On June 20, 1987, a group of Turkish government officials and scientists, a film crew from the United States, and an American archaeologist were gathered on a mountain side in the ancient kingdom of Urartu in eastern Turkey. The purpose of this gathering was the dedication of the area as a national park. The area seemed wild and remote; one had the feeling he was thousands of miles from civilization and thousands of years into the past. As shepherds guided their herds through the craggy mountains, the villagers went about their daily lives in stone dwellings reminiscent of a bygone era. The rolling mountains dominated the vast countryside which was broken by towering spires of stone that betrayed the seismic violence that had dominated the region at the dawn of civilization.

Then as one turned and lifted his gaze, the lofty grandeur of the cloud-enshrouded Agri Dagh (Ararat) filled the northern sky. This mystical mountain had for millennia spawned many grandiose and tragic legends of the abodes of the gods and the refuge of the survivors of a world devastated by a universal flood.

As the ceremony began, the guest of honor turned for a moment to gaze upon Agri Dagh's compelling beauty and marvelled as she seemed to pull her veil of clouds about her as a shroud. It was as if the mountain herself knew her deception had been revealed. A tear welled in his eye and found its way down his weathered face as he thought of the countless millions of human kind who had been and were still being swept to destruction by demon-inspired deceptions. These "cunningly devised fables"¹ had been and will be enthusiastically received from lying lips by those "who loved not the truth." Millions had and will continue to pay dearly for "loving and believing a lie."² The price: forfeiture of their eternal life.

The dedication of Noah's Ark National Park was festive. The government officials were delighted with the prospects of the influx of tourists and of more money with which to improve the lives of their people. The locals were happy with the good jobs made available through the construction of the new super highway leading to the visitor's center soon to be built overlooking the remains of Noah's Ark. The military officials were happily contemplating their responsibilities of providing safety for the countless visitors. The film crew were happily filming the joyous occasion while thoughts of fame and fortune danced through their minds. Ron Wyatt's silent tears of relief from years of opposition and struggle went unnoticed amid the mirth of the day.

The front page of the Turkish newspaper, Hurriyet, dated 21 Harizan 1987 (June 21, 1987):

by Ibrahim Ozturk

NOAH'S ARK AREA IS OPENING TO TOURISM

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."

(Translation provided by Mine Uneler, official government liaison provided to work with me during my trips to Turkey. She also acted as my interpreter. This translation was verified in August, 1989 by a Turkish newspaper reporter, who wishes to remain anonymous, working for the "Nashville Tennessean" on an exchange program. Many thanks to them both.)

¹ See 2 Peter 1:16
² See Revelation 22:14 and 15