CERAMIC fragments from Biblical times have been uncovered in Turkey, thought to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark.
This discovery has sparked fresh excitement that the region was home to a human settlement at the time of the great flood.
Professor Dr Faruk Kaya of Agri Ibrahim Cecen University said the curious artefacts were uncovered during road construction near the Durupinar Formation in Agri province.
This formation is a boat-shaped geological structure that has been subject to claims of being Noah’s Ark for years.
Academics said the presence of ceramic material likely indicates human activity in the region in the Chalcolithic period.
This period – which falls roughly between 5500 and 3000 BC – is traditionally linked to the Biblical figure of Naoh.
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“The ceramic fragments show that there was human activity in this region,” said Professor Kaya.
This discovery has prompted renewed calls for the site to be formally protected amid concerns visitors are taking vital fragments home as souvenirs.
“This formation and its surroundings must be protected, and the removal of sones, rocks or similar material must be prevented,” added Professor Kaya.
He warned tourists had been taking materials, including stones bearing markings, potentially damaging what experts believe is an important archaeological and religious heritage site.
The Durupinar Formation was first identified by Captain Ilhan Durupinar in September 1959.
The Turkish engineer spotted the structure while mapping eastern Anatolia from the air.
Heavy rain and earthquakes has since exposed more of the formation’s outline.
It has drawn attention because of its boat-like shape and due to its proximity to Mount Ararat.
Turkey’s highest peak has long been associated with the fabled Ark in Christian tradition.
In the Book of Genesis, it says Noah’s Ark came to rest on the “mountains of Ararat” after a flood submerged the Earth for 150 days.
Measurements contained within the Bible describe the Ark as 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high.
Researchers suggest these dimensions broadly correspond to the size of the Durupinar site.
Scientific interest in the region has only increased in recent years.
The Mount Ararat and Noah’s Ark Research Team was formally established in 2022 between Agri Ibrahim Cecen University and Istanbul Technical University.
This collaboration brings together leading voices in geophysics, chemistry and geoarchaeology.
Researchers said samples collected indicated human life in the region was possible from the Chalcolithic period onwards.
The pottery fragments discovered during the recent works as being viewed as a notable development.
Ceramics are widely regarded by archaeologists as one of the clearest indications of a human settlement.
“There is no other structure like this identified anywhere else in the world,” said Professor Kaya.
As part of wider preservation efforts, he suggested a dedicated centre should be established near Mount Ararat, arguing similar sites already exist in countries like the US, the Netherlands and Hong Kong.
