1. Purpose of This Guide

This Author Playbook is designed to help contributors to Turk Alliance:

  • understand the platform’s intellectual framework,
  • follow a clear and supportive writing structure,
  • produce content with strategic depth and long-term value.

This guide is not restrictive; it is empowering by design.

2. The Turk Alliance Perspective

Turk Alliance is not a news outlet.

Its core approach is to:

  • analyze structures rather than events,
  • focus on meaning rather than headlines,
  • identify patterns and trajectories, not reactions.

The guiding question is:

“What does this development indicate in the long run?”

3. Before You Start Writing: Strategic Framing

Authors are encouraged to reflect on the following questions:

  • What is the core problem addressed in this piece?
  • Why does it matter, and to whom?
  • Is this a short-term event or a structural trend?
  • What does it mean for Turkey and the Turkic world?
  • How does it differ from existing analyses?

If these questions lack clear answers, the article will likely be weak.

4. Article Types and Structural Templates

Analysis

Recommended structure:

  1. Introduction – defining the problem and its relevance
  2. Background – structural and historical context
  3. Analytical Core – actors, causality, scenarios
  4. Strategic Implications – meaning for Turkey and the region
  5. Conclusion – open-ended assessment

Insight / Commentary

  • One clear argument
  • Strategic interpretation of a current development
  • Concise and focused

Research / Dossier

  • Conceptual framework
  • In-depth thematic sections
  • Long-term reference value

5. Language and Style Principles

Preferred style:

  • Analytical
  • Calm and confident
  • Conceptually precise

Avoid:

  • Polemical tone
  • Social media language
  • Absolute or emotional claims

Turk Alliance values intellectual integrity over neutrality.

6. Editorial Review Criteria

Submissions may be revised or returned if they:

  • lack a clear thesis,
  • read like news summaries,
  • rely on opinion rather than analysis,
  • lack analytical depth.

The editorial team aims to work collaboratively with authors.

7. Technical Guidelines

  • Length
    • Analysis: 1,000–2,000 words
    • Insight: 600–1,000 words
  • Language: Turkish or English
  • Sources: Clear references when necessary

8. Author Profile

Authors are asked to provide:

  • Full name
  • Short biography (50–100 words)
  • Areas of expertise