Select your language

Data Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Data Privacy Policy explains how Turkish Postal History (operating as www.TurkishPostalHistory.com (“we”, “our”, “us”)) collects, uses, stores, and protects personal data. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (“GDPR”) and other applicable data protection laws.

By using our website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this policy.

2. Data Controller

The data controller responsible for your personal data is:

Turkish Postal History
Attn: Data Privacy Officer
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.TurkishPostalHistory.com

3. Categories of Data Collected

Because our website does not offer user registration, we collect only limited personal data:

Identity Data

Name and email address voluntarily provided through the Contact Us form.

Technical & Usage Data

IP address, browser type and version, operating system, referral sources, pages visited, and time spent on the site.

Communication Data

Content of messages submitted through the Contact Us form, including requests for permission to use archival images, scans, or descriptions.

We do not collect payment information, account credentials, or demographic data.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal data only when a lawful basis under GDPR applies:

  • Consent: When you voluntarily submit your name, email, or message through the Contact Us form.
  • Legitimate Interests: To protect our intellectual property, maintain website security, and respond to inquiries.
  • Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws or respond to lawful requests.

We do not rely on contractual necessity because the website does not provide account-based services.

5. Purpose of Processing

Personal data is used for:

  • Responding to inquiries submitted through the Contact Us form.
  • Reviewing and responding to requests for permission to use archival content.
  • Managing intellectual property permissions.
  • Maintaining website functionality, analytics, and security.
  • Communicating with users regarding approved uses of content.

We do not use personal data for marketing, newsletters, or automated decision-making.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes stated above or as required by law. Messages and permission requests may be retained for documentation and rights-management purposes. When data is no longer needed, it will be securely deleted or anonymized.

7. Data Sharing and Transfers

  • We do not sell or rent personal data.
  • Data may be shared with trusted service providers (hosting, IT security, email delivery) under strict confidentiality agreements.
  • International Transfers: If data is stored or processed outside the EU/EEA (e.g., on servers located in the USA), we use Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or equivalent safeguards to ensure GDPR-compliant protection.

We do not share personal data with advertisers, analytics brokers, or social media platforms.

8. Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the following rights:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
  • Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”): Request deletion of your data.
  • Restriction: Limit how your data is processed.
  • Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
  • Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
  • Withdraw Consent: At any time, without affecting prior lawful processing.
  • Lodge a Complaint: You may file a complaint with a Data Protection Authority (DPA).

To exercise these rights, contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

9. Security Measures

We implement technical and organizational measures to protect personal data, including:

  • SSL/TLS encryption (HTTPS) for all data transmitted through the website.
  • Secure hosting and server-level protections.
  • Access controls to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Regular monitoring for security vulnerabilities.

10. Cookies

We use essential cookies required for the website to function properly. With your consent, we may also use analytics cookies to improve user experience and understand website traffic. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We do not use advertising cookies or tracking cookies for marketing purposes.

11. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Data Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in law or our practices. The latest version will always be available on our website.

12. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding this Data Privacy Policy, please contact:
Data Privacy Officer — Turkish Postal History
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

An international community documenting the postal history of the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Turkey.