If you haven’t heard by now, hype around the possible discovery of Noah’s Ark only continues to grow. Researchers with the Noah’s Ark Research Project have conducted deep core drilling and radar surveys at the Durupinar Formation, located near Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey — a spot believed by some to be the Old Testament boat. The latest update now focuses specifically on what appears to be the discovery of charred wood fragments.
The uncovered fragments have been identified to show markers such as growth rings that would verify years of aging, Fox News reported. According to at least one archaeologist , the pieces of wood are believed to be “very ancient.”
Would discovering Noah’s Ark be ‘silver bullet for Christianity’?
Cenker Atila — professor of archaeology at Sivas Cumhuriyet University in Turkey — noted that while this discovery appears promising, it still needs to be tested.
Daily Mail reported researchers for Noah’s Ark Scans found radar scans showed different chambers, corridors and structural layers as well.
“In our holy books, Noah’s Ark had three levels; in our radar studies, we also identified a formation with three levels,” Atila said.
Evidence, not proof
Andrew Jones, founder of Noah’s Ark Scans, said the findings are significant evidence but not proof. Jones noted in a recent interview he does “firmly” believe the Durupınar Formation represents the buried remains of Noah’s Ark.
Jones and his team acknowledged the possibility that lightning or volcanic activity could have caused the charred wood. It also could have been caused by fire with tar used to waterproof the ark in the Bible.
Since 1959 when the structure was first uncovered, geologists have argued that the structure thought to be Noah’s Ark is just a natural rock formation.
Signs of human workmanship
Atila noted the wood fragments also have signs of human workmanship, Newsweek reported.
“Its surface appears to have been slightly shaped and flattened using an axe or a knife,” he said.
If human workmanship could be proved, that would somewhat refute any claims that the formation is natural.
Atila told Fox News in an interview, “Too many coincidences have come together to be ignored.”
He noted, “The ship-shaped formation was found in the location described in the holy books. Its dimensions are consistent with those mentioned in the holy books, and its shape resembles a ship.”
Carbon testing
The fragments have been collected and sent to several labs for carbon testing.
Lauren Witzke, director of marketing and fundraising for Noah’s Ark Scans, told Fox News she believes this new discovery proves that Durupinar is not some geological formation. But acknowledged nothing can be proven without test results.
She said, “As soon as it’s confirmed by experts, we will share it with the world.”
See related sources:
Noah’s Ark site yields first look at charred wood fragments recovered deep below soil -Fox News
Noah’s Ark discovery revealed as first photos show wood buried 30 feet underground -Daily Mail
Noah’s Ark Hunters Say They’ve Found Wood With Tool Marks -Newsweek
The links above are a sampling of headlines related to the story and are not an endorsement of all viewpoints or reporting.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Ryan Carrigan, who compiled the report from various news outlets for The Baptist Paper.
