Has Noah’s Ark been found? Statement from the Governor of Ağrı

Ağrı Governor Önder Bozkurt has issued a statement regarding the research conducted near the village of Telçeker in Doğubayazıt, where it is believed that remains belonging to Noah’s Ark are located. Bozkurt stated that it is not yet possible to claim that scientific certainty has been reached in the area and called on the public to follow official and scientific announcements.

Bozkurt, who conducted inspections in the region along with Doğubayazıt District Governor Mustafa Ayvat, Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Erhan Ağrı, and their accompanying delegation, stated that the work is being carried out by a research team led by Prof. Dr. Cenker Atila, a faculty member of the Department of Archaeology at Sivas Cumhuriyet University.

According to the information provided by Governor Bozkurt, a 20-person team from 5 countries conducted research and examinations in the region for approximately 3 months. The work was carried out within the scope of the “Durupınar Formation Geological Research Project” following the necessary permit and notification processes.

Regarding the permit process, Bozkurt stated that permission was obtained from the Erzurum Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage in May, and that procedures with the Regional Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks and the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism have also been completed. He noted that new technological devices in the fields of archaeology, geology, and geophysics were used in the research.

SAMPLES WILL BE EXAMINED IN THE LABORATORY

Expressing that the soil samples taken from the area and the findings obtained from underground observation devices will be evaluated in a laboratory environment during the winter period, Bozkurt announced that approximately 360 soil samples will be examined at the Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University laboratory.

Bozkurt stated that the results will be shared with the public in order to contribute to the scientific world, adding that the area has received intense interest in recent days and that this interest contributes to tourism in Ağrı.

Governor Bozkurt emphasized that, in line with the information he received from Prof. Dr. Cenker Atila, there is “no scientific certainty for now.” He said that if there is any new scientific development in the research, it will be announced through official channels.

Pointing out that information spreads very quickly on digital platforms, Bozkurt stated that those interested in the region should rely on scientific data and official statements to prevent misunderstandings.