Researcher Discusses Noah’s Ark Site Near Mount Ararat

An independent investigator has been sharing insights about a site close to Mount Ararat, where many believe the remnants of Noah’s Ark are located.

Andrew Jones operates Noah’s Ark Scan, which he describes as a collective of individuals keen on pursuing scientific research related to this topic. His fascination with the Flood Stories of the Bible started in his childhood.

“We have shapes, locations matched, lengths that align with the Bible exactly,” he stated, emphasizing the intriguing details they have gathered.

Years later, while at university, his interest deepened during a visit to Türkiye, where he was able to see the site firsthand.

“I’ve been coming and going ever since,” he reflected.

Jones mentioned that Noah’s Ark Scan collaborates with scientists to assess the Mount Ararat area and determine whether it might indeed be the resting place of a massive structure described in biblical texts.

“Last year, we discovered Australian soil scientists conducting research there. One proposed a soil test after observing that the grass in the area thought to be part of the ark differed in color from the grass outside. Local geologists then devised the tests and gathered samples,” he explained.

A key concern regarding the site is the lengthy absence of identifiable and conclusive research, especially if it’s believed to hold artifacts from the past.

Jones outlined several challenges that hinder the research process. “We are, just like everyone else, eager to prove or disprove what this site is. There are many factors at play. Politically, this is Eastern Turkey, and various issues affect scientific work. Then there are religious dimensions as well,” he elaborated.

He pointed out the competing narratives from both Christian and Islamic perspectives that create a sort of rivalry around the story of Noah’s Ark, making the endeavor more complex.

Conducting scientific research in this area often necessitates partnerships with local universities, a task that can be complicated. “You need to find a professor willing to collaborate, which may pose challenges for Islamic scholars,” he noted. “People also tend to think you’re a bit eccentric for searching for something like this, which makes it tough.”

Nonetheless, Jones and his team are tenacious, working alongside local authorities and international collaborators to explore areas where they suspect the Ark might be buried.

Regarding the location, Jones states the Bible provides a simple reference in Genesis. According to Genesis 8:4: “And on the 17th day of the seventh month, the ark began to rest on the mountains of Ararat.”

However, he argues that Moses’s descriptions lack specific GPS coordinates. “It’s akin to saying, ‘Noah’s Ark has landed in the mountains of Colorado and Canada.’ It’s a broad area,” he said.

The site they’re investigating is within this general location and has reportedly captured the interest of military officials in Turkey for decades.

Jones explained, “It raised eyebrows and sparked interest among biblical scholars and geologists. Turkish Army Captain Ilhan Durpinner excavated a distinctive geological layer on September 11, 1959. This boat-shaped geological formation, known as the Dullpinner Formation, is believed to be where Noah’s Ark came to rest.”

At that time, the discoveries generated considerable media attention, prompting many to visit the site. However, over the years, Jones indicated it has mostly been “forgotten” until American explorer Ron Wyatt began promoting it before his death in the late 20th century.

Since then, researchers like Jones have collaborated with experts to revive interest and gather evidence that might support claims about the Ark’s location.

He expressed that there are characteristics that lead some to believe this site could indeed be the Ark’s location. “Firstly, there’s a boat-like shape. Additionally, dimensions correspond to the scriptural accounts,” Jones articulated, “We have those matching shapes, locations, and lengths.”

Currently, he noted, they are limited to non-destructive testing methods, like geophysical scans to probe what lies beneath the surface.

Through this data, they’ve been piecing together models to understand what’s underground. Remarkably, he and other researchers think there’s an “angular structure” and a “central tunnel” below.

They aspire to conduct excavations when circumstances allow, emphasizing the importance of non-invasive techniques for the time being. Jones is keen on continuing to collect samples to clarify what lies beneath the surface.

“We wish to conduct random core samples in areas indicated by the radar that might reveal artificial structures, since they are likely not of natural origin,” he added.

These samples will provide more context and insight into the composition of the site, and he hopes to conduct additional soil analyses.

Ultimately, based on its size, shape, and gathered data, he feels this location could be a remnant of Noah’s Ark. Although he doesn’t expect it to be entirely intact due to the passage of time, he still regards it as the “best candidate” presently available for exploration.