The story of Noah’s Ark has captured human imagination for centuries, residing at the crossroads of myth, religion, and history. Amidst numerous accounts of its existence, the tale told by an Armenian-American, Georg Hagopian, holds a unique place. In 1970, Hagopian shared a vivid memory from his childhood—a personal encounter with what he believed to be the remnants of the fabled Ark on Mount Ararat.
Hagopian’s account dates back to the early 20th century, a time of tales told by the fireside and explorations that transformed into legends. He claimed that as a young boy, between 1902 and 1910, his uncle guided him up the slopes of Mount Ararat, a mountain shrouded in mystery and revered by many as the final resting place of Noah’s Ark. The journey was said to be tough, yet what he described at the summit was even more astonishing.
According to Hagopian, there were no conventional openings like holes or doors on the Ark’s side. To ascend the structure, he used a pile of stones, hinting at the vessel’s enormous size and the passage of time that buried it partially. Upon reaching the top, he observed the wood’s condition—hard as stone, indicative of petrification over countless years. Over this, a layer of green moss had grown, a testament to the Ark’s age and the life that thrives even in the most unexpected places.
Perhaps most intriguing was the construction of the Ark itself. Hagopian noted the absence of nails or joins; it seemed as though the entire ark was a singular piece of petrified wood, which, if true, would be an extraordinary example of ancient craftsmanship and preservation.
Hagopian’s narrative is not without skeptics, and many have sought to prove or disprove his claims. Over the years, expeditions have embarked on the journey to uncover the truth behind the Ark’s existence, fueled by stories like Hagopian’s. Yet, none have conclusively succeeded in verifying the presence of the Ark, leaving his story as a piece of the larger puzzle that is the history of Mount Ararat and Noah’s Ark.
Whether you regard Hagopian’s tale as a factual recounting, a child’s embellished adventure, or a metaphorical reflection, it undeniably adds to the rich tapestry of human folklore. It raises questions about our past and the way stories are passed down through generations. His tale is a reminder of our enduring fascination with the ancient world and the narratives that have shaped our understanding of it.
As with all such tales, the truth remains elusive, shrouded in the mists of time and the peaks of Ararat. Yet, the allure of the Ark remains undiminished, inspiring adventurers, scholars, and dreamers to continue the search and, perhaps, one day uncover the truth lying within these legendary accounts.
Artatsolum
Source: keghart.org
