Archaeologists Start Core Drilling at Turkey’s Durupinar Site
Archaeologists have begun core drilling at the Durupinar site in the mountains of eastern Turkey to investigate whether the boat-shaped site near the Greater Mount Arat summit contains the remains of Noah’s Ark. The ongoing excavation work marks a new phase of research at the high-altitude location, which has drawn global attention since its discovery in 1959.
Excavation Work and Core Sampling at Durupinar Site
Andrew Jones, founder of Noah’s Ark Scans, stated that his organization has completed the first phase of drilling at the structure and shipped soil samples off for laboratory analysis. Speaking to GB News, Jones explained that drill teams went down approximately 60 feet into specific anomalies, extracting dark soil material that will be tested to determine whether it consists of decayed wood or other organic matter.
The Durupinar site measures approximately 300 Egyptian cubits in length, matching the biblical dimensions described in the Book of Genesis for Noah’s Ark. Jones noted that the average interior width of the boat-shaped formation is approximately 50 cubits, aligning with biblical accounts that place the landing site of the ark in the mountains of Arat, as referenced in Genesis 8:4.
Radar Technology and Academic Involvement
Research by Noah’s Ark Scans at the site began in 2019 following ground-penetrating radar surveys that revealed angular features, parallel lines, and distinct patterns beneath the surface. Jones said these anomalies indicate open tunnels and chambers rather than random rock and soil distributions.
To evaluate the underground structure, Noah’s Ark Scans brought in academic researchers, including US military scientist Dr. Khosrow Bakhtar and Dr. Cenker Atila. According to Jones, Dr. Bakhtar utilized a newly developed radar system to examine the site, concluding that the formation lacks bedrock and displays layered angular structures and tunnels. Jones reported that Dr. Bakhtar stated he had never encountered a similar formation during his 40-year career.
While previous geological assessments concluded that the Durupinar site is a natural formation of limestone and volcanic clay sculpted by erosion, the recent data collected by Noah’s Ark Scans has prompted researchers to pursue physical core samples to definitively establish the nature of the subsurface anomalies.