History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Historical Ahura Ruins and St. Jacob Valley is a mysterious archaeological and geographical area located on the northeastern slope of Mount Ararat, in the Yenidoğan (formerly known as Ahura) village of Aralik district, with roots dating back to Early Christianity and the Middle Ages. Until the great earthquake and landslide that occurred on Mount Ararat in 1840, it was the main base of Mount Ararat summit climbing and the settlement where the historical St. Jacob's Monastery is located. According to legends, on the mountain where Prophet Noah's ship landed, St. Jacob retreated for years in this steep valley to find a piece of Noah's ship, and in his dream, he was given a piece of the sacred wood of the ship as a gift by the angels. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located in a deep volcanic canyon valley on the northern slope of Mount Ararat, at an altitude of approximately 1,750 meters. It has a unique high mountain geography where huge rock blocks formed as a result of landslides, volcanic lava plateaus, spring waters and the glacial tongues of Mount Ararat can be seen. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the historical valley and ruins is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It can be visited 7 days a week during daylight hours for nature walks and exploration; Spring and summer are recommended due to snowfall in winter.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Walk with caution due to volcanic stony ground and steep slopes; not stroller and wheelchair accessible; Mountain hiking boots are a must.•Facilities and Facilities:It is a natural protected area and there are no modern facilities; There is a fountain and basic grocery facilities in Yenidoğan village. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Yenidoğan (Ahura) Village Mevkii, Mount Ararat North Slope, December / Iğdır.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is approximately 18 km from the Aralik town centre; Off-road vehicles or high-floor passenger vehicles can cross the stabilized mountain road with caution.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): You can reach the village by village shuttles or private taxis from the center of Aralik to Yenidoğan village; From here you can take a nature walk to the valley.•Parking Availability:Vehicles can be parked free of charge in the flats at the end of the village road. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:Views from the valley floor that frame the huge glacial crevasse of Mount Ararat and the volcanic canyon cliffs should be photographed.•Light and Shooting Hours:The moments when the sun hits the peaks of Mount Ararat in the early morning hours provide the clearest mountain shots.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:On your return from December, you should taste the delicious melons grown in the Aras Valley, sheep cheese, lavash and Iğdır apricots.