The Pioneer of Turkism: Ziya Gökalp
Ziya Gökalp: The Father of Turkification, Islamization, and Contemporaryization
Ziya Gökalp, a prominent figure in Turkish history, was born on March 23, 1876, in Diyarbakır. His father named him Mehmet Ziya, but after 1911, he adopted the name Gökalp and became known by this name.
Gökalp’s early education was marked by tragedy as he lost his father during his senior year at Rüştiye-i Military Secondary School. Despite this, he continued his education in traditional Islamic sciences under his uncle’s guidance. In 1891, he moved to Istanbul for high school and later studied Arabic, Persian, and French at Civil Baytar Mekteb-i Alisi.
A key member of the Committee of Union and Progress, Gökalp faced multiple arrests due to his involvement in opposition movements. He founded the Diyarbakır Branch of the Committee of Union and Progress and later taught sociology at Thessaloniki Committee of Union and Progress.
Gökalp’s literary contributions were revolutionary, especially in the “New Language” movement, where he advocated for simplification of language and syllabic meter in poetry. His works focused on making art accessible to all through Turkist and Turanist motifs, promoting nationalism and social revolution.
In 1914, Gökalp published “Red Apple,” a poetry book emphasizing Turks’ desire for a unified state. He continued to produce influential works like “New Life” and “Golden Light.”
Returning to Turkey from exile in 1921, Gökalp entered Parliament and gained recognition as the “father of Turkism” with his book “The Principles of Turkism.” He believed that nationality was based on education, emphasizing the importance of cultural identity.
Ziya Gökalp’s legacy lives on in his influential works that shaped Turkish literature and society. His efforts in Turkification, Islamization, and Contemporaryization continue to inspire generations, cementing his position as a visionary thinker and leader in Turkish history.
