FRAGMENTS OF CERAMICS from biblical times have been discovered in Turkey, believed to be the resting place of Noah's Ark.
This discovery sparked renewed interest in the fact that there was a human settlement in the region at the time of the great flood.
Prof. Dr. Farouk Kaya from Agri Ibrahim Sesen University said that the curious artifacts were discovered during the construction of a road near the Durupinar formation in Agri province.
This formation is a boat-shaped geological structure that has been exposed to claims to be Noah's Ark for years.
The academics said the presence of ceramic material likely indicates human activity in the region during the Chalcolithic period.
This period, which falls approximately between 5500 and 3000 BC, is traditionally associated with the biblical figure of Naoha.
More about archeology
“The pottery fragments show that there was human activity in the region,” Professor Kaya said.
The discovery has prompted renewed calls for the site to be officially protected amid fears that visitors are taking vital fragments home as souvenirs.
“This formation and its surroundings must be protected and the removal of stones, stones and similar materials must be prevented,” added Prof Kaya.
He warned tourists took materials, including stones with markings that could potentially cause damage to what experts say is an important archaeological and religious heritage site.
Durupinar Formation It was first identified by Captain Ilhan Durupinar in September 1959.
A Turkish engineer noticed this structure while mapping eastern Anatolia from the air.
Heavy rain and earthquakes has since revealed more of the contours of education.
It attracted attention with its boat-like shape and proximity to Mount Ararat.
TürkiyeThe highest peak in Russia has long been associated in the Christian tradition with the legendary Ark.
The Book of Genesis says that Noah's ark came to rest on the “mountains of Ararat” after a flood inundated the land. Earth for 150 days.
Measurements contained in Bible Describe the Ark as 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high.
Researchers suggest that these dimensions generally correspond to the size of the Durupinar monument.
Scientific interest in the region has only increased in recent years.
The Mount Ararat and Noah's Ark Research Group was officially established in 2022 between Agri Ibrahim Çesen University and Istanbul Technical University.
This collaboration brings together leading voices in the fields of geophysics, chemistry and geoarchaeology.
The researchers said the samples collected indicate that human life was possible in the region dating back to the Chalcolithic period.
The pottery fragments discovered in recent work are considered a remarkable development.
Pottery is widely regarded by archaeologists as one of the most striking signs of human settlement.
“There is no other structure like it anywhere in the world,” said Professor Kaya.
As part of broader conservation efforts, he proposed creating a special center near Mount Ararat, arguing that similar facilities already exist in countries such as US, Netherlands And Hong Kong.
