Middle East Albums
Aden is a port city located in Yemen in the southern part of the Arabian peninsula, positioned near the eastern approach to the Red Sea. It is situated approximately 170 km (110 mi) east of the Bab-el-Mandeb strait and north of the Gulf of Aden. With its strategic location on the coastline, Aden serves as a gateway between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, making it a crucial maritime hub connecting Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Before Aden’s Own Stamps (to 1937) • Aden was under British rule from 1839, initially administered by British India. Postal services began soon after occupation, and Indian stamps were used in Aden from 1854 until 1937. Mail from this period is of interest to postal historians but is not “Aden stamps” per se. Aden Crown Colony Issues (1937–1965) • When Aden was detached from British India and became a Crown Colony on 1 April 1937, it began issuing its own postage stamps inscribed Aden. • The first general issues featured local themes, including the harbour and dhows (traditional boats), often alongside the portrait of the reigning British monarch (initially King George VI). • Definitive and commemorative sets continued through the late 1930s and 1940s; during this period, issues reflected both colonial identity and broader imperial subjects (e.g., UPU anniversaries). • In 1951 the currency on Aden stamps changed from rupees/annas to East African shillings and cents, so older designs were overprinted with new values. • After Queen Elizabeth II’s accession, stamps portrayed her effigy until the end of Aden-specific issues. • All stamps inscribed “Aden” were withdrawn on 31 March 1965.
