When planning your travels through the captivating landscapes of Eastern Turkey, one destination that should undoubtedly be on your list is Mount Ararat in Armenia. Renowned for its majestic presence and steeped in historical significance, Mount Ararat stands as the highest peak in Turkey, a volcanic wonder that has long captured the imagination of explorers and historians alike.
This iconic landmark is believed to be the resting place of Noahs Ark, adding an extra layer of intrigue to its already impressive allure. Join us on a journey to uncover the rich history and breathtaking vistas that make Mount Ararat an essential stop for those seeking a profound connection with the past during their Turkey tours.
Mount Ararat is a famous snow-capped volcanic mountain located in eastern Turkey. As the highest peak in Turkey at 16,854 feet (5,137 m), Mount Ararat holds great significance for the region both geographically and culturally. In this article, we’ll explore exactly where Mount Ararat is situated within Turkey.
Overview of Mount Ararat
Mount Ararat is a dormant compound volcano made up of two volcanic cones – Greater Ararat and Little Ararat. It is part of the Armenian Highlands and sits near the borders of Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.
The Ararat massif stretches around 22 miles (35 km) wide at its base Mount Ararat dominates the landscape of the Ararat plain located along its northwestern to western side.
Precise Location in Eastern Turkey
Mount Ararat is situated between the eastern provinces of Ağrı and Iğdır in Turkey It lies approximately
- 10 miles (16 km) west of the Turkey-Iran border
- 20 miles (32 km) south of the Turkey-Armenia border
- 5 miles (8 km) north of the Turkey-Iran-Azerbaijan tripoint border
The mountain sits between the Aras and Murat rivers in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey. It is part of a larger complex, sinistral pull-apart basin formed by strike-slip faulting.
The eastern volcanic cone Little Ararat and western volcanic cone Greater Ararat are separated by a large north-south trending crack and fracture 13 miles (21 km) apart.
Borders and Boundaries
Mount Ararat lies very close to multiple regional borders
- The Iran border runs along the mountain’s southeast side.
- The Nakhchivan exclave of Azerbaijan sits southwest of Mount Ararat.
- The Armenia border lies north of the mountain.
This places Mount Ararat close to the convergence point of Turkey, Iran, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. However, the precise mountain peak and majority of the massif lies firmly within Turkey.
From the 16th century until 1828, Greater Ararat’s summit and northern slopes were controlled by Persia. After the 1826-1828 Russo-Persian War, it was ceded to Russia. The current international boundaries were formed throughout the 20th century.
Significance as a National Symbol
Although Mount Ararat lies fully in Turkey, it has huge significance as a national symbol for Armenians. It features prominently in Armenian art, literature, and culture. Mount Ararat is considered a key part of historic Armenian territory and is depicted on the Armenian coat of arms.
Mount Ararat remains an important symbol of Turkish regional dominance and nationalism. Despite the deep cultural significance for Armenians, the mountain peak and slopes have been part of Turkey throughout the 20th century and remain under their control today.
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When planning your travels through the captivating landscapes of Eastern Turkey, one destination that should undoubtedly be on your list is Mount Ararat in Armenia. Renowned for its majestic presence and steeped in historical significance, Mount Ararat stands as the highest peak in Turkey, a volcanic wonder that has long captured the imagination of explorers and historians alike.
This iconic landmark is believed to be the resting place of Noahs Ark, adding an extra layer of intrigue to its already impressive allure. Join us on a journey to uncover the rich history and breathtaking vistas that make Mount Ararat an essential stop for those seeking a profound connection with the past during their Turkey tours.
Q: Is there any folklore or mythology associated with Mount Ararat?
A: Yes, Mount Ararat has been mentioned in various folklore and mythology. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, it is referred to as the “Land of Ararat” and is associated with the deeds of the hero Gilgamesh.
Mount Ararat – Turkey Travel Guide – Sacred Mountains – Travel & Discover
FAQ
What city is near Mount Ararat?
Where is the real Noah’s ark located?
What is the name of Mount Ararat today?
Is Mount Ararat in Armenia or Turkey?
Where is Mount Ararat located?
Mount Ararat, volcanic massif in extreme eastern Turkey, overlooking the point at which the frontiers of Turkey, Iran, and Armenia converge. It consists of two peaks, Great Ararat, which is the highest peak in Turkey, and Little Ararat. Learn more about Mount Ararat.
How high is Mt Ararat?
Mt. Ararat’s neighboring mountain, Little Ararat (“Ararat the Lesser”) rises upwards to 3,925 m (12,877 ft). Mt. Ararat and Little Ararat are the highest and sixth highest points in Turkey. On a clear day, both can be seen from downtown Yerevan, Armenia, which is 54 km (33 mi) away from Mt. Ararat.
Why is Mount Ararat important?
In summary, Mount Ararat is a prominent and symbolically significant mountain in eastern Turkey, known for its biblical connection, status as Turkey’s highest peak, rich history, and the geopolitical context of its region. It continues to be a point of fascination and cultural significance for people around the world.
Is Ararat a holy mountain?
The snow-capped peak of Ararat is a holy mountain and national symbol for Armenians, dominating the horizon in the capital, Erevan, yet it is virtually inaccessible as it lies across the border in Turkey. ^ Lydolph, Paul E. (1979). Geography of the U.S.S.R., Topical Analysis.