Who We Are
We believe that knowledge is the foundation and the most powerful tool for creating a better world — one that must be combined with wisdom, ethics and political will in order to ensure just action.
Based on this conviction, EPOPS Publishing was born - a non-profit organization under the auspices of AUSTRIACARD AG, an international company established in 1897 that operates at the intersection of printing, secure communications, and information technology.
Our Vision
Our vision at EPOPS Publishing is the safeguarding and dissemination of knowledge, as well as the circulation of thought and ideas, in parallel with the introduction of the metaprinting® era.
Inspired by the vigilant bird of Greek mythology, we are committed to protecting intangible treasures: texts, ideas, stories and cultural heritage. Our aim is to keep alive the memory and thought of great creators, and to highlight works that will inspire, challenge, and connect people and generations over time.
Our Heritage
EPOPS Publishing continues a legacy of over 130 years, intrinsically linked to the protection of what is most valuable — the authenticity of human identity and the trust that empowers our transactions
Our roots trace back to 1897, to a printing house specializing in artistic prints and security documents. Over time, through constant innovation and the application of cutting-edge technologies, we have evolved into an international organization that now leads its clients into the digital era (metaprinting®).
Throughout this journey, we have been steadfast to one principle: a dedication to offering products and solutions of true value, with a sense of responsibility towards society and the environment.
EPOPS Publishing undertakes to carry this heritage into a new realm — the world of knowledge and culture.
Our First Book
The choice of The Conference of the Birds by the Persian poet Attar, in an anthology and Greek rendering by Anthi Leousi and with illustrations by Gerald Brettschuh, as our inaugural publication is symbolic on many levels, as it reflects our philosophy and vision.
More specifically:
01 The symbolic journey towards truth
The Conference of the Birds is an lyric poem that describes the journey of the birds as they seek their mythical king, the Simurgh. This is not merely a physical route, but a spiritual quest. For EPOPS, this journey symbolises humanity’s path towards knowledge and self-awareness. Every book is a step in this quest, an invitation to the reader to take part in the “conference” of thought and the discovery of truth.
02 Becoming aware of collective strength
In the poem, the birds ultimately discover that the Simurgh, the king they were seeking, is their own reflection (“Si-murgh” means “thirty birds” in Persian). This key moment highlights the idea that collective effort and unity are essential for achieving the final goal. For EPOPS, this translates into the conviction that knowledge and culture are not a private matter, but the result of collective endeavour and open dialogue.
03 Rebirth and connection with tradition
The name EPOPS is linked to the mythical bird of ancient Greek tradition, the hoopoe, a symbol of transformation and evolution. Although Attar’s work comes from the Persian tradition, its central protagonist, the hoopoe, carries similar symbols of spiritual development and rebirth. Choosing this work underlines the timeless value of knowledge and EPOPS Publishing’s aspiration to help renew the modern reader’s relationship with meaningful thought through the presentation of both classical and contemporary works.
The Conference of the Birds thus serves as the spiritual compass of EPOPS, marking our dedication to the journey of knowledge, the value of collective effort, and the revival of cultural dialogue.