ICT Minister Celebrates Centennial of Egypt’s First Commemorative Postage Stamp
Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Amr Talaat, attended a special celebration organized by Egypt Post to mark the 100th anniversary of Egypt's first commemorative postage stamp. The event, which took place at the Egyptian Postal Museum, was also attended by Dalia Elbaz, Chairperson of Egypt Post.
During the celebration, Minister Talaat inaugurated a unique exhibition showcasing commemorative stamps that highlight key milestones in Egypt’s rich history. As part of the occasion, he unveiled a newly issued commemorative postage stamp, specially designed for the centennial event.
The first series of Egyptian commemorative stamps was issued in April 1925 to mark Egypt's hosting of the International Geographical Congress. Since then, stamps have become not just a means of communication, but a reflection of Egypt's evolving civilization, documenting its political, social, cultural, and artistic transformations.
In his remarks, Minister Talaat emphasized the importance of this centennial celebration, calling it a special occasion that underscores the uniqueness of Egypt's history. He noted that Egypt’s postage stamps over the years have provided a valuable visual record of the country’s history and cultural heritage.
"The establishment of Egypt Post in 1865 makes it one of the oldest and most esteemed institutions in Egypt," said Talaat. "This celebration marks 100 years since the first commemorative stamp was issued, but we are also on the brink of celebrating over 150 years since the introduction of Egypt’s first postage stamp."
The Minister also highlighted Egypt Post’s commitment to modernization, noting the introduction of interactive QR codes on stamps in 2021. This innovation allows stamp collectors and history enthusiasts to access detailed information about each stamp, signaling Egypt Post’s embrace of digital transformation. He stressed that while Egypt Post honors its storied past, it is also focused on a forward-thinking vision that combines technology and innovation.
Dalia Elbaz, Chairperson of Egypt Post, took the opportunity to underline the importance of preserving Egypt’s postal heritage. "This celebration is part of our ongoing efforts to revive Egypt’s postal history and promote the Egyptian Postal Museum, one of the oldest of its kind in the world," she said. "The museum houses rare collections of stamps and artifacts that trace the evolution of Egypt’s postal services since 1865."
Elbaz further emphasized that the centennial celebration of Egypt’s first commemorative stamp is a testament to the crucial role of these stamps in preserving the national memory. She noted that Egypt Post had organized a series of cultural events, including the release of a special commemorative stamp and a variety of interactive exhibits, to celebrate this milestone.
The Postal Museum, which spans 7,000 square meters in Attaba Square, has recently undergone extensive renovations. Visitors can now explore the museum using modern, interactive techniques, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), QR codes, and Braille displays. The museum’s collection spans from the Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic eras to more modern postage and historical documents. It offers a comprehensive look at Egypt’s long-standing leadership in the postal sector.
In honor of the centennial, Egypt Post announced that the Postal Museum would be open to visitors free of charge for the entire day. The celebration also featured a series of cultural activities, such as seminars on the history of commemorative stamps and panel discussions for philatelists, covering topics like stamp collection curation and restoration techniques.
Interactive workshops for both children and adults were also held, offering opportunities to learn about stamp restoration, artifact preservation, and designing stamps inspired by the museum’s exhibits. Educational seminars and fun games were organized for children, making the history of Egypt Post both accessible and enjoyable for younger audiences.
This special event not only marked a century of commemorative stamps but also celebrated Egypt Post’s enduring legacy as a key institution in Egypt’s historical and cultural development