The Intriguing Postage Stamps of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic

For an unusual side glimpse at the short-lived Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918-1920), take a look at the state’s small and appealingly basic series of postage stamps.

Mark Elliott

The Intriguing Postage Stamps of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic

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For philatelists, collecting the stamps of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918-1920) is a fascinating yet relatively inexpensive and straightforward task. The newly independent republic had continued to use Russian stamps well into 1919, something of a sore point for the new government as the system became prey to smugglers bringing in supplies from across the northern border. The issue was prioritized by a new minister of Post & Communications, a former lawyer called Jamobey Hajinski, who took over the position in April. Nonetheless, it wasn’t until October 10th that the ADR’s first designs were finally issued: ten denominations in four designs.