Mount Ararat Facts & Worksheets

Mount Ararat is a dormant compound volcano in Turkey’s far east. Greater Ararat and Little Ararat are the two prominent volcanic cones.

See the fact file below for more information about Mount Ararat, or you can download our 30-page Mount Ararat worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

POLITICAL BORDERS

• Mount Ararat is a near-quadripoint connecting Turkey, Armenia, Iran, and Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave. Its top lies 16 kilometers (10 miles) west of the Iranian and Azerbaijani borders and 32 kilometers (20 miles) south of the Armenian border.
• From the 16th century until 1828, the mountain range formed part of the Ottoman-Persian boundary; Persia controlled the summit and northern slopes of Greater Ararat, as well as the eastern slopes of Little Ararat.
• The Persian-controlled territory was given to the Russian Empire following the 1826-28 Russo-Persian War and the signing of the Treaty of Turkmenchay. Little Ararat became the meeting point of the Turkish, Persian, and Russian empire borders.
• The existing international boundaries were established over the course of the twentieth century. During the Turkish-Armenian War of 1920, the peak fell under Turkish hands. According to the Treaties of Moscow and Kars in 1921, it formally became a part of Turkey.
• As part of its effort to end the Kurdish Ararat insurgency, Turkey crossed the Iranian border and took the eastern side of Little Ararat in the late 1920s, during which the Kurdish rebels exploited the territory as a safe haven opposed to the Turkish state. Iran agreed to hand over the land to Turkey in a subsequent territory swap. 
• The Iran-Turkey boundary extends east of Little Ararat, the lowest peak of the Ararat massif. Climbers can only reach the summit with “military authorization” as of 2004.
• To get permission, submit a formal request to a Turkish consulate for a special “Ararat visa,” and hire an official tour from the Turkish Federation for Alpinism.
• Even for climbers who receive the appropriate clearance, access remains restricted, and those who deviate from the designated trail may be fired upon without warning.

NAMES AND ETYMOLOGY

• Mount Ararat has a rich history of names and etymology, often influenced by various cultures and languages. Historically, the most commonly used name for the mountain is “Ararat, a name believed to have originated from the Armenian word “Արարատ” (Ararat).
• In Turkish, the mountain is called “Ağrı Dağı,” meaning “Mount Ağrı.” “Ağrı” is derived from the Turkish word “ağır,” meaning “pain” or “difficult,” possibly referring to the challenging nature of the mountain.
• In Armenian, the mountain is known as “Մասիս” (Masis, sometimes Massis), a name with ancient origins linked to its historical and cultural significance in Armenian history and mythology.
• Mount Ararat features in the Bible in the Book of Genesis as the place where Noah’s Ark came to rest after the Great Flood. 
• In Kurdish, the mountain is known as “Çîyayê Agirî” or “Çîyayê Ağrî.” The Kurds are one of the ethnic groups living in the region, and their name for the mountain reflects their presence.

GEOGRAPHY

• Mount Ararat is a significant volcanic mountain located in Eastern Turkey, near the borders of Armenia and Iran. Mount Ararat is part of the Lesser Caucasus mountain range. Its coordinates are approximately 39.7012° N latitude and 44.2975° E longitude.
• The highest peak of Mount Ararat, known as Greater Ararat or “Ağrı Dağı” in Turkish, stands at an elevation of about 5,137 meters (16,854 feet) above sea level. Little Ararat, a neighboring peak, is slightly shorter at around 3,896 meters (12,782 feet).
• The mountain has a distinctive double-peak shape, with Greater Ararat being the taller of the two. It is known for its snow-capped summit, which is visible for much of the year. Mount Ararat holds cultural significance for many people, as it is traditionally believed to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark in religious texts.
• The area surrounding Mount Ararat is protected as the Mount Ararat National Park, preserving its natural beauty and biodiversity. Climbing Mount Ararat is a popular activity among mountaineers and adventurers. 

GEOLOGY

• Mount Ararat has a fascinating geological history, primarily shaped by its volcanic origins and subsequent geological processes. Mount Ararat is a dormant compound volcano. It consists of two central volcanic cones: Greater Ararat and Little Ararat.
• The mountain’s structure is composite, composed of layers of volcanic rocks, including basalt, andesite, and dacite. These rocks were deposited over time during various eruptive phases. Mount Ararat has been heavily influenced by glacial activity. Glaciers have carved out valleys and shaped the mountain’s landscape. Glaciers contribute to the snow-capped appearance of the mountain’s summit.
• The region around Mount Ararat is seismically active due to its location at the convergence of the Eurasian and Arabian tectonic plates. Earthquakes are not uncommon in this area and can affect the mountain’s geology. Erosion from glacial action and weathering continues to shape the mountain. Over time, erosion has exposed the underlying volcanic rocks and influenced the mountain’s current appearance.
• The geology of Mount Ararat has been a subject of scientific research, including studies on its volcanic history, sedimentary deposits, and the impact of tectonic forces on the region. Its geological features have played a role in various archaeological and historical studies, especially in the search for the biblical Noah’s Ark, which is said to have come to rest on the mountain according to religious texts.

SIGNIFICANCE

• Mount Ararat holds significant cultural, historical, and religious importance. Mount Ararat is mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Genesis, where Noah’s Ark came to rest after the Great Flood, attracting the attention of archaeologists, historians, and explorers.
• This religious narrative has contributed to the mountain’s significance in Christianity and Judaism.
• Mount Ararat has been a symbol of Armenia for centuries. It is deeply ingrained in Armenian culture, folklore, and identity. Even though the mountain is now located in Turkey, it remains a powerful emblem of Armenia and its historical territories. 
• Mount Ararat has appeared on the coats of arms and flags of both Armenia and Turkey, emphasizing its role as a national symbol for these countries. In Armenia, it symbolizes national pride and identity, while in Turkey, it represents the country’s eastern region. 
• The mountain’s challenging terrain and striking beauty make it a popular destination for mountaineers and tourists. Climbing Mount Ararat is a notable achievement for many adventurers, contributing to its significance in the outdoor and travel communities.  
• Beyond its cultural and historical importance, Mount Ararat is known for its striking natural beauty. The snow-capped peaks and dramatic landscapes have inspired artists, writers, and photographers. Mount Ararat’s location near the borders of Armenia, Turkey, and Iran makes it a crossroads of cultures and histories. It has been a point of contention and diplomacy among these nations, highlighting its geopolitical significance.

FIRST ASCENT

• The mountain’s first documented ascent in modern times occurred on October 9, 1829. Friedrich Parrot, a Baltic German naturalist from the University of Dorpat, arrived in Etchmiadzin in mid-September 1829, nearly two years after the Russian takeover of Yerevan, to explore Ararat. Khachatur Abovian, a prominent Armenian writer, deacon, and translator at Etchmiadzin, was appointed by Catholicos Yeprem, the head of the Armenian Church, as their interpreter and guide. They established a base camp at the Armenian monastery of St. Hakob, which was 730 meters (2,400 ft) higher, at an altitude of 1,943 meters (6,375 ft). After two unsuccessful attempts, they reached the summit at 3:15 p.m. on October 9, 1829.
• This achievement marked not only the inaugural ascent of Ararat but also the second-highest elevation reached by humans at that time, trailing only Mount Licancabur in the Chilean Andes. Abovian dug a hole in the ice and erected a wooden cross facing north at the summit. 

Mount Ararat Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Mount Ararat across 30 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Mount Ararat. Mount Ararat is a dormant compound volcano in Turkey’s far east. Greater Ararat and Little Ararat are the two prominent volcanic cones.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Mount Ararat Facts
2. Ararat Origins
3. Exploring Mt. Ararat
4. Geology Discovery
5. Mountain Matchup
6. Mountain of Significance
7. Mountain of Truth
8. Mt. Ararat Expedition
9. Ararat Quest
10. Mount ARKarat
11. Ararat Climbing Request

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Mount Ararat located?

Mount Ararat is located in Eastern Turkey, near the border with Armenia and Iran. It is part of the larger Lesser Caucasus mountain range.

What is the significance of Mount Ararat in religious traditions?

Mount Ararat is mentioned in various religious texts, including the Bible. According to the Book of Genesis, it is believed to be the landing place of Noah’s Ark after the Great Flood. This has led to Mount Ararat being considered a sacred and iconic mountain in both Christian and Islamic traditions.

How high is Mount Ararat?

Mount Ararat is the highest peak in Turkey, with an elevation of approximately 5,137 meters (16,854 feet) above sea level. It consists of two main volcanic peaks, Greater Ararat and Lesser Ararat.

Is it possible to climb Mount Ararat?

Yes, it is possible to climb Mount Ararat, and the ascent is a popular trekking destination. However, climbers usually need to obtain permits from Turkish authorities, and it’s advisable to be well-prepared due to the challenging conditions, including unpredictable weather and high altitudes.

What is the geology of Mount Ararat?

Mount Ararat is a dormant stratovolcano, composed mainly of volcanic rocks such as andesite and basalt. The mountain has experienced several periods of volcanic activity throughout its history. The presence of glaciers and snowfields on the slopes contributes to its striking appearance and challenging climbing conditions.

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