Complaints and Appeals Policy
The Turkic Studies Journal considers complaints and appeals in accordance with the principles of transparency, objectivity and fairness. Based on the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), this policy applies to all communications relating to editorial decisions, the review process, and compliance with publication ethics.
- General provisions
The editorial board ensures that all complaints and appeals are reviewed conscientiously, impartially and confidentially. Submitting a complaint or appeal will not affect future editorial decisions regarding the author, nor will it be considered grounds for refusing to accept other manuscripts. All appeals are considered in accordance with the journal's editorial policy and publication ethics standards, as well as the specific circumstances of the case.
- Appeals against editorial decisions
The author has the right to appeal against an editorial decision, including a refusal to publish a manuscript. Grounds for appeal may include substantiated claims of factual errors in reviews, possible bias in the review process, or a violation of the established procedure for reviewing manuscripts.
Appeals based solely on disagreement with the reviewers' scientific position are generally not considered. Appeals must be submitted in writing via the journal's official channels, containing a clear statement of the basis of the appeal and scientifically substantiated arguments. The editorial office confirms receipt of the appeal within seven working days, as a rule. Appeals are considered within 30 calendar days of receipt of a complete, correctly formatted appeal.
When considering an appeal, the editorial board may consult members of the editorial board who were not involved in the initial decision-making process, as well as additional independent experts. Following consideration of the appeal, the author will receive a reasoned written decision, which is final.
- Complaints
Complaints may relate to violations of publication ethics, inappropriate behavior by reviewers or editors, conflicts of interest, unreasonable delays in manuscript review, or breaches of confidentiality in editorial procedures.
Complaints must be submitted in writing, including a description of the situation and supporting materials where possible. The editorial board will confirm receipt of the complaint within seven business days.
The initial review of the complaint will be carried out within 15 working days. If additional verification is required, or if the editorial board or external experts are involved, the review period may be extended by a further 30 working days. If an extension is required, the applicant will be notified.
- Complaints related to violations of publication ethics
In the event of complaints relating to potential breaches of publication ethics, such as plagiarism, fabrication or falsification of data, undeclared conflicts of interest or manipulation of the peer review process, the editorial board will act in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
Depending on the nature and stage of the publication process, the editorial board may initiate procedures to correct the article, express concern about it, or retract it. The editorial board may interact with authors, reviewers, the editorial board and the publisher if necessary.
- Confidentiality and protection of parties
All complaints and appeals are handled in accordance with the principles of confidentiality. The personal data of applicants, reviewers and editors will not be disclosed except where required by law or COPE recommendations. The editorial board takes measures to prevent conflicts of interest and protect all parties involved.
- Final provisions
The editorial board reserves the right not to consider appeals that lack specific arguments, or those sent with the intention of putting pressure on the board or interfering with its independence. This policy applies to all complaints and appeals received by the Turkic Studies Journal, regardless of the stage at which the material is considered or published.
