What is the history of Mount Ararat, the highest volcano in Turkey?

Mount Ararat is the highest volcano in Turkey and is located near the border with Armenia and Iran. The mountain has two peaks, Greater Ararat and Lesser Ararat, with the former rising to an elevation of 16,854 feet (5,137 meters) and the latter to 12,782 feet (3,896 meters).

The history of Mount Ararat goes back thousands of years and has been a subject of fascination for many civilizations. The mountain is mentioned in the biblical story of Noah's Ark, which is said to have come to rest on its slopes after the great flood. In addition, Mount Ararat has been an important symbol for Armenians, who consider it the resting place of their national hero, Hayk, and the birthplace of their civilization.

Over the centuries, various nations and empires have controlled the region where Mount Ararat is located, including the Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Russians. In the early 20th century, the region was caught up in the conflict between Armenia and Turkey, with the former claiming sovereignty over the mountain. However, in the end, the Treaty of Kars in 1921 recognized Mount Ararat as part of Turkey.

Today, Mount Ararat remains a popular destination for hikers and climbers, although access to the mountain is heavily restricted due to its location near sensitive borders. Nevertheless, the mountain continues to captivate people's imagination and remains an important cultural symbol for the peoples of the region.