Ararat

Two-peaked, extinct volcano (Turkish Agri Dagh, Armenian Masis) in the Anatolian plateau in the very east of Turkey on the border with Armenia and Iran. The main peak (Greater Ararat) is the highest mountain in Turkey at 5,165 metres (Lesser Ararat 3,925 m). The area belongs to Transcaucasia (south of the Caucasus) and borders the northern part of the Near Eastern landscape of Mesopotamia. These two areas are considered possible cradles of wine culture. According to the latest research, the origin of cultivated grapevine could also be in south-eastern Anatolia (arrow).

Noah's landing on Ararat

According to the narrative in the Old Testament of the Bible in the Book of Genesis 9.21, Noah landed with his ark at the summit (or near) Mount Ararat at the end of the flood of rain. After leaving the animals on land, he observed a billy goat snacking on grapes, planted vines and thus subsequently became a grape grower. Incidentally, this story led to the custom, still practised today, of carrying the grape harvester's billy at the harvest festival. At first glance, the Noah story seems to confirm the thesis that the origin of viticulture lies in the Caucasus. However, since Noah already brought the grapevines with him on his ark, the actual origin cannot be deduced or is unknown, at least on the basis of the Old Testament. For Noah's homeland, where he built the ark, does not emerge from the narrative.