Ottoman Souvenir Cigarette Papers Souvenir d’Andrinople Edirne Selimiye Mosque Balkan War
Ottoman Souvenir Cigarette Papers – “Souvenir d’Andrinople / Edirne Yadigarı” (1913)
Description:
This original Ottoman-era cigarette paper pack is an unopened and complete example, retaining its original banderol seal marked “Sigara Kağıdına Mahsus Bandrol – 10 Para.” Measuring 7.2 × 4 cm, the item stands out as a visually appealing and historically meaningful collectible from the early 20th century.
The cover features the inscription “Souvenir d’Andrinople” (Souvenir of Edirne) alongside Ottoman Turkish text reading “Edirne Yadigarı – 10 Temmuz 1329.” The central visual depicts the iconic Selimiye Mosque, symbolizing the city of Edirne and reinforcing the commemorative nature of the piece.
This item was produced to celebrate the Ottoman recapture of Edirne during the Second Balkan War. The date 10 Temmuz 1329 corresponds to July 23, 1913, marking the liberation of the city between July 10–23, 1913, when Ottoman forces regained control after the First Balkan War. As such, this is not merely a commercial product, but a patriotic souvenir tied to a major military and symbolic victory for the Ottoman Empire.
The combination of French and Ottoman Turkish text reflects the multilingual commercial culture of the late Ottoman period, particularly in urban centers and export-oriented goods. The presence of the official tax banderol further confirms its authenticity and regulated sale within the Ottoman fiscal system.
Unopened examples with intact contents are increasingly scarce, as most were used or discarded. The survival of this piece in complete condition enhances its desirability among collectors of Ottoman ephemera, tobacco-related items, and historical memorabilia. With its strong visual identity and direct connection to a key historical event, it represents both a cultural artifact and a commemorative object from the final years of the empire.
Key Features:
• Type: Ottoman cigarette paper pack (souvenir issue)
• Date: 10 Temmuz 1329 (23 July 1913)
• Theme: Commemoration of the recapture of Edirne (Second Balkan War)
• Text: “Souvenir d’Andrinople” and “Edirne Yadigarı”
• Imagery: Selimiye Mosque depiction
• Banderol: Original tax seal present, marked “10 Para”
• Language: Ottoman Turkish and French
• Dimensions: 7.2 × 4 cm
• Condition: Unopened; original papers intact; banderol seal preserved
• Historical Significance: Produced to commemorate the Ottoman victory and recapture of Edirne in 1913
• Collectible Significance: Scarce complete example of Ottoman tobacco ephemera with strong visual and historical appeal