EN
This paper largely investigates some of the main ideas of Ziya Gökalp by looking at his theoretical system as a successful attempt that used to offer solutions to the political problems of his time. He was an important Muslim intellectual and Turkish political theorist of the late 19th and early 20th century. Gökalp's thoughts concentrated on the mission of creating a nation for the emerging modern state of Turkey. The article also discusses how Gökalpian sociology was customized for the needs of Kemalist elites. It also aims at underlining the aspects of Gökalp’s nationalism theory, which have influenced Turkish political leaders as they have gradually redefined national identity in a way which has enabled them to tackle the challenges of their time.