In the vicinity of Mount Ararat, an area believed to contain the remains of Noah’s Ark is being prepared for excavation for the first time after years of research. Researchers conducting radar scans to see underground and identify the ship will begin planning the excavation process once a suitable preservation plan is established. Known for being the inspiration behind one of the most famous stories in the Bible, Noah’s Ark saved humanity and animals during an ancient flood.
Experts believe that the remains of the wooden ship that shaped religious history are hidden in Turkey. Specialists from the California-based Noah’s Ark Scans company are getting ready to excavate the 160-meter-long boat-shaped geological formation called Durupınar Formation in the east of the country.
Initial soil sampling focused on wood traces will be carried out in the field consisting of a type of iron ore known as limonite. Furthermore, radar waves will continue to be sent to “see underground” and detect signs of the ship-shaped object.
Andrew Jones from the research team stated, “This region is located in the heart of an active geography with harsh winters, so protecting the area is our top priority,” in an interview with the British newspaper The Sun. Jones added, “In the coming years, our Turkish university partners will conduct soil sampling and radar scans to determine whether the structures we have identified are truly man-made or just natural formations.”
Once sufficient evidence is gathered and an appropriate preservation plan is established, the excavation process will begin to be planned. Durupınar Formation has attracted researchers’ attention for a long time due to its shape and structure resembling the description of the Ark in the Bible.
Located just 30 km south of Turkey’s highest peak, Mount Ararat, Durupınar has been known for less than a century. Formed due to heavy rains and earthquakes in May 1948, the muddy formation was later discovered by a shepherd.
Since then, the area has drawn interest from believers in the Ark. Tests were conducted on 22 soil samples in Durupınar as part of the project, yielding significant results. Radar techniques revealed rectangular shapes deep inside the formation, which could be evidence of compartments within a ship.
Tests showed the presence of clay-like substances, marine sediments, and even remains of sea creatures such as mollusks in the soil. The dating of these samples indicated an age between 3,500 to 5,000 years.
This suggests that Durupınar and its surroundings may have been submerged at a time consistent with the narratives in the Bible.