Vintage Postcards & Postal History: Ottoman Empire & German Post Offices in Turkey
Welcome to our specialized category for vintage postcards and postal history from the Ottoman Empire and German Post Offices in Turkey! Prior to World War I, the German Empire operated its own foreign post offices in major commercial hubs across the Levant—most notably in Constantinople (Istanbul), Smyrna (Izmir), Beirut, Jaffa, and Jerusalem. Alongside mail from the German Military Mission in the Ottoman Empire, these cards rank among the most captivating historical records of German-Ottoman relations.
At NOBIS24.com, you will discover guaranteed originals from the late 19th century through 1918—including rare Orientalist views, postally used Levant cards, and sought-after WWI military mail. (Note: Modern postcards of the Republic of Turkey can also be found in our "Europe > Turkey" category.)
- Constantinople (Istanbul) & the Bosphorus: Historical cityscape and harbor views of the Ottoman capital, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Galata Bridge, the Golden Horn, and the German Embassy.
- Smyrna (Izmir) & Levantine Ports: Rare photographs from major port and trading cities of the Ottoman Empire such as Smyrna, Salonica, Trebizond (Trabzon), Aleppo, and Damascus.
- German Foreign Post Offices & Military Mission: Postally used picture postcards bearing sought-after "Deutsche Post in der Türkei" overprint stamps (piastre and centimes denominations), cancellations from Constantinopel 1–3 or Smyrna, and field post of the German Military Mission (Asia Corps).
- Oriental Culture & Railway History: Documentary cards depicting the Baghdad Railway, Hejaz Railway, traditional Ottoman attire, bazaars, and historical events of the WWI alliance.