Hassan Ahmad

March 12, 2024

Ethnomathematics Journal
From page 331 on TOK Textbook

1. Mosques and other grand buildings built by Islamic architects throughout the
Middle East and central Asia focused on intricate tile designs and
architectural structures that set out elaborate geometric patterns. The walls of
many medieval Islamic structures display advanced geometric patterns that
are so mathematically symmetrical and complex in a way. The mathematical
ideas of Islamic culture are considered mathematical because they involve
systematic reasoning, problem-solving, and patterns. Its crucial to look
beyond or regulated understanding and principles of mathematics to truly
reason with the reasons for their historical implementation of mathematics. I
believe that there is a universality to mathematical concepts such as
symmetry, proportion, and quantification, which can be found as being used
by Islamic culture for centuries. In essence, really grasping the holistic
implementation of mathematics in Islamic culture specifically, can allow us
to understand the origins of mathematics, as Arab scholars made historic
discoveries in mathematics.

2. Understanding the mathematical ideas of other cultures requires openness to

diverse perspectives and the ability to recognize patterns and structures
beyond formal mathematical practices. Modern math is something that is
very regulated and very focused on specific laws, principles, and procedures.
Observing how a culture applies numerical reasoning, geometric principles,
and algorithms in practical contexts like architecture and art can provide
implications into their foundational applications of mathematics. Moreover,
collaborating with members of the culture, as well engaging with relevant
historians are essential for recognizing and understanding the mathematical
ideas of other cultures.