Sustained Mathematical Thinking in Traditional Gastronomy
Marketing and Management Innovations in Tourism, Özgür Yayla,Alper Işın,İrfan Yazıcıoğlu,Fuat Bayram,Eren Yalçın, Editör, Peter Lang Publishing, Inc., Berlin, ss.156-165, 2026
- Yayın Türü: Kitapta Bölüm / Araştırma Kitabı
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Yayınevi: Peter Lang Publishing, Inc.
- Basıldığı Şehir: Berlin
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.156-165
- Editörler: Özgür Yayla,Alper Işın,İrfan Yazıcıoğlu,Fuat Bayram,Eren Yalçın, Editör
- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Mathematics and mathematical thinking, as one of the most ancient and con-
crete products of human cognitive evolution, shed light on the functioning
of the mind and the understanding of human cognitive development (Wynn,
2002; Van der Waerden, 2012). Although some mathematical principles, as
universal outputs of this cognitive evolution, manifest in different forms
across cultures due to factors such as geography, climate, beliefs, and tradi-
tions, they have persisted unchanged across various cultures and historical
periods (Noble & Davidson, 1996; Robson & Stedall, 2009). These mathe-
matical principles and patterns, commonly observed in fields such as science,
art, and astronomy, are also evident in traditional culinary practices. These
principles are primarily related to proportions, symmetry, fractal structures,
and optimization strategies. For instance, the golden ratio was employed in
the construction of the Egyptian pyramids and Greek temples (Bartlett, 2014;
Foutakis, 2014), specific ratios were also applied in traditional bread-making
and beer and in their trading (Halawa, 2023; Robson & Stedall, 2009), and
food shapes, textures, and even geometrical properties and harmony were
metaphorically linked to ethical and spiritual states in Pythagorean dietary
systems (Kingsley, 1995), as well. Similarly, the fractal patterns found in
cauliflower and broccoli in nature are mirrored in decorative culinary arts
and more (Barrett & Peleg, 1995; Taylor, 2021). These examples demonstrate
that while culinary traditions may change over time, fundamental mathe-
matical principles remain constant. Focusing on mathematical principles in
gastronomy presents a rich area of study, offering insights into both aesthetic
principles and functional efficiency. Therefore, this chapter will explore the
intersection of mathematics, cognitive science and gastronomy and highlight the enduring role of mathematical principles in shaping culinary traditions
worldwide, by drawing upon existing academic research.