International Symposium on Ottoman Postal History

The International Symposium on Ottoman Postal History, organised by the Ottoman Postal History Research Association (OPTAD) with the Middle East Research Centre (ORDAM) of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University, was held in Istanbul on 4–5 November 2026.

The symposium brought together historians, researchers, philatelists and collectors to examine Ottoman postal history in its broader historical context. Particular attention was given to the transition from the traditional menzil courier system to the modern civil postal administration established in 1840, and to the role of foreign postal services and international concessions.

Building on a workshop held in 2022, the event marked a step towards integrating philatelic material and private collections into academic research. Of the 54 papers submitted, 33 were selected for presentation.

The programme covered six themes, including the pre-1840 postal system, the development of the Ottoman postal administration, foreign post offices, postal routes, censorship and philatelic material. Papers explored subjects across the Balkans, the Middle East and North Africa, drawing on archival records, maps, stamps and postmarks.

The symposium took place at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University’s Ayasofya Campus, with the closing session at Sirkeci Grand Post Office. The organisers announced plans to continue the initiative as a biennial international symposium, fostering research partnerships and the preservation of Ottoman postal heritage.

Details in the 40-page catalogue: https://fepanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/ottoman_symposium.pdf

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