. She was a midwife in Lapithos and the surrounding Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot villages.

    She was a charismatic personality with a kind look, determination, readiness, will, humanism and great patriotism.

    Her national contribution is due to the fact that, after the occupation of Lapithos by the Turkish invaders, on 06 August 1974, as a real mother, she selflessly supplied food and protected, at the risk of her life, a group of twelve soldiers trapped in Lapithos, in a cave (burrow) near her house.

    The Turks realized her action and arrested her. She was horribly tortured and humiliated, dragging her half-naked in the streets of Lapithos. She, however, with incomparable bravery and with her great Greek soul, endured all the tortures, stood up and did not betray the twelve young men. The Turks sent her to the firing squad, but at the last moment she was recognized by a Turkish Cypriot officer, who recognised her as the woman who helped his mother give birth to him!

    She was imprisoned in the Keryneia Castle and then taken back to Lapithos, from where she was finally released eight months later.

    She lived in Nicosia with her children and was hosted by the twelve young men she protected until the day of her death, on 17 April 1993.

    Sample Images

    

    A single stamp issue, also a Post Office Official First Day Cover and as a Full Sheet of 8 stamps.
    
    

    Cyprus Stamps EUROPA 2021 "Endangered National Wildlife" a set of 2 individual stamps.
    
    Mediterranean Seal Monachus monachus

    The Mediterranean Seal (Monachus monachus) is the most endangered marine mammal in Europe. Their population is only 700, of which 19 live in Cyprus.

    It is one of the largest seal species in the world, with a length of 2.5 meters and a weight of 300 kg and can live up to 40 years.

    The Mediterranean Seal has always been an element of the biodiversity of Cyprus. However, from the 1960s to 2010, the species’ sightings are rare, and there was no evidence of reproductive activity. From 2011 onwards it seems that the species is recovering in the Cypriot seas and has now created a local, small, but breeding population.

    The Cypriot Bee (apis mellifera cypria)

    Apis Mellifera Cypria is the scientific name of the Cypriot bee which belongs to the European bee breeds and is an endemic species of Cyprus.

    Pollinating over 70% of man-made plants, the bee is perhaps the most important pollinator for the human species and its environment.

    The low rainfall, the few and short flowering periods and spray treatments of wild flowers and crops, the construction in forest areas and the pollution of the environment threaten the survival of the Cypriot bee and that is why we must protect it.

    Sample Images

       
    
    Available to purchase as a set of 2 stamps, set of 2 full sheets of stamps (8 stamps to a sheet) and as 2 stamps on one single Post Office Official FDC.
    
    All text and information as supplied by Cyprus Philatelic Dept.