Noah’s Ark site in Turkey.
We live in the time that Jesus described as being just like the days of Noah (Matthew 24:37).
And yet, regardless of how often the great flood appears over the millennia in cultures around the world, to a great many the story of Noah remains simply a “Hebrew flood myth.” So, it is remarkable that Turkey not only certified the location of the remains of Noah’s ark, but honored one Christian at the dedication of the new national park.
Ron Wyatt was an anesthetist by trade who had an interest in history and archeology his entire life. Most importantly, Ron was a Christian who had a deep belief in the inerrancy of scripture. From an early age, Ron was fascinated by Biblical history, especially Noah’s Ark, and over time became convinced that many currently accepted ‘Biblical’ sites were actually incorrect. Ron would make countless trips to the Middle East, working outside of main stream science, as he pursued his passion for Biblical archaeology. During these trips he was imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for three months and held hostage in Turkey for twenty-one days. At home he often faced the derision of main stream archaeology.
Acting on a boyhood fascination with Noah’s Ark, Ron Wyat began visiting Turkey in 1977. He would eventually take 25 trips to the region, at one point accompanied by Apollo Astronaut Jim Irwin. Year after year of careful, diligent work would result in a growing mountain of evidence that established proof as to the resting place of Noah’s Ark.
Ron Wyatt
Based on the work of Ron and his team, Turkey finally certified the location of Noah’s Ark in June of 1987, with the dedication of Noah’s Ark National Park. Ron Wyatt was the guest of honor at this event.
The following is a translation of the front page of the Turkish newspaper, Hurriyet, June 21, 1987:
NOAH’S ARK AREA IS OPENING TO TOURISM
by Ibrahim Ozturk
DOGUBEYAZIT,(hha) – At the Uzengili village, which is near the Dogubeyazit district is located the boat-shaped formation. Scientists from the U.S.A. have confirmed that it is Noah’s Ark. The governor has announced that it is now a national park and open for tourists.
At Uzengili village, which is 15 kilometers from Dogubeyazit, Turkish scientists, Mr. Ronald Eldon Wyatt and his team from the U.S.A. made a research of the area. They took samples of the soil. Test results revealed that the soil has iron and fossil boat structures. Scientists confirmed that Noah’s Ark is at the Uzengili village.
Mr. Sevket Ekinci, Governor of Agri; Mr. Cengiz Gokce, Head Official of the District of Dogubeyazit; Mr. Osman Baydar, President of the Municipality; some Turkish scientists, and Mr. Wyatt participated in the ceremony opening the area for tourists. Mr. Sevket Ekinci said, “Turkey is a country of great interest for tourists. The Holy Bible and the Koran also say that Noah’s Ark is in this area.” Mr. Ekinci added, “It is my pleasure that I am opening this area which is getting great attention for Noah’s Ark and I appreciate all the scientists for discovering Noah’s Ark. We are laying a foundation for a welcome center for Turkish and foreign tourists. Thank you.”
Ron Wyatt passed away in 1999, but he has left behind a truly remarkable set of achievements.
Along with his work on the Ark, Ron also found the location of the real Mt. Sinai in Saudi Arabia, as well as the route of the Exodus and the location of the Red Sea crossing. Many others have worked on this since Ron Wyatt and as such his efforts appear to have been largely overshadowed. Regardless, another part of his legacy is that the location of Mt Sinai in Saudi Arabia is no longer a secret. In addition to this, Ron would explore Sodom & Gomorrah as well as evidence documenting Joseph in Egypt. Videos on his accomplishments can be found here.
But he would leave us with one more astonishing story, and that involves his account regarding the Ark of the Covenant. Ron Wyatt states that he found the hidden cave that contains the Ark of the Covenant within the system of caves that exists beneath Jerusalem. His astonishing testimony about this discovery can be found here.
As we consider the times within which we live, these locations that provide evidence for the accuracy of Biblical history that have emerged in our day should cause us to take note; especially that of Noah’s Ark.
There is a reason Jesus referred back to Noah’s time when He described the days leading up to His return…and the emergence of a boat shaped scar in Turkey should serve as a further reminder that the global judgment of God recorded in the Book of Genesis was not mythology…and serves as yet one more sign to this generation.
But another sign is also fast approaching…as the third temple appears on the horizon.
Next – Chapter 19: Let the House be Rebuilt
