by catpaw | 21 May, 2025 | country Stamps, Stamps
A couple of new series will fill out Greenland’s 2025 stamp program. Greenland is superb at ensuring new themes are introduced yearly, keeping their designs fresh and exciting. Three sets are premiering this year, with the first, Buuti Pedersen’s Greenlandic Plants, kicking off the season.
… [Pedersen] has an avid interest in botany. She recalls that, at the age of 12, she found a flower in her native town of Qaqortoq that was previously only known to have grown in one place in
Greenland, namely near the hot spring at Uunartoq, Ittoqqortoormiit. The flower is currently kept at the Botanical Museum in Copenhagen. Buuti visited the museum some years ago, where the preserved flower was shown to her.
Greenland Collector Vol. 30 | No. 1 | January 2025
Nice way to start the year, with a bit of green and red.
Its been a hard year for Greenland and Canada, and will only get stranger and more difficult. I feel a certain protective feeling towards our eastern neighbour and hope that sense comes through in the descriptions below. I always spend quite a bit of time on Greenland and its artists, but this year, if feels more important to support them, even in the smallest ways. Read, learn and celebrate everything about Greenland and its people.
Elbows up Greenland!
January
Greenlandic Plants
new series
2 stamps, 3 FDCs, cancel, sheets of 20 (2 stamps x 10)
offset
Despite it’s reputation for ice and snow, Greenland is home to 520 native plants.
- Dwarf Fireweed (Chamaenerion latifolium) – Niviarsiaq (young girl or nurse) Dwarf Fireweed (Chamerion latifolium) · iNaturalist
Greenland’s national flower. This native to the tundra is a vital flower for the Inuit. In the Arctic, this plant provides valuable nutrition for the Inuit, who eat the leaves raw, boiled with fat, or steeped in water for tea, the flowers and fruits raw, and as a salad with meals of seal and walrus blubber.The leaves and shoots are edible, tasting much like spinach, and is also known in the Canadian tundra as River Beauty
- Lapland Rosebay (Rhododendron lapponicum) – Oqaasaq. Lapland Rosebay – Rhododendron lapponicum – Alaska Wildflowers Lapland Rosebay is similar to Labrador Tea, but is smaller and rarer and flowers later.
Designer: Buuti Pedersen
Pederson began stamp designing in 1995, starting with Greenland’s Christmas set.
Release date: January 31, 2025
Sirius Patrol 75 Years
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheet of 10
offset
Siriuspatruljen This legendary Danish special military unit was formed in to protect Greenland’s vast Northeast land. Formed initially to assert Denmark’s claim to the land, it has since seen its purpose expand over the years.
In 1974, the entire Northeast of Greenland was declared a national park with the aim of preserving the nature there in its original form. Covering an area of 972,000 km2, it is the largest national park in the world. Despite the harsh climate, there is an abundance of wildlife in the national park. Polar bears, Arctic wolves, Arctic foxes, musk oxen, walruses, seals, snow hares, lemmings, eiders, snowy owls and ravens have all adapted to life in the harsh Arctic climate. The SIRIUS Patrol’s tasks include registering the prevalence of both mammals and birds in the region.
Other primary tasks of the patrol include: Enforcing Danish sovereignty by maintaining a physical presence in North and Northeast Greenland. Exercising law enforcement in the world’s largest national park, to include overseeing expeditions, conservation regulations, and wildlife. This is done by military surveillance of 160,000 km2, using dog sleds.
Greenland Collector Vol. 30 | No. 1 | January 2025 pg 5
Find out more about the history of this patrol, the teams and how they operate Slædepatruljen Sirius | Xsirius. The page offers both Danish and English versions.
Two previous stamps saluting SIRIUS were released by Greenland. The first was Martin Mörck’s engraved 50 years Sledge patrol Sirius (2000) and Lisbeth Karline’s Alfred Olsen, Solidier on Sirius Patrol (2023) from the Heroes of Greenland series.
Designer: Miki Jacobsen
This is Greenlander Jacobsen’s 36th stamp since her first in 1992.
Release date: January 31, 2025
Greenlandic Dog Sleds
2nd in series
2 stamps, 3 FDCs, cancel, sheet of 20 stamps (2 x ten each)
offset
This year dogsleds from East Greenland are shown.
Designer: Konrad Nuka Godtfredsen
Godtfredsen’s first stamp was Greenland’s 2007 EUROPA: Scouting set. The dogsled stamps are his 12th and 13th design. He also created the first Dogsled stamps last year.
Release date: January 31, 2025
Greenland’s Council of Gender Equality – NALI
Additional Value Stamp
1 stamp, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, souvenir folder, sheet of 10
offset
The souvenir folder shows NALI’s logo on the front cover. Funds raised from the souvenir folder and souvenir sheet will go to NALI.
This year, NALI’s focus is on:
- Gender-based violence
- Gender equality in the labour market
- Discrimination
- Digital violations
Designer: Kristine Spore Kreutzmann
Release date: January 31, 2025
April
Qaqortoq 250th Anniversary
60°43′20″N 46°02′25″W
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of10
offset
The southern town of Qaqortoq celebrated it’s 250th anniversary on April 7. The 4th largest community in Greenland was founded in 1775 by merchant and farmer Anders Olsen. Not sure if he was being cynical or a realist but the name Qaqortoq translates to “the white thing”.
Qaqortoq: The largest town in South Greenland [Visit Greenland!]
Designer: Bolatta Silis-Høegh .
Release date: April 7, 2025
May
EUROPA 2025: National Archaeological Treasures – Qilakitsoq Mummies and the Kingittorsuaq Runestone
2 stamps, booklet of 12 (2 x 6 each), FDC, cancel, 2 sheets of 10
offset
This year’s EUROPA theme explores archeological treasures. Greenland focused on two items that helped develop a clearer picture of early life on the land.
Qilakitsoq Mummies – The mummies are the oldest preserved remains found in Greenland to date. They were uncovered in 1972 near a small, abandoned Inuit village located 450 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. The unusual graves held the mummified bodies of 6 women and 2 boys.
They were wrapped in animal skins and fully clothed. They were equipped for a long journey to the underworld, carefully prepared according to ancient, traditional rites. They had extra skins and clothing to afford them a safe journey and a good life in the realm of the dead. The five oldest women have almost identical facial tattoos that can express both kinship and social status. The youngest woman of about 20 years is not tattooed. Perhaps she was either unmarried or childless. Tattoos have been in common use among Inuit women for thousands of years. There were amulets on and among their clothing.
Greenland Collector Vol. 30 | No. 2 | May 2025 pg 4
Archaeologists have dated the mummies to around 1475 AD. The bodies were found in two graves a meter apart. In each grave, had been stacked on top of each other with layers of animal skin in between. The dry, freezing environment, aided by the overhanging rock that sheltered the gravesite resulted in the 3natural mummification of the bodies.
Dental analysis has revealed the age of the mummies. Grave one contained three women, a four-year-old boy, and a six-month-old baby. Two of the women were young; one aged between 20-30, the other between 25-35 years of age. The final woman was estimated to have been between 40-50 when she died. Grave Two contained three female bodies. Two were in their 50s while the last woman was between 18-21 years of age. The Qilakitsoq Mummies: Who Were They, and How Did They Die? | History and Archaeology Online
Kingittorsuaq Runestone – Dated to around 1250 and 1333, the Runestone was discovered in Northwest Greenland on Kingittorsuaq Island, Upernavik Archipelago in 1824. They are housed at the National Museum of Denmark. They were found in one of three collapsed cairns placed at the top of the highest point on the island. Part of the rune remains untranslatable.
It is an almost flat stone with three lines of the Norse characters. Vikings used these inscriptions for various purposes: a memorial to the dead, the marking of territory, or to describe major events (such as travels). …
So, this is how it was: sometime, by the 13th century, three Viking sailors were on Kingittorsuaq by early spring, having most certainly wintered there. And before departing they left a message, a silent testimony on stone, worked with hands burned and calloused from the intense cold.
And the inscription says:
«Erlingur Sigvatsson, Bjarni Thordarson and Enridi Oddsson erected here three cairns on a Saturday before Rogation day»
[25 April, day of St. Mark in the Christian calendar – an important holiday in medieval times]
With great thanks to Mário R. Gonçalves at Ultima Thule: Three norse sailors at 72° 57′ N :the runic stone from the 13th century found at Kingittorsuaq. Its a great site, so head over to enjoy his research.
Designer: Maya Sialuk Jacobsen
Jacobsen is a Greenlandic Inuk with an interesting background as private researcher, tattooist and artist. Her talents led her to form the Inuit Tattoo Traditions research project. The project explores and preserves Inuit tattooing in Greenland, Canada and Alaska. These are her 3rd and 4th stamps for Greenland post. She designed the second Traditional Woman’s Facial Tattoo Pattern stamps in 2023, which featured tattoos found on one of the Qilakitsoq Mummies (the first stamp in the pair below).
Jacobsen was interviewed in 2023 for The Changing Face of the Inuit Tattoo Movement
Release date: May 26. 2025
SEPAC: Architecture – Ilulissat Icefjord Centre
69°08′N 49°30′W
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 10
offset
This year’s SEPAC competition focuses on architectural gems. Greenland features the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, known for both its architectural beauty as it is the breathtaking natural surroundings.
The Icefjord Centre, situated on the spectacular icefjord in Ilulissat, is not only a cultural hub, but also an architectural masterpiece. The building impressively combines modern design with respect for the surrounding nature. Inspired by the dynamism of the Icefjord, the shape of the building is both elegant and organic, making it a landmark for contemporary Greenlandic architecture. Architect Dorthe Mandrup designed the Icefjord Centre. She has accomplished this with great respect for the surrounding nature.
Greenland Collector Vol. 30 | No. 2 | May 2025 pg 64
Ilulissat Icefjord Centre and The Whale wins Canadian AZ Awards | Dorte Mandrup
Architect Dorthe Mandrup is a strong advocate for design that strikes a “balance between nature and culture”, and this is strongly convened in her creations. She incorporates natural landscape into the overall look and design of her buildings. The final plans had to respect and protect the UNESCO protected Icefjord it is build on:
At the western coast of Greenland lies the massive glacier Sermeq Kujalleq. For more than 250 years, glaciologists have studied the ancient glacier and its daily production of immense amounts of ice, and it remains an ideal spot for scientific observation of climate change. Dorte Mandrup has designed the new Icefjord Centre in Ilulissat to blend in with the impressive landscape while offering local residents, tourists, and climate researchers the ultimate vantage point from which to absorb the historic atmosphere of the Icefjord. The Icefjord Centre will tell a story of ice, of human history and evolution on both a local and global scale.
Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, Greenland | Dorte Mandrup
Another example of her design sense can be found at the Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre, Canada.
The Ilulissat Icefjord has been featured on two stamps. The first was 2005 Ilulissat Icefjord (World Heritage 2004) stamp and 2024 Sepac 2024: Main Tourist Attraction Ilulissat. Read more about the stamps here Experimenting with Greenland’s 2024 stamp program – Bitter Grounds Magazine
Designer: Naja Rosing-Asvid
Greenland couldn’t have picked a better designer for this set. Rosing-Asvid is a trained architect as well as designer, scene designer for the National Museum of Greenland, children’s book writer, and artist, to mention a few of her many talents. She attended the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts’ School of Architecture in Copenhagen and later Academy of Fine Arts in Holdbæk. This is her 21st stamp design.
najarosingasvid.dk
Release date: May 26. 2025
Frederik X
definitive
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 10
offset
King Frederik X took the throne January 14, 2024 with the abdication of his mother Queen Margrethe. This is the first definitive set featuring his portrait.
Photographer: Steen Brogaard
Brogaard also provided the photographs for the 2023 Queen Margrethe definitives, with Martin Mörck designing and engraving them.
“My photographs have defined the face of Danish democracy and captured historic royal moments. My work ranges from precise business portraits to artistic sessions where I explore the tension between the social surface of the human being and its deeper nature. It is in this space that my portraits arise.” Steen Brogaard: Behind the Facade – A Photographer’s Journey Through Time & Passion — PHOTOGRAPHER STEEN BROGAARD
Designer and engraver: Martin Mörck
Release date: May 26, 2025
July
Jens Rosing – 100th Anniversary
1 stamp, souvenir sheet, black print, souvenir folder, prestige booklet.
“Grand Old Man of Greenlandic stamps”
This will be a full set honouring his talents, including a commemorative stamp, a souvenir sheet, a black print, a souvenir folder and a prestige booklet
Release date: July 28, 2025
September
Ittoqqortoormiit – 100th Anniversary
1 stamp
This stamp will use art from Pia Arke, who made her home in Ittoqqortoormiit until her death in 2007
Artist: Pia Arke,
Release date: September 4, 2025
100 Years of Telecommunications
2 stamps, souvenir sheet
Designer: Martin Brandt Hansen
Release date: September 6, 2025
Dove of Peace
embroidered stamp
1 stamp
Common theme designed by Liechtenstein based Hämmerle & Vogel. This will be a fully embroidered stamp on cloth.
Will include a souvenir folder
Release date: September 21, 2025
Ethnographic Photos from Greenland
new series
Designer: Ina Rosing
Release date: September 24, 2025
The West Nordic Council
Designer: Maria Panínguak’ Kjærulff
Release date: September 24, 2025
November
Everyday Heroes in Greenland
Ongoing series will feature 2 new stamps
Designer: Lisbeth Karline
Release date: November 7, 2025
International Inuit Day
International Inuit Day | Indigenous | Memorial University of Newfoundland
Designer: Hari Arnaq Kristoffersen
Release date: November 7, 2025
Christmas 2025
Designer: Nikolaj Andersen Olsvig
This will be Olsvig’s second stamp.
Release date: November 7, 2025
Franking Labels – Snowy Owl
Date: TBA
by catpaw | 20 May, 2025 | country Stamps, Stamps
Ah Vietnam, home of some of my favourite stamp artists. I’ve developed a hell of a soft spot for the country’s designers. Its no surprise I tend to take my time going over the advanced preview each year, researching themes and history. This year, however, I couldn’t source the program, leaving me with a major question:
Will there be another Vietnamese Fairy Tale set?
I know, I bang on about them every year in the season intro, but this series represents the best the world of philately has to offer and are uniquely Vietnamese in style. They are little windows onto Vietnamese culture, illustrated in 4 colourful panels.
Hundred-knot Bamboo Tree (2024) by Lê Khánh Vương
The Starfruit Tree (2022) by Nguyễn Du
Legend of Mai An Tiem (2021) by Tô Minh Trang
Story telling in a few panels! Nguyễn Du’s Starfruit set are still my favourite.
Now you know why the article started with “Ah Vietnam“. Well, I’ve stopped grumbling about the lack of a program and grudgingly learning to be patient. Drop a message if you have a favourite set. I am always happy to hear from readers.
If you are from Vietnam, let me know if you are interested in a stamp exchange. Vietnamese stamps for Canadian? Leave me a note in the comments section and we’ll set something up.
With thanks to Vietnam Stamp Company and VN Post for both details and images.
April
Nguyễn Văn Tý (1924 – 2019)
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
offset
Musician Nguyen Van Ty was born in 1925 in Vinh, Nghe An, coming from a traditional musical family, his father was “the boss of a Ba Yin ward of Vinh Phu countryside, proficient in singing, singing and singing”, later worked as a mechanic at Truong Thi railway factory in Nghe An. Nguyen Van Ty studied at Quoc Hoc Vinh School and was taught by a French teacher Tino Rossi’s songs that were popular at that time. During his participation in scouting activities, he was invited by a Spanish great-grandfather to join the church orchestra to sing hymns. There he learned basic music theory and especially improved his level of harmony and singing. Nguyen Van Ty was also taught to play the Hawaiian guitar by a Chinese musician teacher named Manh Hinh.
Translated from Life and career of musician Nguyen Van Ty (1925-2019) | Thanh Thuy
Designer: Vương Anh Dũng
Release date: April 15, 2025
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South, the Reunification of the Country
2 stamps, 1 stamp on souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel
offset
On April 30, 1975, the two decades long war that tore Vietnam apart came to an end with the fall of Saigon. An estimated 1,141,000 Vietnamese were killed and up to 3 million wounded.
“My last wish is for the whole Party and the whole people to unite and strive to build a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic and prosperous Vietnam and make a worthy contribution to the cause of the world revolution”. Ho Chi Minh from his last will
- Liberate the South, unify the country
- The North and South are one family, the country is united
- Ho Chi Minh
Designer: Nguyễn Du
Release date: April 27. 2025
May
Đình Bình Thủy (Cần Thơ) Binh Thuy Communal House (Can Tho)
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, maxi card
offset
This Can Tho historical relic was erected in 1844 in Binh Hung village, Dinh Thoi canton, Vinh Dinh district, Ba Xuyen province (now Binh Thuy ward – Binh Thuy district – Can Tho city).
In 1852, during a patrol on a boat, the official Huynh Man Dat suddenly encountered a hurricane, but thanks to hiding in Binh Hung, he was safe and sound. After escaping, he held a celebration party and changed the name of this land to “Binh Thuy”, which means “to stabilize the water”. Since then, the communal house has also been called Binh Thuy communal house by the people.
Binh Thuy Communal House – Visit the architectural masterpiece of the Southwest
Designer: Nguyễn Du
Release date: May 9, 2025
President Ho Chi Minh on his Birthday | Liberation of Vietnam
Postcards
2 postcards
I’m trying to find better scans of these postcards. Sorry, this was the best I could do at the moment.
Release date: May 19, 2025
by catpaw | 19 May, 2025 | Stamps, country Stamps
It’s time to wander to the other side of the world and enjoy the Taiwan 2025 stamp program. I can’t think of a better country to focus on after a long layoff from writing.
Taiwan presents an interesting mix of ancient and new, reflected through their art, technology and well, just about everything else. Chunghwa Post offers a number of returning themes, among them a continuation of the Taiwan Scenery and Taiwanese Artists along with a few new topics. This year, one popped up that just wowed me. June’s Taiwan Crafts offers a breath taking macro view of the country’s arts and crafts
I usually wait until the year is done before casting a vote on the best set, but Taiwan Crafts will be impossible to beat. It has all the elements that make up a timeless, classic stamp – rich colours, fine details, balanced design, artistry. Everything comes together in this 4 stamp selection. If ever there was an award winning set, this is it.
FDCs and folders often take longer to trickle out, so until the stamp is released, images aren’t available. They’ll be plopped in as they appear. I’ve spent a little extra time on translations this time and I hope things are more accurate, as well as details.
With thanks to Taiwan Post for both the details and the scans. All images are the sole property of Chunghwa Post.
January
Taiwan Scenery – Hsinchu
4 stamps, 4 sheets of 20, FDCs, cancel
offset
This series began in 2016 with Sanxiantai.
Hsinchu is a city on the northwest coast of Taiwan. This set highlights its famous scenic spots.
A Travel Guide to Hsinchu, Taiwan’s Silicon Valley – Taiwan Obsessed
- Hsinchu Railway Station
- Yingxi Gate of Bamboo Trench City
- Dong’an Ancient Bridge in Kansai
- Xinfeng Mangrove Ecological Reserve
Designer: 大觀視覺顧問股份有限公司 Grandview Visual Consultants Co., Ltd.
Release date: January 15, 2025
Champions of the WBSC Premier – Taiwan Champions of World Baseball
4 stamps, souvenir sheet of 16, FDC, cancel, framed set
offset
Taiwan won their first World Championship at the 3rd World Top 12 Baseball Championship.
WBSC Premier12 2024: Japan suffer first loss since 2019 as Chinese Taipei crowned champions
- Taiwan’s Heroes and the Premier12 Trophy
- The Ace Pitchers
- The Champions and the MVP Captain
- The Golden Coaching Staff
- Taiwan’s national baseball team won the 2024 WBSC championship.
The post office also sold a framed sheet.
Designer: 大觀視覺顧問股份有限公司 Grandview Visual Consultants Co., Ltd.
Release date: January 22, 2025
February
Taiwan Modern Painting
4 stamps, 4 sheets of 20, FDC, cancel, souvenir folder
offset
This series showcases art held by the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts.
- Chen Chengbo’s “Freshwater Landscape (Tamsui)”
- Chen Huikun’s “Wild Willow Scenery”
- Liao Jichun’s “Alishan Sea of Clouds”
- Ma Baishui “Snow in Jade Mountain”
The Museum also has a brilliant YouTube channel that brings the art to life, and occasionally with a bit of cheeky humour. Check out more of their videos 國立台灣美術館 (National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts) – YouTube. This one is my favourite.
Designer: 艾擢恩視覺設計整合工作室 Aijunen Visual Design Integration Studio
Release date: February 12, 2025
March
Centenary of the Death of the Father of the Nation – Sun Yat-sen
2 stamps on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, souvenir folder
offset
It is difficult to explain Sun Yat-sen’s complex legacy. A decent starting point is the University of Victoria, BC’s library page. They’ve created a thumbnail sketch of his life Sun Yat-sen | Victoria’s Chinatown. After that, head over to National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall-Origin, for a Taiwanese view of Sun.
Designer: Atelier.63
Release date: March 12, 2025
150th anniversary of Albert Schweitzer’s birth
1 stamp, sheet of 10, FDC, cancel, souvenir folder
offset
Designer: 大觀視覺顧問股份有限公司 Grandview Visual Consultants Co., Ltd.
Release date: March 28, 2025
April
UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
4 stamps on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel
offset
This set marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of quantum mechanics.
To promote global collaboration and address critical challenges in science and technology, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) on 7 June, 2024, under the leadership of UNESCO. This initiative aims to foster international partnerships, with a special focus on building capacity in the Global South, advancing gender equality in STEM fields, and tackling the growing quantum divide. The IYQ highlights the transformative potential of quantum science and its role in shaping a more inclusive and connected world.
International Year of Quantum Science and Technology | UNESCO
- Blackbody Radiation Photoelectric Effect
- Compton Effect, Bol Atomic Model
- Wave Packet, Schrödinger’s Cat
- Qubits, Quantum Communication
Designer: 日目視覺藝術有限公司 sorry couldn’t get a good translation of this company.
Release date: April 14, 2025
Taiwan Folk Beliefs
4 stamps, FDC, cancel, 4 sheets of 20
offset
- Fu Zhengshen
- Guan Sheng Emperor
- The Jade Emperor God
- Guanyin Bodhisattva
Check out Understanding Taiwanese Folklore And Mythology – discoveringtw.com for a beginners exploration of Taiwan’s rich folklore.
Designer: 大觀視覺顧問股份有限公司 Grandview Visual Consultants Co., Ltd.
Release date: April 25, 2025
May
Taiwan Scenery – Chiayi
4 stamps, 4 sheets of 20, FDC, cancel
offset
- Yanping Trail
- Taiping Cloud Ladder
- Chiayi City Historical Relics Museum
- Lantan
A Travel Guide to Chiayi, Gateway to Ali Mountain – Taiwan Obsessed
Designer: 大觀視覺顧問股份有限公司 Grandview Visual Consultants Co., Ltd.
Release date: May 7, 2025
June
Taiwan Crafts
4 stamps, 4 sheets of 20, FDC, cancel
offset
All these items are from the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Center’s collection. Their website is stunning and a must see, especially National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute|Collection. The photography is .. lush. Don’t miss the various videos!
I usually try to condense down the write ups, but Chunghwa Post does a far better job at the details:
- Yan Shuilong, Xie Chunzi “Lin Grass Basket” (face value 8 yuan): This work is a fiber process, the shape and size of the basket are different, and the design drawings are drawn for Mr. Yan Shuilong, and Ms. Xie Chunzi is woven with rush, exuding a unique grass fragrance, presenting a simple and generous life aesthetics.
- Lin Baojia’s “Dance” (face value 8 yuan): This pottery work creates a plump and mellow feeling with a beautiful large arc, and the different color glazes and free dancing dots and lines on the utensils seem to have infinite rhythm vitality in the vast world.
- Lai Gaoshan (Mountain Shadow) (face value 8 yuan): This lacquer art work combines classicism and abstraction, with a tall foot offering plate as the model, the bottom is dominated by a mountain-shaped pattern, embellished with Thao aboriginal elements, the upper edge of the vessel is based on blue, with shells attached, and the center is lined with lace, which is a metaphor for the beauty of landscape culture contained in Sun Moon Lake.
- Huang Tushan “triangular pyramid flower” (face value of 8 yuan): this bamboo art work to chrysanthemum pattern weaving method from the bottom, the main body of the mountain road pattern weaving, and then with bamboo obliquely inserted into the triangular pyramid pattern, boiled and dyed and then wiped and painted with raw lacquer, the overall surround is continuous, sparse and dense, and the shape of the vessel is thick and steady.
From Chunghwa Post World Wide Web – Stamp Treasure – Inside page
Designer: 大觀視覺顧問股份有限公司 Grandview Visual Consultants Co., Ltd.
Release date: June 6, 2025
Leisure Activities
3rd in series
6 stamps, sheet of 18, FDC, cancel
offset
The artist picked a colour palette that promotes a sense of “joy and beauty of leisure activities”
Designer: 曾凱智 Tseng Kai-chih
Release date: June 26, 2025
July
Taiwanese Trains
6 stamps, sheet of 18, FDC, cance
offset
Once again, I’m going to rely on the post office’s write-up so no details are missed:
- EMU3000: A new intercity express train with the design spirit of “Silent Flow.” It has one business-class car named “Tengyun Cabin” in honor of Taiwan’s first steam locomotive “Tengyun Hao.”
- EMU900: A functional electric train for commuter. The exterior design seeks to provide “A Smiling Welcome” to passengers. The interior is modern-looking to provide a restful and relaxing atmosphere with ergonomic seats that greatly raise the level of comfort.
- R200: A high-performance, next-generation environmentally friendly diesel-electric locomotive with a powerful engine. In addition to hauling freight trains, it serves the military, provides rescue and pulls maintenance trains.
- TEMU1000: Taroko Express is the first tilting electric train used in Taiwan. The name Taroko representing Taroko National Park, was chosen in a public competition.
- TEMU2000: Puyuma Express is the second tilting electric train imported by Taiwan Railway for enhancing transport ability on the east coast. The name, Puyuma, comes from Puyuma tribe of Taitung.
The Postal Universal Website of R.O.C ─ Stamp House – Pages
Designer: 曾凱智 Tseng Kai-chih
Drafter: 洪致文 Hung Chih-wen
Release date: July 7, 2025
August
Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales
Release date: August 4, 2025
Calligraphy Art Stamps – Song Suhui’s Book in Front of Chibi Fu
Second in series
Release date: August 22, 2025
September
Cute Pets
10 stamps have been announced for this set.
Release date: September 9, 2025
Cats, Bugs and Coffee
I have no idea, but boy I can’t wait to see this set.
Release date: September 25, 2025
October
National Palace Museum
Release date: October 15, 2025
November
Dinosaurs
Release date: November 3, 2025
December
Lunar New Year – Year of the Horse
Release date: December 1, 2025
by catpaw | 3 Mar, 2025 | country Stamps, Stamps
Welcome to the 2025 Thai stamp program. And yes, I realise I haven’t posted last year yet, although its almost done. Not sure why I decided to post 2025 first, but here we are. Its nice to be ahead of the posting curve for a change. Researching Thailand’s stamps can be a bit tricky. The dating and translations often trip me up, so if you spot an error, please let me know. I’ve gone back and forth so many times, I’m not sure I see them any longer. 2024 is mostly done, but I need to do a vigorous fact checking before I let it loose into the wild. Hang in there Thai stamp tans. It’s coming soon.
The big change this year is in the Valentine’s Day offering. For a few years, Thai post has offered up some beautiful flowers as symbols of love with a few even scented. This year, they shift gears and leave the flowers behind in favour of the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi, renowned for her beauty. While I enjoyed the roses, there is something deeply alluring about designer Kamonporn Triyakul’s Goddess. Perhaps next year, we’ll be treated to another interpretation of Lakshmi.
Hope you enjoy the 2025 Thai stamp program. It’s always an adventure exploring their stamps.
Cheers
Catpaw
Images are courtesy ThaiPost.
January
Year of the Snake
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 10, a variety of special cancels
offset
This is now the11th time Thailand post has used of artwork by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The Year of the Snake features the semi-divine Naga, a half-human, half cobra mythical creature. The series began using the Princess’ art with the 2015 Year of the Goat (also referred to as the sheep and ram) as a project honouring her 60th birthday.
The cover shows a more traditional view of the Naga with a crown. The Naga can shift between human and snake form at will and, although dangerous to evil doers, are generally beneficial to humans.
The importance of Naga Devata in Hinduism is multifaceted. They are revered as guardians of the underworld and are believed to possess immense spiritual power. The Naga Devata are also seen as intermediaries between humans and the divine, often invoked for protection, healing, and blessings. Their role extends beyond mere guardianship, as they are also associated with various natural elements and cosmic functions.
In Hindu mythology, the Naga Devata are often depicted as semi-divine beings with the ability to shape-shift between human and serpent forms. They are commonly associated with water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, and are believed to reside in the netherworld, known as Patala. The Naga Devata are also linked to various Hindu deities, including Vishnu and Shiva, and play crucial roles in several mythological narratives.
Naga Devata: The Serpent Deities Worshipped in Hinduism
Designer: Mr. Thanetphonchaiwong | นายธเนศพลไชยวงศ์
ภาพนักษัตรปีมะเส็ง ภาพวาดฝีพระหัตถ์สมเด็จพระกนิษฐาธิราชเจ้า กรมสมเด็จพระเทพรัตนราชสุดา ฯ สยามบรมราชกุมารี
Release date: January 3. 2025
National Children’s Day – Little Prince
2 stamps, 2 sheets of 10, FDC, cancel (couldn’t find the FDC on ThaiPost’s website)
offset
Released on National Children’s Day, January 11, 2025.
This pair of stamps features French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s Little Prince wearing an Raj Pattern Thai cloak. The Little Prince was first published in 1943. The stamps were created with the cooperation of the Antoine de Saint Exupéry Youth Foundation.
Note: the cover image is from the National Children’s Day 2025 Commemorative Stamps – The Little Prince
Designer: Euamporn Supharoekchai | นางสาวเอื้อมพรศุภฤกษ์ชัย
Supharoekchai also provided the artwork.
Release date: January 11, 2025
Archway in Honor of His Majesty the King’s 72nd Birthday Anniversary
4 stamps, sheetlets of 8
offset with embossing and spot varnish
Yellow stamps:
Archway at Damrong Sathit Bridge.
Archway at Mo Mi Intersection
Red stamps:
Archway at Damrong Sathit Bridge
Archway at Mo Mi Intersection
Two Commemorative Archways to honour His Majesty’s birthday
Designer: Ms. Mayuree Naknison | นางสาวมยุรี นาคนิศร
Release date: January 25, 2025
Honor of His Majesty the King on the Occasion of His Majesty’s 6th Birthday Ceremony on 28 July 2024
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheetlet of 4
offset with embossing and silkscreen
King Rama X, Vajiralongkorn วชิราลงกรณ, assumed the throne October 13, 2016, when his father died. He was crowned May 2019.
Designer: Mr. Thanetphon Chaiwong | นายธเนศพล ไชยวงศ์
Release date: January 28, 2025
February
Symbols of Love – Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of love
1 stamp, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, sheets of 8
offset
Thailand’s annual Valentine’s stamp features the Goddess Lakshmi. Lakshmi is also associated with luck, wealth, beauty and occasionally love.
In the stamp, there are elements commonly associated with her:
- Four arms signify righteousness, desire, wealth and liberation.
- Lakshmi is traditionally shown holding a lotus flower which represent beauty and purity.
- She wears a gold crown
As Lord Vishnu’s consort, she is reincarnated each time he is. She was said to be born from a churning ocean of milk.
Designer: Ms. Kamonporn Triyakul | นางสาวกมลพร ตรียกูล
Release date: February 7, 2025
World Pet Love Day
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 8
offset with blue foil stamping
The person in the stamps is a mailman. This stamp is meant to promote kindness towards animals, especially abandoned and injured ones.
Designer: Ms. Mayuree Nakhanisorn | นางสาวมยุรีนาคนิศร
Release date: February 20, 2025
March
International Women’s Day
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 10
offset with embossing and spot varnish
The stamp depicts the goddess Phra Mae Phosop. She “…protects and cares for the crops to grow and flourish, conveying the importance of women who have influenced beliefs and thoughts since historical times”
แสตมป์ วันสตรีสากล แบบชุด (1286)
Pra Mae is also referred to as the rice goddess and the Mother of Rice Prosperity.
In Thai legend, it is said that after being ill-treated by someone Mae Phosop retreated from humankind into the woods where no-one could find her, causing terrible harvests and much suffering. But she was convinced to return to society on being told the Lord Buddha was returning to Earth and needed her help to fulfill his mission. She agreed to return but only if she be treated with respect and kindness. On returning, humankind did treat her with the respect and kindness she deserved (as shown by the Thai Rice Goddess Ceremonies), and she blessed everyone with abundant harvests.
The Buddha & The Thai Rice Goddess Ceremony | Mae Phosop
Designer: Mr. Suchart Kwanwan | นายสุชาติ ขวัญหวาน
Release date: March 8, 2025
by catpaw | 2 Mar, 2025 | country Stamps, Stamps
Sorry for the pun about the 2025 Åland stamps. Okay, no, I’m not really sorry. I’m weak and admit it. You’ll understand in a few minutes. I was just observing in another post recently (Algeria 2025) that I was now in the fifth year of this stamp project. It started as a little something to while away the Covid lockdown and has bloomed into an exiting exploration of countries and cultures around the world. I’ve talked with post offices, artists and engravers, historians, designers, and so many more which has allowed my decades long love affair with stamps and story telling to evolve into a full time project. You have no idea how happy it makes me to know readers come from around the world to read these pages.
Åland was among the earliest countries I chose to showcase. Mostly because I knew so little about this country. The first article went up on January 2, 2021 and it’s been an epic ride since then. Looking back on the article, it was painfully obvious I was in the baby step stage of understanding their rich history and art. It’s a pretty barebones page. Since then, the amount of information has improved. I’m hoping this year will be even better.
A number of favourites make an appearance in 2025, and a special stamp will outshine them on. The fun Boathouses series enters it’s 3rd year with 2 more stamps, and Martin Mörck is back for another Lunar New Year release. 2026 will be the Year of the Horse. His artwork features the Stall Joy riding school in Hammarland. As the press release says, Mörck gives the Chinese New Year a distinct Åland twist.
A new International Peace Project stamp will go out in September. Liechtenstein post and Austrian embroidery specialists Hämmerle & Vogel, worked jointly to bring, The Dove of Peace project to life. Austrian collectors will be familiar with H&V as they have helped Austria pioneer some unique embroidered, cloth stamps. A common design will be used by 10 other European post offices. 
This year, I’m starting with the bones of the program and will pop back in to fill in details as the year passes. In previous years, I’ve added most of the details at the beginning, but 2025 will be the year of postal cliff hangers.
Enjoy
Catpaw
With thanks to Åland Islands post office for their top notch scans of all their stamps and covers.
January
More Fun Together – Valentine’s Day
5 stamps
offset
“Since Valentine’s Day is the day of friendship in Finland, the stamps depict friendship, not romantic love. It’s much more fun to do things with your friends than on your own. For example, cooking together can be quality time with friends or family,”
Minna Lehväslaiho
Artist: Minna Lehväslaiho
Minna’s artwork was also featured on the 2022 and Christmas 2023
Release date: January 15, 2025
February
Treasures of the Sea
franking labels
4 stamps, FDC, cancel, pre-paid maxi card, cancel
offset
Exploring sealife around Åland’s waters.
- bladderwrack (Fucus versiculosus) – largest algae found in the Baltic sea. Provides shelter for small species of sealife.
- three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) – a small, 4–10 cm, fish.
- blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) – are crucial in montoring the health of the sea.
- jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) – a native species in the Baltic.
The illustration on the FDC is a stickleback swimming among the bladderwrack. The maxi card has a different cancel than the FDC.
Artist: Bo Lundwall
Swedish artist Lundwall specialises in highly detailed wildlife and nature art. His works have appeared on over a dozen stamps from Sweden and Åland..
Designer: Johanna Finne
Release date: February 3 2024
Boathouses
3rd in series
2 stamps, FDC, cancel
offset
This series will wrap up in 2026.
- Classic boathouses found at Käringsund in Eckerö one of Åland’s oldest preserved fishing villages.
- New style from Bovik, Hammarland
” Inspired by the technique of “timber framing”, this new boathouse combines the joy of carpentry with traditional craftsmanship. Built of Åland pine, the boathouse measures 10 x 6 meters and has room for two boats.” Boathouse, Hammarland – mint – Åland Stamps
Previous stamps in this series:
Photographer: Kjell Söderlund
Söderlund started his exploration of photography in 1983, with film cameras. He has made a career out of his passion since 1995. His first stamp was the 2002 Norden- Art stamp for Åland. My favourite Söderlund stamps were his 2011 pair Potato Chips and The Champagne Find.
Designer: Johanna Finne
Release date: February 3 2024
March
Open Edition – Magical Island
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
offset
This is a delightful series that gives artists free reign over the entire design of a stamp. This year features Amanda Chanfreau’s Magical Island, a whimsical look at the both life above and below the waters around Åland. A nice companion to Lundwall’s Treasures of the Sea.
Artist: Amanda Chanfreau
Chanfreau works as both an traditional artist and tattooist.
Designer: Johanna Finne
Release date: March 19, 2025
Moped Car – Symbol of Youth on the Island
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 24
offset
This stamp introduces new artist Ksenija Chezhegova to the stamp design world.
The moped car, which is classified as a moped despite its car-like design, has become a popular means of transport among young people. With two seats and a top speed of 45 km/h, it may be driven from 15 years of age.
Young artist Ksenija Chezheghova’s interpretation of the moped car captures the sense of freedom and fellowship that this symbol of youth evokes.
Moped car –mint – Åland Stamps
Artist: Ksenija Chezhegova
Chezhegova recently graduated from the Åland Lyceum.
“I was really happy and felt both proud and responsible when I was entrusted with this task. I haven’t drawn so many vehicles before, so I was excited to take on this challenge. My first thought was freedom and relationships. A quadricycle is more than its physical components. An important part of owning a quadricycle car is being able to go for a ride with friends. The moped car is a symbol of freedom and represents the social network between young people that is created when they spend time together. This is exactly the feeling of freedom I wanted to try to capture”
Stamp Owner Blog: Moped car – part of youth culture in Åland
Designers: Rebecka Lundén & Johanna Finne
Release date: March 19, 2025
May
SEPAC – Architecture
1 stamp, sheetlet of 8 + 8 labels, FDC, cancel, sheets of 24 + 8 labels
offset
The second stamps give you a clearer view of the two labels that accompany the sheets.
SEPAC’s theme this year is an exploration of outstanding architectural gems. Åland chose to showcase early 20th century schoolhouses. The Åland Lyceum, in Mariehamn, built in 1903 was the work of Finnish architects Johan Jacob “Jac” Ahrenberg (1847–1914) and Sebastian Gripenberg (1850–1925).
Erected in 1903, the schoolhouse was the first large stone building in Mariehamn. Architecturally, the Åland Lyceum represents Swedish manor house style with tall, wide windows and small panes. From the outset, the building had bright yellow plasterwork, white mouldings, and a red roof. The decorative main entrance at the foot of the tower is framed by a soapstone portal adorned with the town’s coat of arms and water lily motifs, a tribute to the Art Nouveau ideals of the time.
Sepac 2025, architecture -mint – Åland Stamps
Designer: Kjell Ekström
Release date: May 9, 2025
EUROPA 2025: National Archaeological Discoveries
1 stamp, FDC, sheetlet of 8 + 4 labels, sheets of 24 + 4 labels
offset
Jettböle clay idol – from a stone age settlement in Jettböle, Åland. The idol was discovered in 1906 while archeologists were excavating a 5000-year-old Stone Age settlement in Jomala. Head over to Jan Fast Archaeology : Newly found stone-age clay figurines from the Åland Islands for an brief look at both the excavation and the idol. Then treat yourself to the Åland Museum for a deeper dive into the details on the Jettböle idol Jettböle settlement area | Ålands Museum. It has some fine closeups of the idol.
Illustrator: Fredrik Tjernström
Designer: Johanna Finne
Release date: May 9, 2025
June
Children’s Åland
4 stamps, booklets of 8, FDC, cancel, maxi card
offset
This is a collaboration between Åland Post and the Åland School of Art and Design, and students aged 6 to 16. The four stamps were illustrated by Sofia Topoeva, Joel Höglund, Lowa Johansson and Elsa Carlström. The FDC and cancel by Frida Carlsson and Mathilda Jansson and the maxi card and its special cancel were designed by Anna Sophie Czajkowski and Michelle Horner
Designer: Johanna Finne
Artists: Sofia Topoeva, Joel Höglund, Lowa Johansson and Elsa Carlström
FDC art and cancel: Frida Carlsson
Release date: June 9, 2025
Postal Stationary – Flowers
4 pre-paid postal stationary cards, cancel
offset
Freelance photographer Tiina Tahvanainen returns with what may be her best stamp to-date. This set features flowers found around Älvdalens Trädgård on Åland.
On a former grass meadow, we are building a lush garden with a small-scale cut flower cultivation. It all started as a wild idea that during 2020-2021 was allowed to mature and slowly begin to take shape. Jeppe in particular has always been interested in cultivation and we have grown vegetables for our own use for many years. Helena loves to create and be creative, and growing cut flowers suddenly felt just right. Here we can combine our interests and create something together that can also be a joy for others! Wonderfully!
About – Älvdalens Trädgård
Photographer: Tiina Tahvanainen
Release date: June 9, 2025
Postal Boat Race
postcard
1 postcard, cancel
This postcard wasn’t available until the June 14 race concluded.
Since 1974, the Postal Boat Race has been an annual summer event arranged to commemorate the obligation of the farmers in Swedish Väddö and Åland Eckerö to carry mail and passengers across the Sea of Åland in all weathers for almost 400 years.
Approximately 30 boats take part every year, and the crews of four are required to wear contemporary clothing and the boat must also be true to the period. The goal is to cross the Sea of Åland, a distance of 44 km, as quickly as possible. The boat and team acquiring the highest total score for clothing, boat, and speed wins. Every participating mail boat carries a mail bag.
The Postal Boat Race is organized by Roslagen Marine History Society and Eckerö Local History Society in cooperation with Swedish PostNord and Åland Post.|
Postal boat race, commemorative card – Åland Stamps
No photographer was listed.
Release date: June 14, 2025
August
The Gustaf Erikson Shipping Company Archives
This is a special stamp. It features Åland’s first UNESCO World Heritage entry. The archives were entered into UNESCO’s International Memory of the World Register on 24 May 2023.
Designer: Juta Policja
Policja is a Latvian artist currently living on Åland.
Release date: August 25, 2025
34th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC)
This year the conference is being chaired by Åland and held in Mariehamn.
Designer: Bo Söderlund
Release date: August 25, 2025
September
The Dove of Peace
Joint Issue
This will be Åland’s first embroidered stamp. They join countries like Austria in using Hämmerle & Vogel embroidery manufacturers to create this unique stamp.
Release date: September 19, 2025
October
Lunar New Year – Year of the Horse
“… Stall Joy riding school in Hammarland on Åland, which has specialized in equestrian therapy for children and adults with various disabilities.”
Designer: Martin Mörck
Release date: October 25, 2025
Christmas – Togetherness
Designer: Jonas Wilén
Release date: October 25, 2025
by catpaw | 7 Feb, 2025 | country Stamps, Stamps
Hard to believe, but the Algerian 2025 stamps represent the 5th year of exploring Algeria. During the past half decade, I’ve discovered some excellent artists and designers, but am still stymied in my research into them. They seem to be a shy lot. But, after so many stamps, I feel much more comfortable writing about the country. I’ve sourced some strong Algerian sites that shed light onto cultural and historical moments that, as a North American, are often missing in our news coverage. Stamps are great, aren’t they?
Last year, Algerian post issued a number of interesting stamps, but in retrospect, their celebration of arts education seems to be the most timely. With so many tech bros pushing to do away with the arts and personal creativity, Algeria chose to highlight the “need to strengthen arts education in schools to make it a breeding ground for the education of talents, promoting their development at the national level in various fields in order to orient them towards a real artistic industry”. Bachelor’s Degree in Arts 2024 – Algeria Post (poste.dz) Designer Zakaria Medjaour pulled together so many elements of the arts, it was fun to examine.
Algeria is one of those countries that excels in creating info brochures for each stamp. For a collector, they make good companion pieces for an album, especially if you can’t afford a stamp catalogue. Algerian 2025 stamps kicked off the year with a beautifully constructed one for the Amazigh Literature and Language Prizes.
Written in three languages, with extra info details included, its a nice bonus. I’m playing around with the idea of including the info sheets, but haven’t decided. Guess we’ll find out when the stamps start rolling in.
Enjoy your trip to Algeria.
Catpaw
January
Fifth Edition of the President of the Republic’s Prize for Amazigh Literature and Language
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
offset
The prize has four categories:
- Non-Material Amazigh Cultural Heritage Research
- Technological Sciences and Digital Innovation
- Linguistics
- Amazigh Literature and Translated Works
This year’s winners:
No first prize was awarded in the Linguistics, 2nd and 3rd prizes went to:
Second prize: Naima Hamdi (Béjaïa)
Third prize: Ferkanis Elias (Béjaïa)
Amazigh Literature and Translations:
First prize: Farhat Amr Ouchaban (Tizi Ouzou)
Second prize: Tegourabet Rachida (Tizi Ouzou)
Third prize: Houssam Haddad (Batna)
Non-Material Amazigh Cultural Heritage Research saw no award for 2nd prize:
First prize: Bezza Abdelnasser (Batna)
Third prize: Mohamed Mouloud El Wass (Tamanrasset)
For Technological Sciences and Digital Innovation, no 1st or 3rd was awarded:
Second prize: Belkhraz Abdelrazak (Béjaïa)
Winners of President’s Prize for Amazigh Literature Honored
Designer: High Commission for Amazighity
Release date: January 14, 2025
School Sports
3 stamps, FDC, cancel
offset
This stamp is part of the Algerian government’s new program to encourage Physical Education and Sports within schools.
Designer: not listed
Release date: January 14, 2025
February
World Safer Internet Day – Together for a Better Internet
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
offset
This stamp is part of an international campaign to promote the idea of creating a less hostile environment on the internet. It began as a EUROPA initiative in 2005 with their Safe Borders initiative.
Designer: Tahar Boukeroui
Boukeroui is a familiar name in Algerian stamp design. His works date to as early as his 1975 National Network Of Satellite Telecomunications 3 stamp set.
Release date: February 13th, 2025
March
Women and Modern Technology
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
offset
… modern technologies have enabled women to overcome many obstacles that once stood in their way, providing them with the opportunity to achieve their personal fulfillment and actively participate in building the future Women and Modern Technology – Algeria Post
Algeria post designed a beautiful pdf info sheet that included artwork from the stamp. Here’s the top of it. Whoever the artist is, should have been given credit.
Drawing: Ministry of Post and Telecommunications
Release date: March 10, 2025
The Arab League: Eighty Years of Joint Arab Action
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
offset
Drawing: The Arab League
Release date: March 24, 2025
Women’s Ceremonial Outfits of the Eastern Region of Algeria
3 stamps, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel
offset
In December 2024, UNESCO declared these types of dress as part of their Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognises the “cultural achievement and constitutes a global recognition of the historical and artistic value of the Algerian women’s traditional costume”. The women’s ceremonial costume in the Eastern region of Algeria: knowledge and skills associated with the making and adornment of the ‘Gandoura’ and the ‘Melehfa’ – UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
From Algeria Post’s website:
The Caftan: The Algerian Qadi Caftan is one of the oldest traditional costumes in the city of Constantine. It reflects the excellence and creativity of the famous Constantinian embroidery art, known as Fetla and Mejboud (Tarz). This authentic embroidery, made with meticulous precision by Constantine craftsmen, is distinguished by its refined patterns and sumptuous ornaments.
Originally, the Algerian caftan was a masculine garment worn by judges and high dignitaries of the state. Over time, Algerian women have appropriated it by adapting it to their femininity and elegance, making it one of the most emblematic traditional women’s garments.
The kaftan is made from a variety of luxurious fabrics, such as silk, velvet,
short velvet, cotton and wool, giving it an elegant and distinctive appearance combining refinement and comfort.
The Melehfa: It is a loose, draped garment, which was originally unsewn and held at the shoulders by two silver brooches. Excess fabric is folded over the chest backwards, while the waist is belted with a long colored wool rope belt or a silver belt.
The elegance of the Mlehfa is enhanced by traditional accessories. The head is covered with a Ghenur (turban) or veil, and adorned with a Jabin diadem fixed on the forehead. It is often associated with Mechref, large circular earrings decorated with simple geometric engravings, as well as bracelets and rings that enhance the beauty of the arms. The Khalkhal (anklet) is worn to add a touch of charm and grace to the ankles.
The Gandoura: It is a long dress in satin or velvet, embroidered with motifs inspired by nature, whether floral or animal, using techniques such as gold thread (majboud), fetla, tell or decorative embroidery.
Artists: Zineb Bahri and Yasmina Boukhari
Release date: March 27, 2025
May
Algerian Digital Platform for the Quran – MAQRAA
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
offset
This project began April 25, 2020.
The Electronic Maqraa of Algeria was founded on the 1st of Ramadan 1441H, corresponding to April 25, 2020, with the establishment of an electronic platform on the official website of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Wakfs. It brings together more than 100 teachers (men and women) spread over several time slots, allowing learners to correct their recitation and recite what they have memorized.
A year after its launch, an academic Maqraa has been established, where learners are divided into classes and levels, according to approved educational programmes.
The Algerian Digital Platform for the Quran – MAQRAA – Algeria Post
Artwork: Ministry of Religious Affairs and Wakfs
Release date: May 4, 2025
Ancient Mosques
3 stamps, FDCs, cancel
offset
This set features the 3 mosques. Details courtesy Algeria Post’s website.
Okba Ibn Nafaa al-Fihri Mosque – Biskra – It was built over the tomb of Okba Ibn Nafaa al-Fihri, after his martyrdom at the Battle of Tahuda in 63 H (682 AD). It is the third oldest mosque in the Maghreb, after the Kairouan Mosque in Tunisia and the Abou al-Mouhadjir Dinar Mosque in Mila, Algeria.
The mosque stands out for its unique and irregular architectural design, measuring 60 meters long and 37 meters wide. It includes a prayer hall surrounded by galleries on three sides, in addition to a place for ablutions and several chambers. The prayer hall itself is irregular, consisting of seven vertical plates intersected by seven cross-aisles parallel to the qibla wall. The pyramidal minaret is 16 meters high. The main gate, known as “Bab Tobna”, is a true work of art, made of cedar wood and inlaid with bronze nails, decorated with arabesque patterns, illustrating the beauty of traditional Islamic art.
Qutub Main Mosque, Yusuf Bin Tashfeen – Tindouf The mosque was inaugurated on Tuesday, 22 Moharram 1443 AH, corresponding to August 31, 2021. This religious complex is one of the largest religious structures in the region, with a capacity of about 4,200 prayers, making it one of the largest mosques in the wilaya.
The design of the mosque is the work of the late architect Hamoudi Al Nazir, who dedicated many years of his life to this project since 2004. The design is inspired by the Maghreb-Andalusian architectural style, reflecting a historical and cultural fusion between North Africa and Andalusia, which gives the mosque a unique and distinctive architectural identity.
Ibn Saadoun Mosque – Blida: The mosque located in the center of the city of Blida is one of the most important historical and religious monuments of the wilaya. Its construction dates back to the 16th century, and it is named after its founder, Sheikh Ibn Saadoun Bin Mohammad Bin Baba Ali.
The mosque covers an area of about 258 square meters and can accommodate about 800 prayers. It is distinguished by its traditional architectural design, comprising four galleries and five rows of columns, crowned with capitals similar to those of the Bani Hammad Fortress, giving it a unique heritage character.
Designer: Ali Kerbouche
Kerbouche is a prolific designer for Algeria. He has contributed artwork for over 100 stamps for both Algeria and 2 for Serbia.
Release date: May 15, 2025
Algerian Cuisine Based on Wild Herbs
3 stamps, FDC, cancel, First Day card
offset
Finally, Algeria returns with a delicious stamp. Once again, Algeria’s post office offers the best write up:
Wild Purslane with “Dersa”: This is one of the traditional and popular Algerian dishes, prepared with a plant called “wild purslane”, also known as “Bakla” or “Bandraq”. It is a seasonal wild plant with fleshy green leaves, which grows in spring. It is known for its unique flavor and nutritional richness, especially omega-3 and iron.
Wild purslane is usually cooked in olive oil and seasoned with a mixture called “Dersa”, a puree made of garlic, salt and red chilli (sweet and hot), traditionally prepared in a mortar. This dish is served as a main or side dish, especially in rural and inland areas.
Couscous with Milk Thistle (Guernina): This is a traditional seasonal dish made with two ingredients: couscous – an emblematic symbol of Algerian cuisine – and “Guernina”, a wild plant with a sweet taste, even raw. It is also beneficial for health as it is rich in vitamins, including vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. It is found in abundance in North Africa and the Mediterranean basin, especially in late winter and spring. Algerian families, especially in the central and eastern regions, celebrate spring by preparing this dish.
Guernina, once cleaned of its thorns and cut, is first steamed, then added to a couscous sauce made of onions, chickpeas, spices, and sometimes meat (fresh or dried). The couscous, steamed and drizzled with olive oil, is then topped with this fragrant sauce.
Shakhchoukha with Wild Mallow (Khoubiza): This is a seasonal spring dish that adorns the tables of Algerian families in the interior and highlands. It combines two elements: a type of “chakhchoukha” (crumbled cake) and wild mallow, a plant with semi-circular and serrated leaves, known for its richness in vitamins, minerals, fibers and antioxidant properties.
Mallow leaves are cleaned and cooked in a sauce of olive oil, green onions, garlic, and spices. They are then mixed with the shakshushha, cooked and crumbled beforehand.
Hungry yet?
Artist: Yasmina Boukhari
Release date: May 26, 2025
