Digital Turcology and Cultural Heritage (DTCH) regards user privacy, the protection of personal data and the ethical use of research data as part of its core responsibilities. The platform is committed to managing the data required for publication and research processes, access to research resources and academic communication in a transparent, secure and proportionate manner.
DTCH adopts a data management approach that takes into account the core principles of the Turkish Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698 (KVKK) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Personal data are processed for specific, explicit and legitimate purposes; kept limited to what is necessary for the relevant purpose; and maintained in an up-to-date, secure and context-appropriate manner.
Data processing activities are carried out in relation to the technical operation of the platform, responses to user requests, academic communication, editorial processes, the management of research resources and legal obligations.
Types of Data Processed
A limited amount of technical data may be processed during the use of the site. This may include IP address, browser type, device information, access time, pages visited, error logs and similar technical records.
Information shared by users through communication channels may also be processed, including name, surname, email address, institutional affiliation, subject line, message content and other information relating to the enquiry.
The platform does not request special category personal data from users. Personal or sensitive information that is not relevant to the subject of the enquiry should not be shared through contact forms, email correspondence or other communication channels.
Purposes of Data Processing
Personal and technical data may be processed for the following purposes:
— To ensure the secure, accessible and regular operation of the platform.
— To respond to user requests, correction notices, contribution proposals and collaboration enquiries.
— To conduct academic communication, editorial review and content management processes.
— To improve site performance, accessibility and user experience.
— To protect the technical continuity, reliability and source integrity of content.
— To keep necessary records within the scope of legal obligations.
The platform does not use personal data for commercial marketing, individual user profiling or the personal-level tracking of user behaviour.
Cookies
DTCH does not use a cookie-based tracking system to monitor users in its current site operation.
If strictly necessary cookies or similar technologies are required for security, session management, accessibility or essential technical operation, the relevant information will be provided clearly. This text will be updated if the use of cookies begins in connection with analytics tools, embedded content or third-party services.
Data Sharing
DTCH does not share, sell or transfer personal data to third parties for commercial purposes.
Personal data may be shared, limited to the information required for the relevant process, with service providers, authorised public institutions or relevant individuals and institutions at the user's request in the following circumstances:
— The provision of technical infrastructure, hosting, security, email or maintenance services.
— The fulfilment of legal obligations.
— The handling of duly submitted requests from authorised public institutions.
— The conduct of academic communication, contribution, event or collaboration processes in line with the user's explicit request or consent.
Where third-party service providers are used, compliance with data security and privacy principles is required.
Data Retention
DTCH retains personal data for as long as required by the purposes for which they are processed. When the relevant purpose no longer applies, or when retention is no longer necessary, the data are deleted, destroyed or anonymised.
Contact requests, academic correspondence, contribution submissions and technical records may be retained for the periods necessary to respond, keep records, maintain security, preserve editorial continuity and prevent potential disputes.
Materials containing personal data used in research or publication processes are assessed with regard to the ethical principles of the relevant project, the status of the source, copyright conditions, open access policy and data protection requirements.
Data Security
DTCH applies technical and administrative measures to protect personal data against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration, disclosure or unauthorised transfer. These measures include access restrictions, secure hosting services, regular technical updates, authorisation control and record monitoring.
Data transfer over the internet and the use of digital services may involve certain technical risks. DTCH applies up-to-date, purpose-appropriate security measures aligned with data protection principles in order to reduce such risks.
Requests Concerning Personal Data
Users and individuals who contact DTCH may submit requests concerning their personal data through the platform's communication channels. These requests may relate to access, correction, deletion, destruction, anonymisation or other processing activities.
Requests are assessed with regard to the nature of the request, the type of data processed and the relevant legal provisions. Where necessary, additional information may be requested in order to verify the request and complete it securely.
Research Data and Academic Content
Academic content, datasets, visual materials and research resources made available through DTCH are prepared with regard to ethical data use, source transparency, copyright and data protection principles.
Before research materials containing personal data are published, shared or made available for reuse, the nature of the material is assessed. Depending on the status of the material, anonymisation, restricted access, source attribution, the specification of conditions of use or non-publication may be applied.
DTCH considers source context, data ownership relations, ethical sensitivities and conditions of reuse together when processing historical, cultural and academic materials in digital environments. This approach forms part of the platform's evidence-based, documented, traceable and responsible model of digital scholarly production.
External Links
The platform may provide links to third-party resources, archives, digital collections, publications, tools or institutional websites. These links are intended to direct users to the relevant source.
The content, privacy practices, cookie policies and data processing activities of external sites are the responsibility of the relevant third parties. Users are advised to review the privacy and data protection texts of third-party sites when visiting them.
Updates
This Privacy and Data Protection text may be updated in response to changes in DTCH's technical infrastructure, academic activities, data processing processes, use of third-party services or relevant legislation. The updated text takes effect from the date on which it is published on this page.
Last updated: 31 May 2026
Contact: dtch@digitalturcologych.com