Archaeological Dig Begins at Suspected Noah’s Ark Site in Türkiye’s Mount Ararat Region

After decades of speculation and scientific study, a long-awaited excavation at the Durupınar Formation, near Mount Ararat in Türkiye, is set to begin — possibly unearthing the remains of Noah’s Ark, the legendary vessel said to have saved humanity during a great flood.

The upcoming excavation follows years of ground-penetrating radar scans and soil testing conducted by experts from the California-based group Noah’s Ark Scans, who believe that the 160-meter-long, boat-shaped formation might hold the wooden remains of the biblical ark.

Scientific Excavation Set to Begin

The team’s next phase includes targeted soil sampling to detect wooden traces or human activity, while additional radar waves will help distinguish between natural and potentially man-made structures.

Andrew Jones, a lead researcher on the project, told The Sun that the Durupınar site — which lies in a harsh and geologically active area — must be carefully conserved before any full-scale dig. “Our priority is protection,” he said, emphasizing that Turkish universities are collaborating on both the soil analysis and the conservation plan.

If sufficient evidence of human-made structures is found, formal excavation will begin, marking a historic step in the centuries-long search for Noah’s Ark.

Traces of Ancient Marine Life Discovered

Previous soil samples taken from 22 spots around the site revealed clay-rich earth, marine sediments, and even fossilized marine creatures like mollusks — despite the region’s mountainous geography.

Lab tests showed the material dated between 3,500 and 5,000 years old, a timeframe that aligns with biblical and Quranic flood accounts.

These findings suggest that the area could have once been submerged under water, supporting ancient accounts of a cataclysmic flood and giving new weight to the Durupınar Formation's candidacy as the resting place of Noah’s Ark.

A Site Long Surrounded by Mystery

Located just 30 kilometers south of Mount Ararat, the site was discovered in 1948 after a landslide and earthquake exposed its unique, ship-like shape.

Ever since, the formation has sparked widespread fascination among biblical scholars, archaeologists, and faith communities alike.

With the backing of new technology and university partnerships, this project could soon determine whether the story of the Ark has a tangible, geological foundation.