South Vietnam Les Femmes Vietnam / Phu-Nu Viet-Nam - 1969

SOUTH VIETNAM on  23 March 1969 issued four stamps for a First Day Cover entitled "Les Femmes Vietnam / Phu-Nu Viet-Nam (Vietnamese Women)" in conjunction with Women's Day. The postmark orginated from Saigon, South Vietnam.

Pos Indonesia Traditional Wedding Costumes - 1989

POS INDONESIA on 11 December 1989 issued a First Day Cover of five stamps depicting different wedding costumes. The stamp set portrayed traditional wedding costumes from South Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, North Sulawesi, North Sumatra, South Sumatra and Jakarta.

Postes Tunis Grand Mosque of Tunis - 1931

POSTES TUNIS on 15 January 1931 issued an upgrade of its 1926 definitives. This 'new design' of the Grand Mosque Al-Zaytuna had a 20 centime value and was a dull brown colour. Paul Proust was the designer, whereas Institut de Gravure et d'Impression de Papiers-Valeurs, Paris printed it, along with similar definitives of the same mosque design but in different colours and values. Postmark on this postcard originated from Sfax, Tunisia. It shows a street scene (Rue de la République) in Sfax.

Al-Zaytuna Mosque, also known as Ez-Zitouna Mosque, and El-Zituna Mosque ( literally means the Mosque of Olive), is a major mosque at the centre of the Medina of Tunis in Tunis, Tunisia. The mosque is the oldest in the city and covers an area of 5,000 square metres (1.2 acres) with nine entrances. It was founded at the end of the 7th century or in the early 8th century, but its current architectural form dates from a reconstruction in the 9th century, including many antique columns reused from Carthage, and from later additions and restorations over the centuries. The mosque may have hosted one of the first and greatest universities in the history of Islam. Many Muslim scholars graduated from al-Zaytuna for over a thousand years. Ibn 'Arafa, a major Maliki scholar, al-Maziri, the great traditionalist and jurist, and Aboul-Qacem Echebbi, a famous Tunisian poet, all taught there, among others

Pos Indonesia Traditional Wedding Costumes - 1990

POS INDONESIA on 1 November 1990 issued a First Day Cover of five stamps depicting different  wedding costumes. The stamp set portrayed traditional wedding costumes from West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, East Java, Bali, and West Nusa Tenggara.

Österreich Post 60 Anniversary of the Film “The Third Man (Der Dritte Mann)"

ÖSTERREICH POST on 2 September 2009 issued a First Day Cover stamp marking the 60th anniversary of the 1949 award-winning film “The Third Man (Der Dritte Mann),” a tale of espionage in the dark streets and sewers of Vienna starring Orson Welles and directed by Carol Reed.  The stamp and postmark features the shadow of Harry Lime (Orson Welles) in a scene from the film.

Carol Reed filmed "The Third Man" in Vienna in 1948, during that brief, uneasy truce between the end of the WW II and the onset of the cold war. It won an Oscar and the Golden Palm at Cannes but it wasn't a hit in Vienna. The local critics were underwhelmed. The film only ran for a few weeks.

For the Viennese, this was an era of hardship and humiliation, a grinding struggle for food and fuel. People had to make huge moral compromises simply to survive. As a black market racketeer in "The Third Man' confesses, speaking for every Austrian of his generation: "I've done things that would have seemed unthinkable before the war."

When Graham Greene came Austria to research his screenplay for the film, Vienna was still under occupation, divided into British, French, American and Soviet zones.

Vienna's ambivalence about "The Third Man" betrays its ambivalence about its heritage. Was Vienna conquered or liberated by the Allies? Was the Anschluss an invasion or an alliance? Were the Austrians the first victims of the Third Reich, or its first partners in crime? "The Third Man" is Vienna's guilty secret, lurking in the shadows like Harry Lime (Orson Welles).

If you've never seen this film, you should. The cinematography, the acting, the script is superb.

Source: The Guardian

Indian Post Department 150th Birth Anniversary of the Sri Aurobindo

INDIAN POST DEPARTMENT released the 150th birth anniversary of the Sri Aurobindo stamp.

 Sri Aurobindo was born on 15th August 1872 in the city of Kolkata, India. He went to England at the age of seven for his studies. He studied at St Paul’s School, London and King’s College, Cambridge. He then returned to India in 1893 and worked for thirteen years as a professor at the Baroda College in the service of the Maharaja of the princely state of Baroda. And at the same time, he also joined the revolutionary society and played a leading role in the preparations for the rebellion against the British government in India.

After the partition of Bengal, Sri Aurobindo left his post in Baroda and came to Kolkata. After coming to Kolkata, he became the leader of the nationalist movement and Shri Aurobindo was the first leader of India who openly wrote the newspaper Bande Mataram, the idea of complete independence of the country. Sri Aurobindo was tried on charges of sedition and conspiracy but was acquitted each time due to lack of evidence.

Royaume du Laos 3rd Anniversary of the Lao Red Cross Movement

ROYAUME DU LAOS on 2 May 1958 issued a First Day Cover  set of stamps marking the 3rd Anniversary of the Lao Red Cross Movement. The designer was Marc Leguay, whereas the engraver was Jean Pheulpin.

The Lao Red Cross (LRC) movement was established on 1 January 1955. Several health activities and programmes were carried out by the LRC movement. Among them were children Immunisation, water and sanitation health programmes, training village volunteers and youth in basic first-aid and provide relief assistance to villagers affected by disasters. The LRC also participated in some flood relief operations.

Royaume du Laos Laotian Ethnic Groups

ROYAUME DU LAOS on 15 December 1964 issued a First Day Cover  set of stamps showing five of the Laotian Ethnic Groups. Aside from the beautiful stamps by French artist Marc Leguay, the postmark dated 22 February 1973 states "CESSEZ-LE-FEU AU LAOS (Ceasefire in Laos)".

This referred to the Vientiane Treaty whereby a cease-fire agreement between the two warring factions in the Laotian Civil War (the Kingdom of Laos and the communist Pathet Lao) was signed in Vientiane (the capital of Laos), on 21 February 1973. Subsequently, the Pathetic Lao came to power in 1975, after the Lao Civil War. The Pathet Lao were always closely associated with Vietnamese communists and North Vietnam. During the civil war, it was effectively organised, equipped and even led by the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN).

There are 68 official ethnic groups in Laos, belonging to three main groups: Lao Loum, Lao Sung and Lao Theung.

- Lao Loum - About two thirds of the Laotian population is ethnic Lao, the principal lowland inhabitants and the politically and culturally dominant group.

- Lao Sung - Hill people and minority cultures of Laos such as the Hmong, Yaho, Thai Damm, Dao Shan and several Tibeto-Burmen speaking peoples have lived in isolated regions for many years. Collectively, all these groups are known as Lao Sung (High Lao).

- Lao Theung - The predominate people in the central and southern mountains of Laos are the Mon-Khmer tribes that include the Khammu, Lawa, Katu, Katan and other small tribes. They are known as Lao Theung (Upland Lao) or Kha.

 

The stamps in this set included:

Yaho Hunter
Designer: Marc Leguay, Engraver: Roger Fenneteaux

Kha Hunter
Designer: Marc Leguay, Engraver: Jean Pheulpin

Lao Women representing the three Main Ethnic Groups of Laos: Lao Loum, Lao Sung and Lao Theung
Designer: Thao Tuan, Engraver: Charles Mazelin

Royaume du Laos Phra Wetsandon Buddhist Legend

ROYAUME DU LAOS on 17 November 1964 issued a First Day Cover set of stamps depicting the Phra Wetsandon Buddhist Legend.

Jataka refer to legends concerning the previous births of the Buddha as were told by the Buddha himself in his sermons to emphasise certain moral ways of life. One of the important Jataka is a legend telling about the Buddha life prior to his incarnation as a Prince Phra Wetsandon.

The legend tells about the Prince and his family when they went to exile. It was when the father heard that the Prince gave the Kingdom white elephant to nearby country. The Prince and his family suffered a lot in exile and their children were taken to be slaves by the Brahman Xuxouk. When the King heard about his son suffering and merits, he ordered him and his family to come back from exile and rule the Kingdom.

Stamps in this issue included:- Prince Phra Wetsandon and Nang Matxee
- God of the skies sending his son to earth
- Xuxouk the Brahman and his young wife
- Arresting Xuxouk the Brahman

Pos Indonesia 1997 "Indonesian Culture"

POS INDONESIA in 1997 issued a First Day Cover set of stamps entitled "Indonesian Culture". It was the sixth year of issuance with dance designs featuring all the regional dances in Indonesia. In the 1997 publication, the dances performed came from Central Sulawesi, Central Kalimantan, Central Java, North Sumatra and Bali.

On the special 1997 Indonesian Culture series stamps, the Mapoputi Cengke Dance from Central Sulawesi, the Mandau Talawang Nyai Balau Dance from Central Kalimantan, the Gambyong Dance from Central Java, the Cawan Dance from North Sumatra and the Keraton Legong Dance from Bali were used as the stamp designs. Each stamp measures 25.31 mm x 41.06 mm with perforations 13.50 x 12.75, respectively with denominations of Rp. 150, Rp. 300, Rp. 600, Rp. 700 and Rp. 1000.

 

Apart from the stamps, a cover is also issued. first day, first day cover with memory slips and memory slips. The Gambyong dance from Central Java was used as a design for the 1997 Indonesian Culture series. The Keraton Legong Dance is one of the classical Balinese dances. The name Legong Keraton is composed of the words "leg", "gong" and "keraton". The word "leg" means supple or elastic, which can then be interpreted as a graceful movement (dance), while "gong" means gamelan. The word "keraton" itself means palace. So the Legong Keraton dance can be interpreted as a dance movement that is closely tied to the gamelan that accompanies it and is performed in the palace environment.

The Talawang Nyai Balau Mandau Dance reflects the heroism of Dayak women from Central Kalimantan who are brave and never give up in defending the nation. As the name suggests, the Mandau dance is a dance that shows skill and skill in playing or using weapons, namely the Mandau which is a traditional Dayak weapon, and Telabang which is a traditional Dayak shield.

The Gambyong dance was originally only played in the Kesunanan Surakarta neighborhood as an entertainment performance for the sixth Sinuhun Paku Buwono and a welcoming dance when there were guests of honor who visited the Kesunanan Surakarta. In its development, this dance was also played as entertainment for the wider community. In Central Javanese society, this dance is known as a social dance, usually performed to welcome guests or start a wedding reception. The distinctive feature is that it always opens with the Pangkur piece.

The Cup Dance is a development of the Tor Tor dance which uses a cup as a dancing tool. At first this dance was only danced by a dancer known as a Baso (female shaman), who had supernatural abilities and was a medium or therapist. All the movements in the dance make the female shaman considered a worthy and clever dancer, because when she dances the dance, with a combination of jumping movements and stomping her hands, the cup containing the holy water she is carrying does not fall. Not many dancers dare to dance the cup dance, because there is a taboo against dropping the cup used in this dance.

The Keraton Legong Dance is one of the classical Balinese dances. The name Legong Keraton is composed of the words "leg", "gong" and "keraton". The word "leg" means flexible or elastic, which can then be interpreted as a graceful movement (dance), while "gong" means gamelan. The word "keraton" itself means palace. So the Legong Keraton dance can be interpreted as a dance movement that is closely tied to the gamelan that accompanies it and is performed in the palace environment.

Vietnam (South) Monuments and Sites of Vietnam - 1964

VIETNAM (SOUTH) on 2 December 1964 CONG HOA issued a First Day Cover featuring the monuments and sites on Vietnam. The four stamps in the set included these attractions: Saigon Zoo, Royal Tombs of Hue, Phan-Thiet Fishing Village and Gia Dinh Temple. The postmark originated from Saigon, South Vietnam.

Egypt Al-Azhar Universary Millenary and Sultan Husseyn Mosque - 1953 and 1957

EGYPT issued on 27 April 1957 a set of  stamps of Al-Azhar University Millenary. Shown here is one of those stamps -- brown in colour, 10 mills. The postmark originated in Luxor, Egypt, on 13 June 1957.

EGYPT in 1953 issued a set of stamps showing the Mosque of  Sultan Husseyn, 50 mills. The postmark originated in Luxor, Egypt, on 13 June 1957.

Islamic Republic of Iran "The 5th Anniversary of the Sacred Defense"

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN POST  on 22 September 1985 issued a First Day Cover with four stamps in memoriam of the 5th anniversary of the Iran-Iraq War. It was called "The 5th Anniversary of the Sacred Defense". The stamps in themselves are largely symbolic of the Islamic Republic of Iran, i.e. the war martyr, mosque, missiles and peace doves surrounding map of  Iran, celebratory rifle fireworks

The Iran-Iraq War, (1980–88), was a prolonged military conflict between Iran and Iraq during the 1980s. Open warfare began on 22 September  1980, when Iraqi armed forces invaded western Iran along the countries’ joint border, though Iraq claimed that the war had begun earlier that month, on 4 September 4, when Iran shelled a number of border posts. Fighting was ended by a 1988 cease-fire, though the resumption of normal diplomatic relations and the withdrawal of troops did not take place until the signing of a formal peace agreement on 16 August  1990.

The war had been one of the most destructive conflicts of the late 20th century. The total number of combatants on both sides is unclear, but both countries were fully mobilized, and most men of military age were under arms. The number of casualties was enormous but equally uncertain. Estimates of total casualties range from 1,000,000 to twice that number. The number killed on both sides was perhaps 500,000, with Iran suffering the greatest losses. It is estimated that between 50,000 and 100,000 Kurds were killed by Iraqi forces during the series of campaigns code-named Anfāl (Arabic: “Spoils”) that took place in 1988.

In August 1990, while Iraq was preoccupied with its invasion of Kuwait, Iraq and Iran restored diplomatic relations, and Iraq agreed to Iranian terms for the settlement of the war: the withdrawal of Iraqi troops from occupied Iranian territory, division of sovereignty over the Shaṭṭ Al-ʿArab waterway, and a prisoner-of-war exchange. The final exchange of prisoners was not completed until March 2003.

Source:  Encyclopaedia Britannica