Has Noah's Ark been found? Here's what we know so far

Scientific studies concerning the area in the Doğubayazıt district of Ağrı believed to contain the remains of Noah's Ark are on the global agenda.

IN 1959...
Army Captain and cartographer İlhan Durupınar discovered the area in 1959 while examining aerial photographs as part of efforts to produce maps of the region at the General Command of Mapping.
The area is located near the village of Telçeker on Mount Ararat and is claimed to contain the remains of Noah's Ark.

THE MYSTERY REMAINS
Scientists have not reached a consensus in research conducted to date on where Noah's Ark is located. The area has continued to remain a mystery for centuries.

TODAY: AN ANNOUNCEMENT
Scientific research into Noah's Ark has been completed at the area known as the Durupınar Formation, located within the boundaries of Üzengili village in the Doğubayazıt district of Ağrı.
Approximately 20 researchers from five different countries took part in the studies conducted between June 28 and September 30.
The research brought together different disciplines, particularly geophysics, geology and archaeology. The data obtained will be examined in laboratory settings in the next stage.

Ağrı Governor Önder Bozkurt, who inspected the area believed to contain the remains of Noah's Ark, said the research team had worked in the area for approximately three months following the necessary permit procedures.
He said the project brought together different branches of science.

NEARLY 360 SOIL SAMPLES COLLECTED
Bozkurt said the following about the study:
"During the winter period, they will analyze in laboratory settings both soil samples from the site and the findings obtained from underground observation devices. Nearly 360 soil samples have been collected, and these samples will be examined and researched at the laboratory of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University. The results will be shared with the public as a contribution to the scientific community."

THERE IS CURRENTLY NO SCIENTIFIC CERTAINTY
There is currently no scientific certainty as to whether Noah's Ark is located at the site in question.
Bozkurt said the results should be awaited.
Bozkurt said:
"According to the information we have received from our academics and the professor leading the research team, there is currently no clear scientific certainty. All scientific studies concerning the possibility that Noah's Ark may be located in this area, as well as the academic literature on the subject, will be examined, and perhaps a point will be reached as a result of studies to be conducted using technological and archaeological excavation tools.
"There is still no scientific certainty at this point in the research. We are providing the research team with every kind of support and assistance in the light of science. The results obtained will be included in books, symposiums, conference papers and academic articles, creating a body of knowledge that can be used by experts working in archaeology, geology and geophysics, as well as by universities and students."

Emphasizing the need to properly inform the public once the scientific results are announced, Bozkurt called for scientific statements to be followed in response to unverified information circulating on social media and digital platforms.

WHAT HAD PROFESSOR ATİLA SAID?
A research project is being conducted under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Cenker Atila, a faculty member in the Department of Archaeology at the Faculty of Letters of Sivas Cumhuriyet University.
Prof. Dr. Atila previously said that, as part of the studies, GPS points were first determined and three-dimensional maps of the area were prepared. Radar scans were then carried out, and soil samples began to be collected based on the results obtained.

ANALYSES FOCUSED ON THE VOIDS
Atila stated that some voids that could be corridors or rooms were detected in the radar data, and that drilling and soil analyses were concentrated in these areas.
He said:
"These soil samples will be analyzed throughout the winter. The results of our soil samples will be available in three months, and after that we will make a statement about the site. I plan to continue the studies next year and the year after."

Fotograps: AA, İHA