Mathematical Mystery in a Cultural Game

Abstract

This study described the mathematical depth in a mathematical activity carried out in a village in Turkey’s Eastern Anatolia Region. This activity presented in the context of the game reflects a cultural situation of doing mathematics over time. In this context, it can identify as a study of ethnomathematics. Therefore, the cultural game was introduced first, and then the mathematical depth behind this game was uncovered in all its aspects. Finally, the mathematical relationship behind the game was analysed in terms of mathematics education. The case study, as one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The participants of the study consist of 1 person who knows, transmits, and teaches the cultural game. The game process and semi-structured interview that constituted the research data were recorded with a camera and a voice recording device. Descriptive analysis was used in the analysis of the interview. Findings of the study suggest that the cultural game is played without considering its mathematical depth, but that there is a rich mathematical depth behind it. The results also indicate that such games offer an effective way for adults learning mathematics. On the other hand, the study revealed that there could be different ways of thinking between school mathematics and ethnomathematics. It is thought that synthesizing mathematics with games that include ethnomathematics has the potential to provide students at diverse levels with an excellent mathematical experience.