Save Nubian Monuments - 35 millieme

This commemorative stamp was issued in 1963 for use in the Gaza Strip under the administration of the United Arab Republic (UAR) to support the monumental international campaign to Save the Nubian Monuments. Spearheaded by UNESCO, this historic global initiative was launched to rescue ancient Egyptian architectural treasures—most notably the temples of Abu Simbel and Philae—from being permanently submerged by the rising waters of Lake Nasser following the construction of the Aswan High Dam. By releasing a dedicated postal issue inscribed with "PALESTINE," the administration highlighted the local population's solidarity with regional cultural preservation and global heritage efforts.

The central design features a striking representation of one of the colossal ancient statues from the Abu Simbel complex—specifically the head of Queen Nefertari from the facade of the Small Temple dedicated to her and the goddess Hathor. Directly above the inscription "SAVE ABU SIMBEL" is the Arabic equivalent, "Anqidhu Abu Simbel" (أنقذوا أبو سمبل), alongside the official UNESCO acronym. Circulating widely on domestic and international mail, this issue transformed ordinary correspondence into an appeal for historical preservation, projecting a powerful message of regional pride, collective responsibility, and the safeguarding of ancient human civilization for future generations.