United Arab Republic

The United Arab Republic (UAR) was the union between Egypt and Syria, established in 1958. It came from the idea of Pan-Arabism, intending to link all Arabic countries in one federation. In reality, Egypt's President Nasser as president of the UAR dominated Syria. Plus major differences in national identity, customs and currency prevented the UAR from ever becoming one nation.

While they shared a number of common designs including the Arab Postal Union omnibus issues, the Egyptian and Syrian issues inscribed UAR can be told apart by the currencies used. Egyptian issues were in milliemes ("M") and Syrian issues were in piasters ("P").

Egyptian issues

 * In 1958, the first issue for Egypt was released, a commemorative and airmail inscribed UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC EGYPT
 * Several issues followed, including revised definitives, inscribed UAR / EGYPT.
 * In late 1958, the inscriptions became UAR. Once again, Egyptian issues are in milliemes ("M"). Plus, aside from omnibus stamps, many issues are about Egyptian people or subjects.
 * Also be aware of designs in different colors with "PALESTINE" in small letters. Those are occupation issues for the region.
 * In September 1961, the government of Syria was overthrown. Egypt continued to call itself the UAR.
 * In September 1971, stamp inscriptions were changed to AR EGYPT (Arab Republic Egypt).



Back of the book issues




Syrian issues

 * In 1958, the first Syrian issue was released, a commemorative and airmail inscribed THE UNITED ARAB REUBLIC SYRIA.
 * Four issues were then inscribed REPUBLIQUE ARABE UNIE
 * In September 1958, the inscription became UAR or "U.A.R.", with one Syrian stamp overprinted with "RAU". Remember for these that Syrian stamps are in piasters ("P").
 * In September 1961, the Syrian government was overthrown, breaking up the UAR. Inscriptions then became SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC



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