Summary

Unused postcard acquired during World War I (1914-1918) published by Cartolina - Carte Postale, labelled '110'. Depicts a wharf at Aden, with boats on the water and rocky mountains in the background. This postcard is likely to have been made by Lehnert & Landrock, a well known and popular photography company that created postcards with similar themes, along with larger photography prints and greeting cards.

Aden was a significant port city during World War I. It is an ancient seaport that rose to prominence in modern times after the completion of the Suez Canal. The Port of Aden came under British control in 1838; in the following year it was used as a base by the East India Trading Company and the Royal Marines to protect English vessels en route to India from pirate attacks. However, the port was mainly used as a tanker port for British Petroleum and as a place where ships could replenish their coal and boiler water supplies.

Port Aden became the main British base in the region in 1956, following Britain's loss of the Suez Canal. The British retained control of the port until 1967 and in 1970 Aden became the capital of the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen.

Maala (Ma'alla) Wharf is located on the eastern side of the Port of Aden and is currently used as Aden's 'free port' where customs inspections are carried out.

Description of Content

A wharf, with small sail trading boats anchored in a harbour and rocky mountains in the background. Men, rocks, building materials and cabins are dotted around the wharf. There is a jib crane at the end of the wharf and numerous tram tracks with small trolleys for moving goods about. Near the wharf edge on the right is a stack of goods in sacks. Three camels carrying items, in a line, facing away from the water.

Physical Description

Unused, rectangular postcard with colour image on one side and off-white/beige background. Divided-back, blue text and lines on other side.

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