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Archaeologists probe Mount Ararat for Noah's Ark evidence

Turkish researchers have conducted the first-ever drilling operation at Mount Ararat's distinctive boat-shaped formation, extracting hundreds of soil samples to search for ancient wood remnants. Scientists say laboratory analysis of the collected materials will determine whether the site holds clues to the legendary biblical vessel.

LSN India · 8 October 2026

Archaeologists probe Mount Ararat for Noah's Ark evidence

Archaeologists working at Turkey's Mount Ararat have undertaken an unprecedented excavation at the Durupinar formation, drilling deep into the earth to unlock secrets that may be connected to Noah's Ark. The research team extracted soil samples from depths reaching 60 feet, marking the most intensive investigation of the site to date.

The drilling operation yielded hundreds of samples containing organic matter and potential traces of ancient wood. Researchers are carefully cataloguing the materials collected from various depths, with the goal of identifying any wooden structures or remnants that could indicate human habitation or construction activity in antiquity.

The boat-shaped Durupinar formation has long captured the attention of researchers and believers alike, given its distinctive geographical features. Mount Ararat holds significant religious and cultural importance across multiple faiths and has been the focus of numerous expeditions seeking evidence related to the biblical flood narrative.

Scientists emphasize that conclusive findings remain pending completion of comprehensive laboratory analysis. The examination of organic compounds and potential wood fragments will require sophisticated dating and compositional testing before researchers can draw meaningful conclusions about the site's historical significance.