Abstract:

Adopting a decimal number and decimal base number system, Turks used “next decimal base” number system in Kokturk and Uyghur periods, which does not exist in any other language. In this system, the smaller number is moved to the front when there is a summation relationship between numbers, and the next decimal number is used for the numbers between 10 and 90, instead of the expected one. This tradition is still followed by the Yugurs. Although majority of the Turkish dialects use decimal base system, there are differences amongst them. Karacay-Balkar Turkish uses vigesimal number system after 30 as well as decimal system, and Halac Turkish uses a mixed base system of trigesimal and tetragesimal. There are similarities and differences between the numeral groups of compound numbers, which formed with interim numbers and which form an adjective phrase with nouns, used by Kokturks, Uyghurs and Karahan Turks and the numeral groups in Karacay-Balkar Turkish that is in Kypchak Language group that is one of the Modern Turkish dialects. The numeral groups in Karacay-Balkar Turkish have a mixed structure with their use similar to that of standard Turkish as well as vigesimal base number system. For numbers above 20, the word “bla” is used which can be regarded as an extension of the Old Turkish. Moreover, it is observed in Karacay-Balkar Turkish that summation and multiplication of numbers are used concurrently in the formation of numbers.

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