Date of use : 1939 France

Foto Cumhuriyet Postcard – Garabet Şahinyan, İstanbul

This postcard represents an international postal item sent from France to Istanbul in 1939 and constitutes a notable example of the cultural and commercial communication networks that connected Europe and Turkey during the early twentieth century. The postal cancellations and stamps visible on the card indicate that the item was mailed from the city of Nice in southern France. During the first half of the twentieth century, Nice was known as one of the most important tourist centers along the Mediterranean coast. The city functioned as a popular holiday destination, particularly during the winter months, attracting large numbers of visitors from northern Europe. As a result, Nice also became a significant hub for international postal traffic.

The address section of the card identifies the recipient as M. Yavuzbed Şahinyan (Garabet). The address line clearly states Foto Cumhuriyet, İstiklal Street No. 20, Pera – Taksim, Istanbul (Turkey). The Beyoğlu district, historically known as Pera, developed from the late Ottoman period onward into one of the principal commercial and cultural centers of Istanbul. Photographic studios, cinemas, theaters, and bookstores were concentrated in this area. For this reason, a photographic studio located on İstiklal Street can be regarded as part of the city's vibrant visual and cultural production environment during that period.

The surname Şahinyan may be associated with Armenian photographic families active in Istanbul. From the second half of the nineteenth century onward, Armenian photographers played a significant role in the development of professional photography within the Ottoman Empire. Many studios operating in the Beyoğlu district were managed by members of this community. Therefore, it is plausible that the photographic studio receiving this postcard maintained connections with international photographic circles.

From a collection perspective, this postcard can be included in several thematic categories. It may first be considered an example of international postal history documenting postal connections between France and Turkey. In addition, it can be classified within the category of commercial ephemera reflecting communication between photographic studios. Furthermore, it represents an important reference item for collections documenting the history of photographic studios in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul.

This item is documented as part of the Photography in Postal History research project.
For research context, see the Research Methodology.
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