In this presentation Allan Smith explores the complex history of Greek and Albanian stamps, focusing on the turbulent period from 1912 to 1916. This historical journey begins with a simple letter containing a Greek stamp purchased on eBay and quickly unfolds into an exploration of the stamps from the island of Kastellorizo, the region of Epirus, and the town of Korçë (referred to as “Kortsé” in Greek). These stamps, Smith explains, serve as miniature historical records, reflecting the shifting political landscapes of Greece, Albania, and the surrounding areas during World War I and the Balkan Wars.
Greek Stamps: A Window into History
Allan begins by introducing a Greek stamp featuring Socrates on the left and a view of the island of Kastellorizo on the right. This small island, part of the Dodecanese group, has a rich philatelic history, with stamps issued under different occupations as it changed hands multiple times throughout history. Smith points out that Kastellorizo stamps are listed in the Scott catalog, making them familiar to worldwide collectors. The holographic code present on the stamp, similar to a QR code, adds a modern twist to this historical exploration.
Kastellorizo is one of 14 islands in the Dodecanese group, whose name means “12 islands” in Greek, a legacy of the group’s historical nomenclature. While Smith plans to cover the history of these islands in future presentations, he quickly shifts to the primary subject of the presentation: Greek stamps used in Epirus and Korçë, a town that holds a significant place in the complex history of Greece and Albania.
The Campaign Issue: Greek Stamps in Occupied Epirus
Smith showcases a Greek stamp from the so-called “campaign issue,” canceled in Korçë. This town, now in Albania, was once home to a significant Greek population and saw multiple occupations during the Balkan Wars and World Wars. At one point, Korçë was part of the briefly independent country of Epirus in 1914, before being occupied by Greek forces during both World Wars. Smith explains that postmarks from Korçë appear on both Greek and Albanian stamps, reflecting the region’s turbulent history.
This campaign issue is particularly interesting because it was produced by the Greek post office for use in newly acquired territories after the Balkan Wars. While local provisional issues were common in these new territories, the campaign stamps were part of Greece’s regular postal issues, which is why they appear alongside other Greek stamps starting from 1861 in catalogs. Smith clarifies that these stamps, though intended for newly acquired territories, were valid throughout Greece and were not considered occupation stamps.
Epirus: A Region of Shifting Borders and Political Control
Epirus, a region that has long straddled the borders of Greece and Albania, plays a central role in the presentation. During the Balkan Wars and World War I, Epirus was occupied by Greek forces, and stamps from this period provide a unique glimpse into the region’s complex history. Smith highlights a stamp canceled in February 1914, during the first Greek occupation of Northern Epirus, following Greece’s acquisition of the territory at the end of the Balkan War.
Korçë, or “Kortsé” in Greek, was a strategic town located just over the Albanian border from Greece. It changed hands several times, first being occupied by Greek forces in December 1912. After the Greeks departed in March 1914, the International Control Commission, established by the London Ambassadors’ Conference, took control of the town to facilitate Albania’s transition to independence. Smith points out the temporary use of provisional stamps during this period, as the Albanian postal system had not yet been established in Korçë.
Stamps of Autonomous Epirus and Greece’s Return
Smith then takes us through the brief period when the region of Epirus declared autonomy. The autonomous government of Epirus, seeking to maintain Greek control of the area, issued its own stamps, some of which were overprinted to commemorate the acquisition of Korçë. These stamps marked the town’s inclusion into the territory of autonomous Epirus in September 1914, just before Greek forces reoccupied the town.
The presentation highlights several stamps from this second Greek occupation of Northern Epirus, which lasted from 1914 to 1916. During this time, the Greeks overprinted stamps with the Greek letter “beta,” signifying “Voreios” (North), to indicate the region’s incorporation into Greece. Smith explains how these stamps were produced while Greece remained technically neutral in World War I, as the Greek king was reluctant to enter the war due to his ties to the German Kaiser.
French Occupation and the Republic of Korçë
As the presentation progresses, Smith introduces another fascinating period in Korçë’s postal history — the brief French occupation. During World War I, French forces, advancing from Salonika as part of the Southern Front, took control of Korçë in 1916. They expelled the Greek royalist forces and collaborated with local Albanians, who sought recognition of Korçë as an Albanian town in exchange for supporting the French.
Under French supervision, the “Republic of Korçë” was declared, and the first stamps of this short-lived republic were issued. These stamps, featuring a double-headed eagle, were overprinted on existing Greek issues, marking a curious blend of local, Greek, and French influences. While these stamps are not listed in major catalogs like Scott, they are noted in specialized Greek catalogs. Smith adds that many of these stamps are subject to forgery, further complicating their history.
A Philatelic Reflection on Turbulent Times
Allan Smith’s presentation reveals how stamps can serve as witnesses to history, offering glimpses into the complex political shifts in Greece and Albania during the early 20th century. From Greek occupations to the brief autonomy of Epirus and the French-backed Republic of Korçë, these stamps tell the story of a region constantly in flux.
As the presentation closes, Smith reflects on the symbolic nature of these stamps, noting how philatelists can use them to better understand the historical contexts in which they were issued. These small pieces of paper hold significant meaning, capturing moments of national ambition, foreign occupation, and fleeting political regimes.
Smith’s journey through the stamps of Epirus and Korçë is a reminder that philately is not just about collecting — it’s about uncovering the hidden stories embedded in each issue. By studying these stamps, collectors gain insight into the geopolitical forces that shaped modern Greece and Albania, one postmark at a time.
