Have the Remains of Noah’s Ark Been Discovered?

Researchers examining a peculiar geological formation in modern Turkey believe they may have in fact found the remains of Noah’s Ark, which would shine a whole new light on our understanding of the ancient world.

The story goes that God observed man’s corruption, violence and weakness. Abhorred by the actions of his creation, God looked to wipe the slate clean with a cleansing flood and restore man’s goodness.

Others believe the event occurred exactly as described in the Bible, and finding the remains of the Ark would prove their stance correct. Scholars, archaeologists and even amateur adventurers have tried, and failed, to locate the Ark over the years.

The Durofeiner formation looks, from above, to have a boat-like outline. Some suggest this could in fact be the fossilized remains of the Ark.

The reason for this is because it is in that area that the highest mountain peak in the country stands at 16,500 feet. The formation also has a curve with it that would fit a giant sea vessel inside. This is where the year-long analysis of the site began.

Researchers have taken samples from the rock formation, and tests revealed seafood, clay and marine materials. Some claim this as evidence of human activity in the region.

Researchers have determined that test samples from the site are around 3,500 to 5,000 years old. Biblical archaeologists and scholars put the time of the 150-day flood from the Noah’s Ark tale at around 3,000 BC, meaning the samples align well with this time frame.

The site was discovered by a Kurdish farmer in 1948 before Ilhan Durupinar, a Turkish army captain, identified the site in 1951 as he was flying over the site on a NATO mapping project.

The curvature of the site matches sheer size of the Ark as described in the Bible, which is believed to be approximately 515 feet long, 86 feet wide, and 52 feet high.

In her words: “According to the preliminary findings of our research, we believe that human activity occurred in this region during the Chalcolithic period (Stone and Copper Age), specifically between 5,500 and 3,000 BC.”

In the same study, Dr. Kaya says: “Noah’s flood is believed to have taken place 5,000 years ago, and our findings indicate the presence of life in this region during that time. However, it is too early to draw definitive conclusions.”

“With the dating, it is not possible to say that the ship is here,” she said to Hurriyet, a Turkish newspaper. Kaya said a joint study between ITU, Andrew University, and AICU will continue researching the site for Noah’s Ark for the foreseeable future.

It would take something far more substantial than the current findings to convince many in the geological community that researchers have found the fossilized remains of Noah’s Ark.

These stories may indicate how ancient cultures responded to natural disasters. If we examine flood myths alongside geological evidence, we can start to get an idea of what actually happened and what is mythical embellishment.

Archaeologists have reiterated for years that the formation is a natural occurrence rather than that of a petrified shipwreck. There is still no geological record of a global flood as described in the Bible. Although, it is debated whether a more local flood from the Black Sea did occur.

Some believed a localized flood did happen in the Middle East, but whether the flood happened in regions around the Black Sea or the Persian Gulf 7,500 years ago continues to be debated.

Researchers are far from done with the Durofeiner site and are planning excavations to conduct detailed analysis and hopefully uncover new artifacts. They hope to get greater insight into the history of the region, particularly ancient civilizations in the area, and hopefully firmly establish the existence of Noah’s Ark.

Even creationists like Dr Andrew Snelling claim Mount Ararat cannot be the site of the ark as the mountain had not formed until after the flood waters receded. Most scholars and archaeologists advise against interpreting Biblical stories literally.

Things can sometimes get contentious when science meets faith. Having a multidisciplinary team can help to give findings proper context without a skewed narrative one way or the other. If findings don’t completely support the myth of the great flood and Noah’s Ark, there is still meaningful significance to finding proof of human activity in an area of biblical importance.

While there is already a national park in the Doğubayazıt district because of the archaeological site, a Turkish company, Dosso Dossi Holding, and the Ağrı government have collaborated to build a Noah’s Ark museum in the Telceker village. The museum was supposed to open this year.

While Hikmet Eraslan, chairman of the Dosso Dossi holding board, is optimistic on the commercial return, Governor Osman Varol said that the museum will bring additional vluae to the city.

However, the Turkish Foreign Office has recently warned tourists not to travel to these regions unless it is essential. This is because of the heightened danger of terrorism due to recent fighting between the Turkish forces and PKK, a militant Kurdish independence group.

Although Mount Ararat is a special military zone that requires a fee and a permit to enter, it may offer a safer alternative to those who are still eager to see these religious enclaves.

Professor Kaya said at the seventh International Ararat and Noah’s Ark Symposium between the AICU and ITU universities: “From now on, we will continue to intensify our work in both Cudi and Mount Ararat.”