Stamps and postal cards: A visual memory documenting the era of Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber

During an evening that evoked pages from Kuwait’s history through its postal documents, the Kuwait Philatelic and Numismatic Association presented historical milestones from the era of Kuwait’s tenth ruler, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God have mercy on him, from within the Kuwait National Library. This presentation took place during a lecture titled “A Reading of the Book on Kuwait’s Tenth Ruler, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in Stamps and Postal Cards,” delivered by its compiler, Wais Yahya Abdulrasoul Dashti, Secretary-General of the Association and Editor-in-Chief of “Al-Bousala” magazine. The event was attended by the Association’s honorary member, Sheikha Hala Bader Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Association’s President, Dr. Adel Al-Abdulrazzaq, and a number of enthusiasts of documentary work.

“Al-Rai” was among the attendees at the lecture, which focused on the book published by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters in collaboration with the Association. The book offers a documentary reading of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber’s reign through postal and fiscal stamps and postal cards bearing his image or documenting events and milestones associated with his era.

During the lecture, Dashti explained that the book traced the emergence and development of postal stamps in Kuwait, alongside those issued during Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber’s reign and those issued after his death. It detailed the story, significance, and design elements of each stamp. In the section on postal cards, 26 cards featuring Sheikh Ahmad’s image were documented, arranged chronologically according to the events they record.

He also highlighted key milestones covered in the book, including Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber’s first visit to London in 1919, the visit of the British ship “Renown” in 1921, his receipt of the Order of the Indian Empire, his reception of the Viceroy and Governor-General of India, the signing of the oil concession agreement in 1934, his second visit to London in 1935, the discovery of “Burgan,” Kuwait’s first oil well, in 1936, as well as milestones related to World War II, such as his donation to purchase aircraft, the upgrading of the Star of India award granted to him in 1944, his official portrait, and the first national stamp in Kuwait’s history.

Dashti further noted that the book covered Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber’s celebration of the Silver Jubilee of King George V’s accession to the throne, his meeting with the King in the reception room at Dasman Palace, and his visit to the American ship USS Biscayne in 1948.

The book also documented the 50th anniversary of the issuance of stamps under the name of Kuwait, as well as early postal cards dating back to the early 20th century, some of which were photographed by British soldiers and journalists during World War I.

It traced the evolution of these cards from illustrations to black-and-white photographs and then to color images, providing an explanation and historical context for each card to clarify its significance.

Dashti also emphasized the historical value of postal cards, noting that they became more than just a means of correspondence. With advances in printing and photography, they transformed into a visual record documenting cities, landmarks, events, and social and political occasions.

In a statement to “Al-Rai,” Sheikha Hala Al-Sabah said that one of the questions that piqued her interest during the lecture was the emergence of postal stamps in Kuwait and their developmental stages, leading up to the transition of postal services within the country. She affirmed that the establishment of stamps was linked to a crucial phase in Kuwait’s history and contributed to documenting its independence and identity.

Al-Dashti affirmed that his pleasure in delivering the lecture stemmed from presenting the book, which he compiled, prepared, and authored. He clarified to “Al-Rai” that the work on the book went beyond merely cataloging stamps and postal cards; it also involved researching their contexts and the events associated with them, and linking each item to its historical significance, thereby making it a visual source through which various aspects of Kuwait’s history and development can be read across different time periods.