The first Albanian national stamp was issued and put into circulation. Ismail Qemali’s government, having in its composition as the Minister of Posts the well-known intellectual Lef Nosi, paid special attention to the postal activity in general and the issuing of stamps in particular. In just a few months of its existence, on July 7, 1913, the Provisional Government of Vlora applied for membership in the Universal Postal Union (UPU), which took over eight years to achieve. In October 1922, Albania became a member of the UPU. Based on the enormous needs for postage stamps at the beginning of the Albanian state, the Ministry of Posts made very effective and practical solutions. Within an eight-month period, March–December 1913, six issues of stamps were issued. The first issue, or the first stamp, was made almost six months after the declaration of independence. It was not common, as stamps are today, but it had the form of a black stamp, with which 2232 envelopes were printed. This stamp in envelopes of different colors cost 1 grossh and was put up for sale in 11 cities where post offices established during the Ottoman occupation operated. (In the photo: The first Albanian national stamp.)
Text: https://www.postashqiptare.al/c/84/historiku-i-pulles
Photo: © Albanian Post
Graphic processing: AHCF
