In the 1950’s a NATO ariel survey was made in Turkey and included a section of Ararat in Eastern Turkey. When the film was analyzed, an anomaly was found which did not appear to be natural. An expedition was...
In 1986 radar scans of the area revealed a pattern below the surface which they claimed was a large structure. This new evidence, along with Ron Wyatt’s assessment that this was indeed the final resting place of Noah’s Ark was enough for Turkey. In 1987 Turkey officially recognized the site as the ruins of Noah’s Ark and established the Noah’s Ark National Park.
Ron Wyatt also conducted metal detection test on the area and found a pattern of what he said were large iron bolts used to secure the timbers together. An interesting story is told of the day the park was dedicated. Ron Wyatt was asked to demonstrate the metal detection equipment used to find the iron bolts. Almost immediately the equipment detected something under the surface. Until that time Wyatt had not been permitted to dig at the site. However, a dignitary from the government who was attending the dedication insisted that the find be revealed and digging began. Soon they had revealed a large fossilized beam of wood which had been broken off on one end. It was also reported the beam appeared to have been treated with pitch.
Ronald (Ron) Eldon Wyatt (June 2, 1933 - August 4th, 1999) was by profession a nurse anesthetist. He is known for advancing the Durupinar site as the final resting place of Noah's Ark. Wyatt also claimed to have made a number of other important archaeological discoveries related to the Bible. He founded the Wyatt Archaeological Research (WAR) organization. Wyatt's claimed discoveries have been met with severe criticism. Authorities with the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) state Ron Wyatt never carried out a legally licensed excavation in either Israel of Jerusalem. WAR claims the IAA always issued 'verbal permits' for Wyatt's work.
shaped object beneath the soil. Other tests of specimens taken from the site showed evidence of fossilization of objects with organic carbon.
While this site offers some intriguing possibilities and test results, it should come as no surprise it has its critics. Most scholars dismiss this site as nothing more than an unusual rock formation and insist it has nothing to do with Noah’s Ark. If you wish to visit the site to examine the evidence for yourself, it is open to the public and now includes a visitor’s center, gift shop, and café. Given the site is somewhat remote and in what must be considered rough terrain, it is not recommended to just ‘show up’ at the site and expect to visit the park, advance preparations are required.
