The Durupinar boat-shaped formation (Noah’s ark) was discovered on Sept. 11, 1959, by Turkish Army Captain Ilhan Durupinar. This boat-shaped formation is believed to be the buried remains of Noah’s ark (Nuh’un Gemisi) that landed in the Mountains of Ararat according to the Bible (Genesis 8:4) and according to the Qur’an (11:44) on Al-Judi which locals in the nearby village will tell you is a name given to this area as well. The main research and interest in this site started in the 1970s through the mid-1990s due to the work of American explorer and researcher, Ron Wyatt, and others including Turkish scientists. In 2014 and 2019 further independent private geophysical surveys were done again on the ark formation showing layers and interesting angular structures below the ground. The new GPR data shows parallel lines and angular structures 8 to 20 feet down. These parallel lines and right angles below the surface are something you would not expect to see in a natural, geologic formation. Interestingly, the boat formation has also been confirmed to be the exact length of the ark given in the Bible (Genesis 6:15).
In the fall of 2021 a Turkish scientific team with American media including the History Channel started the most complete geophysical survey and scientific study of this site to date using as many modern scientific methods as possible. The scientific study will also focus on how best to preserve the site for future generations.
