Postage stamps and postal history of Hatay

After the First World War the Sanjak of Alexandretta became part of the French Mandate of Syria, under a special statute, but Turkey demanded its return as the area was ethnically divided between Turks, Sunni Arabs, and large numbers of Alawites. In July of 1939, much to the resentment of the Syrians, France ceded the Sanjak of Alexandretta to Turkey, largely to secure Turkey's friendship in the upcoming European conflict. Since then Syria has continued to claim the region. There was a public vote a plebiscite held, and the people of Alexandretta wanted to join free state of Turkey instead of joining a French mandated Syria.

France overprinted Syrian postage stamps and issued them in 1938; this 4-piastre value was used sometime in 1939.