Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, has a complex history shaped by Persian, Russian, and Soviet influence. After a brief period of independence in 1918–1920, it became part of the Soviet Union before regaining independence in 1991. Since then, it has developed as a sovereign republic with a strategic role in regional energy and trade.

Azerbaijan has issued a distinctive range of postage stamps reflecting its national identity and heritage. Early independent issues highlighted state symbols and cultural motifs, while later designs expanded to include architecture, traditional arts, energy resources, and international events. The stamps are known for their vibrant designs and modern printing quality.

The country uses the Azerbaijani manat as its currency, introduced after independence to replace the Soviet ruble.

1995 - Azerbaijan 100 manat - Persian Cat CTO

First issued: 30 Oct 1995100 Azerbaijani ManatDomestic Cat SeriesSG: AZ 274 Colnect Link
This stamp is from Azerbaijan’s 1995 “Domestic Cats” series, which presents well-known pedigree breeds as a neutral, widely recognisable subject for collectors, especially in the early years after independence when many countries issued thematic sets aimed at the international stamp market.The Persian cat is shown in a close, front-facing portrait. The long coat is built up with fine, directional linework and soft tonal shading, especially around the mane and cheeks, giving the fur volume without heavy outlines. The eyes are sharply defined and contrast with the softer modelling of the face.

1995 - Azerbaijan 150 manat - Chartreux Cat CTO

First issued: 30 Oct 1995150 Azerbaijani ManatDomestic Cat SeriesSG: AZ 275 Colnect Link
The Chartreux is a French breed known for its dense blue-grey coat and round, copper-coloured eyes.The design presents the cat in a three-quarter, upward-looking pose, which gives more structure to the head and neck than a straight frontal view. The short, dense fur is rendered with tight, layered shading rather than long flowing lines, distinguishing it from the Persian in the same series. The eyes are sharply highlighted and set against darker facial tones, making them the focal point of the image.

1995 - Azerbaijan 250 manat - Somali Cat CTO

First issued: 30 Oct 1995250 Azerbaijani ManatDomestic Cat SeriesSG: AZ 276 Colnect Link
The Somali cat shown here is a long-haired variant of the Abyssinian, known for its warm reddish coat and alert, expressive face.The design shows the cat with its mouth open, as if mid-call, which adds movement and character compared to the more static portraits in the series.

1995 - Azerbaijan 300 manat - Longhair Scottish Fold Cat CTO

First issued: 30 Oct 1995300 Azerbaijani ManatDomestic Cat SeriesSG: AZ 277 Colnect Link
The Longhair Scottish Fold is shown in a close, frontal portrait, with the breed’s defining feature—the folded ears—visible but partially embedded in the thick fur. The coat is rendered with dense, layered linework and tonal variation, especially around the cheeks and neck, creating a heavy, textured appearance.

1995 - Azerbaijan 400 manat - Cymric Cat CTO

First issued: 30 Oct 1995400 Azerbaijani ManatDomestic Cat SeriesSG: AZ 278 Colnect Link
The Cymric shown here is a long-haired variant of the Manx, typically associated with a compact body and reduced or absent tail (not visible in this head study). The design presents a calm, frontal three-quarter portrait, with the head slightly turned and the gaze directed forward.

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