Mathematics, Art, and Creativity Come Together: World Maths Day at GTU

March 14, 2025 – GTU Office of Press and Public Relations

Gebze Technical University (GTU) marks World Mathematics Day on March 14 with a series of vibrant events under the theme "Mathematics, Art, and Creativity." Through workshops, exhibitions, and panel discussions, participants explore the presence of mathematics in every aspect of life.

GTU hosted the World Mathematics Day 2025 celebrations on March 14, 2025, organized by the Türkiye Mathematics Club with the support of the GTU Department of Mathematics and the Social Impact Coordination Office. Held at the GTU Congress and Cultural Center, the event brought together mathematics, art, and daily life through various engaging activities.

The event featured a series of activities showcasing the connection between mathematics and the arts. As part of the Mathematics Scenes session, academic Emre Ev Çimen delivered the opening speech titled "Mathematics, Art, and Creativity," stating that "Mathematics is a language that gives meaning to the universe through order and aesthetics." Throughout the day, panel discussions in the White Hall covered topics ranging from educational models to mathematical literacy. In the Blue Hall, sessions such as "The Future of Mathematics Education" and "Geometry: Traces in Art, History, and Nature" introduced participants to different dimensions of mathematics.

A Day Full of Hands-On Workshops

One of the highlights of the event was the 21 interactive workshops that allowed participants to engage in hands-on learning. In the "Magic Squares" workshop, attendees explored the mystery of mathematical patterns, while the "Origami" session provided an experience in geometry through paper-folding art. The "Cryptology" workshop introduced encryption techniques from past to present, and in "The Seven Bridges of Königsberg," participants discovered the fundamentals of graph theory. Workshops such as "Treasure Hunt" and "Nim Game," particularly popular among younger attendees, blended fun with learning.

Mathematics Meets Art in Exhibitions

Several exhibitions showcased the artistic side of mathematics. The "Geometric Patterns in Islamic Art" exhibit presented the fusion of mathematical symmetry with aesthetics, while the "Geometry Daily" exhibition highlighted the universal language of geometry through minimalist designs. Additionally, the "Prime Portraits" project displayed the transformation of prime numbers into works of art.

"Mathematics is for Everyone"

In her opening speech, GTU Vice-Rector Prof. Elif Damla Arısan stated, "This event is a concrete example of our goal to bring mathematics to society. Organized with the efforts of young minds, this fusion of science and art is truly inspiring." Assoc. Prof. Fatma Karaoğlu-Ceyhan, faculty member at GTU's Department of Mathematics, emphasized the importance of making mathematics accessible, saying, "We are here to break the stereotype that mathematics is only for experts. Today, we have hundreds of young people proving that mathematics is for everyone." Melih Mert Oskay, General Coordinator of the Istanbul Mathematics Day event, highlighted the event's growth: "In 2018, we organized our first March 14 event with a team of 8 people. Today, we have a team of 187 people behind this event."

Social Activities and Participants

Throughout the event, attendees collected "Mathematics Passports" and earned rewards by completing workshops. Activities such as "Memory Book," "Mathematics Library," and "Pi Cookies" added a fun and engaging touch to the day. Leading mathematical institutions from across Türkiye set up stands, providing participants with access to academic resources and scientific projects.

Convergence of Science and Art

Hosted by GTU, this event once again demonstrated that mathematics is not only a theoretical discipline, but also deeply intertwined with art, technology, and social development. With its growing success, World Mathematics Day at GTU aims to continue bringing science enthusiasts together in the coming years.

For the detailed program and event photos, please visit matematikgunuistanbul.org.