Mount Cudi (Judi) - Noah's Ark Site

Mount Cudi (Judi), rising to 2,114 metres between the Cizre and Silopi districts of Şırnak, is the province's most emblematic natural and spiritual landmark.

The Flood Narrative and Its Spiritual Dimension

It holds a distinct place in Islamic tradition: the Qur'an (Surah Hud, verse 44) states that after the Flood, Noah's Ark came to rest upon 'al-Judi', and widespread local tradition identifies this very mountain. One of its 2,017-metre summits is popularly known as the 'Prophet Noah Visitation Peak', while a spot called 'Sefine' (the ship) is believed to mark where the Ark settled; nearby places such as 'Heştan' and 'Kıstepe' also feature in the associated legends. The elliptical massif carries four separate peaks exceeding 2,000 metres.

Geography, Nature and the Tradition of Visitation

Geographically it lies about 15 km from the Turkey-Iraq border, 32 km from Cizre on the banks of the Tigris, and roughly 17 km from the Şırnak provincial centre. With slopes cloaked in juniper and oak, sweeping panoramas, and an ancient identity documented as far back as Assyrian reliefs (the campaigns of king Sennacherib), Cudi is a powerful draw for both faith tourism and nature walking. Each year, at certain times, pilgrims and local communities climb to Cudi to continue a tradition of prayer and visitation.

Visiting Conditions and Security

That said, because Cudi and its surroundings form a border zone marked by past security operations, free access is not fully open; ascents to the summit and entry to the higher reaches usually require governor/military permission and coordination with local gendarmerie. Agencies therefore typically include Cudi as a spiritual stop and viewpoint from the lower slopes, arranging summit hikes only with permits and guides. Verifying the current security and access situation with the Şırnak Governorate and local authorities before any visit is essential.

Spiritual and Symbolic Significance

With its spiritual weight, its bond to the Flood narrative and its untouched wilderness, Cudi is the central symbol tying Şırnak to its 'City of Noah' (Şehr-i Nuh) identity.