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Members
Related scientific research published in peer-reviewed scientific publications.
Preserving cultural heritage connected with the Mount Ararat Discovery through scholarly studies and publication. Establishment of institutions such as museums and laboratories devoted to the investigation and protection of the sites and antiquities associated with Mount Ararat.
How does one know whether photos, videos, artifacts, and samples pertaining to the AWS were actually taken from the mountain or just where on the mountain they were found? How can the public know the date, the archaeological identity of artifacts, or the biological identity of organic specimens and samples taken from this site? As in the case of original art, priceless artifacts require considerable and expensive validation. We test with hopeful expectation but with the hard-nosed skepticism practiced in innovative businesses and applied sciences where false assumptions are soon penalized by failure. It is not sufficient that results be published in peer-reviewed journals. As in the case of applied technology, our job is to test and retest in many and different perspectives. We aim to satisfy our tough-minded requirements so that our results will be accepted by the widest community.
Ensuring that all archaeological and scientific work pertaining to this discovery are conducted according to proper scientific protocols and under appropriate archaeological and scientific authority is a core mission of MADF. An important function of the Mount Ararat Discovery Foundation is to conduct objective investigations and arrange for expert tests to determine the provenance, dating, and identity of artifacts associated with the Mount Ararat Discovery.
Much confusion surrounds this discovery. MADF aims to communicate various historical and current reports and claims and ongoing research concerning AWS in a clear and understandable way, useful for the expert and understandable by the layman.
All data are identified and presented according to some interpretation whether religious or secular. This includes the most objective facts of history and science but is certainly true of the artifacts and traditions associated with the Mount Ararat Discovery. Our approach is not to begin by choosing a certain view among these opinions, but to clarify expressions of them from their most able advocates. The goal here is to understand how these different views arose and to educate the public concerning the various views about this discovery.
Our hope is to help reconnect the world through archaeology and culture heritage. Working with both Western and non-Western peoples and nations, this requires an open-minded and multi-cultural approach. We are not concerned whether our findings support or contradict traditional beliefs, whether they be religious or secular dogma. Our goal is to build consensus among the widest possible community of those concerned for truth. Various scientific specialities are interested in this discovery but access to this historically war-torn mountain is limited by season, weather conditions, security concerns, and protection of the site. MADF brings together various archaeological and scientific specialities so as to conduct expeditions and scientific studies in the most effective and efficient manner.
The archaeological heritage of Mount Ararat can be threatened in a variety of ways: (1) by looting, (2) by environmental degradation, and (3) by improper or unwise archaeological and scientific excavation, handling, and tests. MADF’s objective is to protect the cultural heritage of this mountain while ensuring that the people of the mountain and region benefit from sharing their cultural heritage with the world.
