'Potential Noah's Ark link to Chinese architecture'

Chinese ancestors could be potentially linked to Noah's Ark - the life-saving vessel during the great flood in the Book of Genesis that some believe docked at Mount Ararat in Turkey - according to Noah's Ark Ministries International chairman Andrew Yuen Man-fai.

Noah's Ark Ministries said an ancient mortise-and-tenon building complex has been uncovered at an elevation of 4,200 meters on Mount Ararat and it shares striking similarities with traditional buildings in China dating back thousands of years.

Mortise-and-tenon joints connect two pieces of wood or other material, without using nails or iron.

The earliest known examples of mortise-and-tenon structures in China can be traced back approximately 7,000 years ago to the Hemudu cultural site in Yuyao, Zhejiang, Noah's Ark Ministries said.

Four ancient artifacts collected from the mountain were also showcased to the public for the first time during a ceremony of archeological exchanges at the Hong Kong Palace Museum on Saturday.

These will be displayed at the Chinese Bible Museum in Kwun Tong for two months.

Speaking at the ceremony, Yuen said the discoveries show Chinese ancestors might have shared a link with Noah's Ark or someone on the vessel who inherited the architectural craft. Noah's Ark may be a representative of the idea of a "community of common destiny" promoted by China, he said.

Yuen said mortise-and-tenon structures have been discovered globally, "but China did the best job."

There is speculation that the architectural techniques might have been spread through the ancient Silk Road, he added. Noah's Ark Ministries will continue its research to study whether ancient humans shared a common civilization, Yuen said.

"Noah had three sons - Shem, Ham and Japheth, and it is said that his eldest son developed civilization in the East. Is it possible that the ark set sail from China?" he said, adding the discovery is an important revelation.

"We shouldn't start wars as violence is the signal of the destruction of mankind. There should be no racial discrimination as well."

Hillary Leung Sze-wai, assistant district officer of Yau Tsim Mong, who attended the ceremony, said she was shocked by the "significant discovery."

Leung added: "Were ancient humans from the same background?"

Yuen also said his group has made many videos documenting the wood building complex in 20 years of exploration.

"We believe that we have built an extensive video archive of the discovery unparalleled by any other. This is a momentous occasion in human history, carrying profound significance. Its tremendous influence and historical value can help future generations gain a deeper understanding of ancient cultures."

Veli Altundag, deputy general manager and mining engineer of the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration of Turkey, said the Mount Ararat region has been "a cradle for numerous remarkable and diverse civilizations throughout history."

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