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 — anthologized and translated by Anthi Leousi and illustrated by Gerald Brettschuh — as our inaugural publication is symbolic on many levels, as it reflects both our philosophy and our vision.
More specifically:
01 The symbolic journey towards truth
The Conference of the Birds is a lyric poem describing the birds’ journey to find their mythical king, Simorgh. It is not merely a physical journey but a spiritual quest. For EPOPS Publishing, this journey symbolizes humanity’s path towards knowledge and self-awareness. Each book represents a step in that quest — an invitation to the reader to take part in the ‘conference’ of thought and discovery of truth.
02 Becoming aware of collective strength
In the poem, the birds ultimately discover that Simorgh, the king they were seeking, is their own reflection (‘si-morgh’ means ‘thirty birds’ in Persian). This key moment highlights the idea that collective effort and unity are essential to achieving the ultimate goal. For EPOPS Publishing, this translates into the belief that knowledge and culture are not individual endeavours but the outcome of collective effort and open dialogue.
03 Rebirth and connection with tradition
The name EPOPS derives from the mythical bird of ancient Greek tradition — the hoopoe — a symbol of transformation and renewal. Although Attar’s work stems from Persian tradition, its central figure, the hoopoe, carries similar connotations of spiritual evolution and rebirth. Choosing this work emphasizes the timeless value of knowledge and EPOPS Publishing’s pursuit of reviving humanity’s connection with meaningful thought through both classical and contemporary works.
The Conference of the Birds thus serves as the spiritual compass of EPOPS Publishing, marking our commitment to the journey of knowledge, the power of collective effort, and the renewal of cultural dialogue