Andrew Jones reports death threats after securing permit in Turkey
Andrew Jones Reports Death Threats and New Radar Data at Durupınar Site
Andrew Jones, founder of Noah’s Ark Scans, faced terrifying death threats and a burglary at his apartment after his organization secured a government permit to dig at the Durupınar site in eastern Turkey, Faithwire reported. The expedition investigates the geological formation widely associated with the potential remains of Noah’s Ark, presenting new radar data that reveals subsurface geometric patterns consistent with ancient vessel construction.
Permits, Funding, and Academic Obstacles in Eastern Turkey
Securing authorization to excavate the Durupınar site required years of administrative bureaucracy. Jones explained that foreign researchers must work under the sponsorship of a Turkish university and alongside a designated Turkish professor who puts professional reputation on the line. He noted, For our efforts, it’s taken years, if not decades,
describing how someone must navigate obstacles and time to get a permit done. Beyond institutional hurdles, the team faced strict funding barriers. Once the permit finally arrived at the start of this year, the organization operated under a strict one-month window to raise capital, organize logistics, and assemble field personnel.
The project strained local and academic relationships. Certain critics labeled the participating Turkish professor a traitor, while acquaintances holding atheist and agnostic viewpoints joined in the public criticism.
Middle-of-the-Night Confrontations and English-Language Threats
The situation escalated sharply after the expedition announced its newly approved excavation permit, with Jones remarking, We made the mistake of announcing we had a permit.
Months into the year, individuals began pounding on Jones’s apartment door during the middle of the night, shouting curses and death threats in English. Attackers targeted the residence assuming an English speaker lived inside, yelling phrases such as “F you, and I’m going to kill you,” according to details shared with Faithwire. Jones noted, In regards to like physical threats or robbery, I’ve never had that issue until this happened.
After a friend investigated the first incident without locating the perpetrator, a second similar breach occurred days later. Out of an abundance of caution, Jones abandoned the apartment to stay with a friend.
Radar Data Fuels Debate over Durupınar Formation
Alongside the personal security challenges, new technical data emerged from the region. The Durupınar formation has long divided archaeological and biblical researchers, with skeptics categorizing it as a natural geological formation and proponents viewing it as historically significant. Further peer-reviewed analysis of the radar data is expected as fieldwork continues.
Jones Continues Mission Despite Security Threats
Despite the apartment burglary, the midnight threats, and the hostile local reaction, Jones confirmed that his mission to examine the site continues without interruption. The exact motives behind the break-in and the identity of those issuing the English-language threats remain unknown.