JEDDAH — Shaikh Ibrahim Shaikh from Hyderabad, India, now a world-class philatelist, came to Saudi Arabia in the beginning of the oil boom. He struck gold, for himself and the host country in philately. In an interview to Saudi Gazette, Shaikh shed some light on his contribution and the acknowledgement he received in this field. The knowledgeable people and experts in this field acknowledge that Shaikh's treasure is invaluable and his collection is unique. According to him, the official title of the State of Hyderabad was “Sarkar-e-Asafia.” Asaf Jahi Dynasty was established in 1724 and lasted until the merger of Hyderabad in the Indian Union in 1948. The first postal stamps in the former princely State of Hyderabad were issued in 1869 and first postal stationary was printed in 1890 during the time of sixth Nizam Mahboob Ali Khan. He said: “I have the pre–stamp covers that were used in the time of fifth Nizam Nasiruddaulah. I was fortunate that I found the first pre-stamp cover that was sent to London from Hyderabad in 1817. I have two other covers that were used in 1824 and 1860. My collection can be called a postal treasure that largely covers from 1869 to 1950. My stamp possessions include long strips, blocks and overprints [postal and revenue], pin perforation, imperfs, imperf between on cover with their entries in international Philatelic Exhibitions.” He addded: “I took entries in the World Philatelic Exhibitions which were organized by ‘FIP' including traditional Postal history, Postal Stationary & Fiscal Revenue/Stamp Papers. In this category, I have artist's pencil sketches, complete and incomplete values, complete approved proofs, die proofs, large size hand engraved composite essays, proofs of complete value foreign bills, court fees, special adhesive and rare receipts of forest, excise and tobacco seals.” He said: “Before the postal stamps were brought in use, the postal department used to collect the money and write on the cover ‘Mahsool Giraft-shud' or postage collected. I have many covers that show such seals.” Ibrahim was born in 1952 and studied at Gosha Mahal High School. After obtaining a B.A. degree from Nizam College he received a law degree from Osmania University. He worked with the GAD (Secretariat) until he left for Saudi Arabia in 1975. Since his boyhood he got indulged in the habit of stamp-collecting. He was encouraged and coached by Riyazat Hussain, the owner of A A Hussain Bookshop at Abid, Hyderabad. “I started making contacts all over the world and visited countries where I thought I could find something worthwhile. In 1980 I joined Saudi Arabian Philatelic Society as a member. Competing in international exhibitions was my dream that came true in 1989 and it was sponsored by SAPS,” he said. The authorities at Postal Department in Hyderabad acknowledge the expertise of Ibrahim. He has even participated in some of their exhibitions in non-competitive category and as well as a jury. Deccan Chronicle and other major Indian newspapers accept that as a mark and tribute to his caliber the postal authorities presented him with a memento. Shaikh's interests are not confined to stamps alone. He has a huge collection of books, coins, currency notes, manuscripts, picture post cards, monograms, army buttons, badges, medals and photographs dating back to the Asaf Jahi period. Among his treasures one is a 1935 portrait of the Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam, by Raja Deen Dayal.
