In the mid-19th century, sociology was taught within philosophy departments, and it uncritically adopted Western social theories and neglected research.
Following the 1908 revolution, sociological thinkers attempted to discern the foundations of Europeanization[2] so as to graft Western social organization onto Ottoman institutions and Turkish culture.
Influenced by sociologists such as Comte, Durkheim and Spencer, he applied sociological principles to analyze and address the empire's social, economic, and political challenges.
[8] His significant work, the journal "Meşveret" (Consultancy) proposed reforms emphasizing education, modernization, and social justice.
For instance, Yusuf Akçura (1876–1935) was exiled from Istanbul to Tripoli in 1896, but fled to Paris in 1899 where he studied under French historian Albert Sorel and the sociologist and political scientist Emile Boutmy.
[10] As Niyazi Berkes argues, "In reality, all Turkish sociologists of recent times [1936] are direct or indirect disciples of Gökalp.
"[2] Gökalp was struggling with the main issue of his time - how to proceed from the decline of the Ottoman Empire - and his answer was a distinctly "nationalist sociology."
""[2] He argued that "nations" are first "ethnic groups", and begin to feel their uniqueness once again as the imperial state dissolves, although their identity loses much of its originality and character while under the subjugation of civilization.