The big-budget Hollywood film "Noah," starring Russell Crowe, is about to open in most major cinemas. The blockbuster is rekindling the interest of many in the biblical story. Some Christians believe the ark finally came to rest in the Ararat mountain range in Turkey.

In Khor Virap, close to the Turkish border, an ancient monastery provides reminders of the biblical story. There's an excerpt from the Book of Genesis on display here, in front of a picturesque view of Ararat. Visitors are also given the opportunity to release a dove, as a reminder of Noah apparently sending out a dove from the Ark to search for ground.

"Ararat for me is proof that what is written in the Bible is true, contrary to those who say that this is myth," said Aris Tonoyan, archpriest at the monastery.

"Ararat proves that it is true and Noah found a resting place here. There are some scientists who doubt it and are searching for Ararat elsewhere, I don't know where they have got this idea from but all historic maps show that Mount Ararat is here. "

Sceptics believe the story of Noah is nothing but people's memory of natural disasters. They doubt the correlation between the biblical stories and archaeology.

"This is how Ararat valley looked when it was covered with water. It was impossible to live there, and only when the water disappeared people came down from the mountains to the valley to start working in the fields. That is from where the legend of Noah has come from," said archaeologist Boris Gasparyan.

Though both sides point to archaeological evidence it is hardly likely they will reach any consensus soon. Whether history or myth, many people will agree the story of Noah is truly an inspiring epic of faith, courage and hope.