Artist's conception of Noah's Ark based on biblical information and
reported sightings on Mt. Ararat.
Over the last two decades the search for Noah's Ark has received
international attention. Dozens of expeditions to the Ararat region
of eastern Turkey, mostly by American Christian groups, have led to
numerous claims - but no proof.
According to the Bible, Noah's Ark was a large barge constructed of
wood and sealed with bitumen. Its overall dimensions were at least
450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high with three interior
decks. A "window" appeared to be constructed around the top
(Genesis 6:14-16). Incidentally, the overall size of the Ark makes
it the largest seagoing vessel known before the 20th century, and
its proportions are amazingly similar to the large ocean liners of
today
The Bible says Noah's boat came to rest on "the mountains of
Ararat" (Genesis 8:4). "Ararat" probably designated a region (the
ancient kingdom of Urartu) and not a specific mountain peak. After
Noah and his family left the Ark on the mountain, the boat
virtually disappeared from the pages of the Bible. Later Biblical
writers never suggested they knew it could still be seen.
The mountain called Ararat today is more like a mountain range with
twin peaks. Interestingly, there have been numerous reports
throughout history of a large boat on a mountain in this region.
Earliest references (beginning in the 3rd century B.C.) suggested
it was common knowledge that the Ark could still be viewed on Mount
Ararat.
Reports over the past century range from visits to the vessel, to
recovery of wooden timber, to aerial photographs. It is generally
believed that at least large part of the Ark is intact, not on the
highest peak, but somewhere above the 10,000 foot level. Apparently
encased in snow and ice for most of the year, only during certain
warm summers can the structure be witnessed or accessed. Some have
spoken of climbing onto the roof, others say they have walked
inside.
In the 1980s, "ark-eology" was given an air of respectability with
the active participation of former NASA astronaut James Irwin in
expeditions up the mountain. In addition, Ark investigation was
also given a boost with the breakup of the former Soviet Union,
because the mountain was right on the Turkey-Soviet border.
Expeditions up the mountain had been considered a security threat
by the Soviet government.
Unfortunately, return visits to proposed sites have produced no
further evidence, the whereabouts of all photographs are presently
unknown, and different sightings do not suggest the same location
on the mountain. Furthermore, Astronaut James Irwin has since died,
a purported eyewitness has recently recanted publicly, and there
have been few new expeditions up the mountain in the 1990s. Further
expeditions have taken place in the new millennium, but no proof of
the Ark has yet been found.
But efforts are still ongoing. While the Associates for Biblical
Research is not engaged in any of these efforts, we are aware of
continued research into ancient reports, further testimony from
eyewitnesses and renewed efforts to pinpoint the Ark's resting
place. More expeditions are pending. If it's up there, we will
certainly hear about it.
