A team of archaeologists in eastern Turkey has announced findings they describe as potential proof for the existence of Noah's Ark. The research focuses on the Durupınar site, a distinctive boat-shaped geological formation that has fuelled speculation for decades.
What Did the Researchers Discover?
Experts from Istanbul Technical University and Agri Ibrahim Cecen University (AICU) have analysed soil and rock samples from the 157-metre-long mound. According to AICU's Professor Faruk Kaya, they uncovered clay materials of a "polygenic" nature – complex mixtures of clay, silt, and sand – which they argue are not naturally occurring and point to past human activity.
Furthermore, the team reports discovering ceramic fragments and evidence of marine organisms within the soil. They date this material to roughly 5,000 years ago, or the Chalcolithic period around 3000 BC. Professor Kaya stated this timeframe "roughly coincides with the time in which Prophet Noah is believed to have lived."
A Site of Fierce Debate
The Durupınar formation, first identified by archaeologists in 1959, has long divided opinion. Some proponents believe its size and shape match the dimensions of the ark described in the Book of Genesis. However, most geologists maintain it is a natural formation, with its prominent walls consisting of hardened clay and iron-rich limonite.
This scepticism is not new. In 1996, geologist Lorence Collins of California State University published research arguing that the site's geological features were inconsistent with the biblical narrative, calling it a "bogus" claim. He suggested that the desire to confirm the Ark's existence might lead some to overlook contradictory evidence.
Calls for Protection and Further Study
Professor Kaya has emphasised the uniqueness of the site, declaring, "There is no other structure like this identified anywhere else in the world." He is now calling for urgent protective measures to be implemented.
The research team wants the area to receive special status to prevent visitors from disturbing the soil or removing stones and potential artefacts. This would allow for more controlled, scientific investigation to continue.
While the new findings are presented as significant evidence by the Turkish researchers, the broader scientific community is likely to continue scrutinising the claims, ensuring the debate over Durupınar's true origins remains very much alive.
