Researchers Ignite Noah’s Ark Debate After Saying Boat-Shaped Mound Near Mount Ararat ‘100%’ Man-Made

A team of researchers investigating a boat-shaped mound near Mount Ararat in Turkey says new evidence points to the site being an ancient man-made structure, and possibly the remains of Noah’s Ark.

The formation, known as the Durupınar site, has been studied for decades. In a Tuesday, September 22, interview with the Daily Mail, the international research team claimed they have now “100 percent confirmed” that the structure is man-made rather than a natural geological feature of the surrounding mountains.

The researchers also determined that the site is not composed of solid bedrock or limestone. Andrew Jones, founder of Noah’s Ark Scans, an organization that’s been key to advancing the research, called the news a turning point in the investigation.

“This destroys the theory the site is a solid limestone block shaped into a boat by glaciers and weathering after coming down the mountainside,” Jones said. “And it also refutes the theory that this is bedrock around which mud flowed to form the shape.”

According to some interpretations of the biblical account in Genesis, Noah’s Ark was built roughly 4,300 years ago to shelter humans and animal species from a catastrophic flood, and God instructed Noah to construct the vessel with three decks. The research team said its scans reveal that the bottom layer of the formation is similarly divided into three sections, riddled with numerous chambers, corridors and tunnels.

Jones, who has a background in software development, has studied the site since his first visit in 1997. He confirmed the team has uncovered organic material that is now being tested for traces of decayed wood.

In a press release issued Wednesday, September 23, Jones described a breakthrough moment during core drilling at the site: the drill had already cut through the overlying material when it hit an unexpectedly hard layer and the bit shattered. He said petrified or heavily mineralized wood are both possibilities the team hopes to confirm through independent lab testing.

Previous investigations have concluded the boat-shaped site was formed naturally. However, Jones’ team’s latest samples are still undergoing testing to determine what lies beneath it.

Jones did not hide his conviction about what the team has found.

“I believe this is Noah’s Ark,” he said confidently. “That’s why I’m putting the Durupınar site through the most rigorous testing possible.”