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Durupinar

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The Durupinar site is the location of a boat-shaped formation, which was named after its discoverer. Its size, unusual shape, and location were immediately recognized as being a close parallel to Noah's Ark. The size of the formation matches the description from the Bible almost exactly.

Contents

The Discovery

The formation was discovered in Turkey more than 40 years ago by Turkish Army Captain Ilhan Durupinar. Aerial photographs of the Durupinar site were published in a Life Magazine in 1960. A group from the Archeological Research Foundation surveyed the site in September of 1960, but found only soil and rocks inside the shape. The official news release concluded that "there were no visible archaeological remains" and that the formation "was a freak of nature and not man-made".

Official Recognition

Anchor Stone International has obtained a long-term lease of the Durpinar site visitor's center, which now houses the Noah's Ark Museum
Anchor Stone International has obtained a long-term lease of the Durpinar site visitor's center, which now houses the Noah's Ark Museum

After being ignored for almost two decades, the site was repopularized as a Noah's Ark discovery by the now deceased Ron Wyatt and David Fasold. In 1987 the site was officially declared to be Noah's Ark by the Turkish Government, and dedicated as a national park. The site is now equipped with a nearby visitors center. Numerous creationists today still hold that the boat-shaped mound is the remains of Noah's ark.

Formation

Natural

Although the shape of the Durupinar site formation is very compelling, it is not unique to the region. There are other similar formations nearby, which are apparently the result of solidified mudflows. Mudflows are typical occurrences at volcanic mountains, which have risen to an elevation that prompts snow-pack or glaciers to form. Even minor volcanic activity will cause melting and induce erosion and subsequent deposition at the foot of the mountain. Similar episodes occurred at Mt. St. Helens.

Man Made

Proponents claim that other apparent boat-shapes are distortions caused by viewing these shapes at angles Also, the claim is made that there is a pattern of iron in the boat-shape. Citing Genesis 4:22, claiming that iron was used in the preflood world. David Fasold's 1985-6 Noah's Ark Field Studies video is cited as evidence of a pattern of metal being found in the site. John McCoy, a proponent of the site, has produced a video of his mini metal detection survey, the 2007 Noah's Ark Field Studies video. The late Colonel Jim Irwin has stated that he also found what appeared to be a manmade pattern of metal. Proponents also cite Turkey's leading archeologist, [1] Ekrem Akurgal as an advocate of the site as being that of a large ship.

Creationist Consensus

Most creationists do not believe the Durupinar site is the ark, and it is probably best to view this discovery with skepticism until a complete excavation is performed. It is most logical to assume that the ark of Noah has decomposed completely since the flood. However, if it became buried under a mudflow or glacier, it could have been petrified or preserved respectively. Unfortunately, industrious excavations are not likely to be forthcoming in this remote region. If still in existence, the discovery of Noah's ark may await exposure by a major natural erosion event.

The site rages with controversy, however, all critics agreeing on one thing, namely, that the site needs to be excavated.

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