Over time, the mystery of Noah's Ark remained an eternal enigma into which each generation cast its gaze, and every subsequent scholarly community contributed its share to this bottomless sea of hypotheses and speculations.
However, this story resurfaced in Eastern Turkey when archaeologists from Istanbul Technical University and the University of Agri brought to light the location of the ancient vessel. In the vicinity of the small villages of Telçeker and Uzengili, they approached the long-standing question with renewed determination.
This moment crowned the work of Ilhan Durupinar, a cartographer who, half a century ago, discovered traces atop Mount Ararat resembling the shape of a ship. This open trace served as the inception of a new phase of research.
Before delving into excavations, scientists employed ground-penetrating radar for 3D scanning and unearthed an "artificial structure in the shape of a ship" beneath the earth's surface. They discerned parallel lines and angular structures at depths ranging from eight to 20 feet.
However, the euphoria and hope brought by these findings cooled off in light of the world's reaction to the news. Claims about unveiling the mystery of Noah's Ark have become an almost annual occurrence, casting doubts on the authenticity of each new discovery. Nevertheless, perhaps the investigations in Eastern Turkey might prove to be a turning point, yet this remains a question.
Support for these studies comes from the analysis of rock samples. Scientists found presumed fragments of an ancient ship among selected rocks, processed clay, and remnants of marine organisms, all present only in a specific location corresponding to the presumed Ark site.
Doubts are dispelled by dating studies. Researchers posit that human activity in this region dates back to ancient times, reaching the era of the Chalcolithic period, aligning temporally with the assumed events related to the global flood.
Earlier reports mentioned the discovery of ancient wooden fragments in Turkey that might be remnants of Noah's Ark. These new findings breathe fresh life into the centuries-old mystery, opening new horizons in the quest for this ancient symbol.
