Ethnomathematics in Anatolia-Turkey: Mathematical Thoughts in Multiculturalism

Abstract

Mathematical thoughts are in interaction with culture and they, together, form an indivisible whole. Therefore, Ethnomathematics both helps us understanding the nature of mathematics and contributes to understanding of one’s self as well as the other people sharing the same planet. Ethnomathematics reflects the studies of mathematical thoughts of multicultural or traditional societies. Mathematical thought is an approach in which people try to find quick and systematic solutions to a problem in many ways. The role of Ethnomathematics, which studies mathematical thoughts, cannot be ignored in a historical-cultural context. This paper examines some reflections of Ethnomathematics in Anatolian culture through geometry perception in engineering field, carpet, rug motifs and intelligence games.

Keywords

• Ethnomathematics; History of mathematics; Anthropology; Mathematics education; Geometry.