Cyprus Stamps 02 May 2013.
Two New Issues
"Europa 2013" this issue will consist of two stamps and a booklet containing a strip of 4 sets of stamps (8 stamps). The common theme adopted by the European Postal Organisation (POSTEUROP) is "Postal Vehicles".
The first postal service in Cyprus was established by the Austrians in 1845. In 1871 the first Ottoman post office was opened in Nicosia, and a second in Larnaca in 1873. All these were closed in 1878 when a temporary British Postal Service was opened.
During these early years the only public transport that operated between Larnaca and Nicosia was a horse drawn coach or a mail cart. A horse service was employed to carry meil to and from other towns and a mounted postman was not required to work for more than 100 miles per week. Mules were used in rural areas and bicycles within towns, suburbs and villages.
In 1910 mail services by motor vehicles was instigated between Limassol and Nicosia via Kophinou and Larnaca. In 1915 a contract was entered to with the Cairo motor company (London based) for motorized mail services covering all the towns thus heralding the end of a long epoch of mail coaches. Towards the middle of the 20th century mail buses were put in service between major towns. Vans, such as those depicted on the current stamps, were introduced for the collection and distribution of bulk mail between outlying post offices in the towns and cities. Bicycles were replaced by scooters or small motorcycles.
Text: Barkev Mihranian
Source: Stamps and Philatelic Service, Cyprus Post
Available as single stamps (Mint and Used/CTO) and on Post Office official First Day Cover.
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"Aromatic Stamps - Origanum" commemorative stamp issue will consist of a souvenir sheet (minisheet) and one stamp. For the printing of the stamps an aromatic varnish will be used.
Oregano - or "rouvanos" - is a member of the Lamiaceae family. It is an aromatic bush or semi-bush growing up to 100cm tall with spade-shaped, succulent and thick hairy leaves.
It is a species native to Cyprus, restricted mainly to the Pafos forest area and thrives in rocky areas in various habitats, at an altitude between 200-100m. It is used extensively in cooking and is one of the most popular herbs in the Mediterranean cuisine. Oregano is effective against headaches and insomnia and acts as a cure for stomach ailments. It also has analgesic and sedative properties. Its essential oils are extracted and used in the perfumery and pharmaceutical industry.
Oregano can be used as an ornamental plant and provides ground cover in combination with other species. It is also used in rock gardens and pots. It thrives in well-drained soil and can be planted from seed.
Text: Department of Forest
Source: Stamps and Philatelic Service, Cyprus Post
Available as single stamps, Mini / Souvenir Sheet (Mint and Used/CTO) and on Post Office official First Day Cover.
All current images are sample images as taken from the post office issue leaflet
Cyprus 2012 EUROPA stamps