Iraq

Iraq, one of the cradles of ancient civilization, occupies much of historic Mesopotamia, where some of the world's earliest cities emerged. Modern Iraq was established in 1932 after the end of the British Mandate and has experienced monarchy, republic, conflict, and reconstruction while remaining a country of immense historical and cultural significance.

Iraq has produced a distinctive range of postage stamps reflecting its rich heritage and national identity. Early issues featured the Hashemite monarchy, while later stamps commemorated archaeological treasures, Islamic art, national development, and significant historical events. Iraqi stamps provide a fascinating record of the country's changing political eras and cultural legacy.

The country uses the Iraqi dinar = 1000 Fils introduced in 1932 to replace the Indian rupee following independence. Its philatelic history mirrors Iraq's evolution from a British-administered mandate to a modern sovereign state while celebrating one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations.

1976 - Iraq 75 Fils - Hatra Sculpture Head

First issued: 01 Jan 197675 Iraqi FilsArchaeological SeriesSG: IQ 1218 Colnect Link
This stamp depicts a limestone bust from the ancient Mesopotamian city of Hatra from about 140–180 CE. The portrait reflects Hatran sculpture's distinctive blend of Mesopotamian, Parthian and Greco-Roman artistic traditions, characterized by its frontal pose, stylized curls and finely carved beard.Issued as part of Iraq's Archaeological Finds definitive series, the stamp showcases one of the country's most important ancient royal portraits. The original limestone bust is preserved in the Erbil Civilization Museum, where it remains one of the finest surviving representations of Hatran royal art.

1989 - Iraq 150 Fils - Women's Painting

First issued: 25 Jun 1989150 Iraqi FilsPainting SeriesSG: IQ 1878 Colnect Link
This stamp reproduces a painting depicting two Iraqi women in a rural market setting. A standing woman carries a large basket of fruit on her head while another, seated beside her, tends to baskets of produce. The composition emphasizes the everyday work of women in Iraq's agricultural communities, capturing a familiar scene of harvesting, transporting and selling fresh produce through expressive colour and bold brushwork.

1989 - Iraq 100 Fils - Adnan Khairalla

First issued: 06 May 1989100 Iraqi FilsDeath of Gen Adnan KhairallaSG: IQ 1871 Colnect Link
This stamp commemorates General Adnan Khairalla Talfah (1940–1989), Iraq's Minister of Defence from 1977 until his death in 1989. A career military officer and cousin as well as brother-in-law of Saddam Hussein, he played a central role in rebuilding and commanding the Iraqi armed forces during the Iran–Iraq War. The stamp reproduces an official portrait of Khairalla in military uniform.Issued on 6 May 1989, only days after Khairalla was killed in a helicopter crash, this commemorative formed part of a dedicated memorial issue honouring his service. The stamp was released while the Iran–Iraq War remained a defining event in Iraq's recent history, making it one of the last major commemorative issues produced before the country's invasion of Kuwait the following year.

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