Answer
Süleyman Demirel, a former President of Turkey, praised Ziya Gökalp and his contributions to Turkish nationalism in 1996. Gökalp was a Turkish sociologist, philosopher, and poet who is considered one of the most important figures in the development of Turkish nationalism. He was a proponent of the idea that Turks were a distinct nation with a unique culture and history, and he advocated for the creation of a Turkish state.