Who created the circles in the Sahara desert?

In the heart of the vast Sahara, 160 kilometers from any signs of life, a mysterious array of identical circles stretches in near-perfect alignment, capturing the imagination of anyone who comes across them. This enigma unfolds in the largest country in Africa, marking the limits of internet exploration and raising countless questions about their origin and purpose. Over the past 20 weeks, our dedicated team embarked on a thrilling quest to unravel the secrets behind these puzzling circles, delving into diverse perspectives and embarking on an extraordinary journey that would not only shed light on their true nature but also reveal a haunting tale of colonialism and resource exploitation.

Our journey commences in September 2021, when a seemingly innocuous Reddit post caught our attention, igniting our curiosity and propelling us into a vast ocean of information. Determined to decode these intriguing "markings," our team committed to creating a comprehensive video that would not only document our investigative process but also serve as a testament to our unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth, regardless of the time and effort it would require.

With our gaze fixed on the town of Foggaret Ezzaouia near Aïn Salah, we initiated a relentless pursuit of information, leaving no stone unturned in our quest for answers. We reached out to Algerian experts, officials, and even the closest hotel, hoping that someone held the key to unraveling this enigma.

The initial speculation centered on whether these circles were real or simply a glitch in satellite imaging. We consulted experts in mapping and seismic imaging, including the esteemed Maxar Technologies and geophysicist Steve Wood. Their insights raised the possibility of seismic surveying for oil and gas exploration, which immediately ignited our excitement. Perhaps these circles were remnants of an extensive endeavor to uncover valuable resources buried beneath the Sahara's surface.

However, renowned expert Bob Hardage swiftly dismissed this theory, plunging us into a state of bewilderment and prompting us to delve deeper into the mystery. Undeterred, we tirelessly explored historical records and meticulously examined geotagged pictures, considering ancient tombs, wells, and irrigation systems as potential explanations for the circles' existence.

Just as we were beginning to lose hope, a breakthrough came when a Tunisian archaeologist introduced us to the concept of "foggara," an ancient irrigation system dating back 2,500 years. This revelation breathed new life into our investigation, as the presence of these circles suddenly became intertwined with the possibility of water collection and agriculture.

Fuelled by this new lead, we sought confirmation from esteemed qanat experts and archaeologists, including Dale Lightfoot. However, their expertise ultimately led us to the realization that these circles did not align with traditional foggara or qanat structures. The mystery deepened, leaving us grappling with more questions than answers.

Refusing to succumb to defeat, we directed our focus to the Sahara's database of oases, hoping to find clues that could help unravel the enigma. Our search ultimately disproved the theory of the circles' association with water, as the absence of villages or well-tended gardens cast doubt on their role in facilitating agricultural activities.

Exhaustive efforts and countless hours of research brought us closer to the truth, yet the nature of these circles remained elusive, teasing us with their silent testimony. It was not until we received high-resolution images from Maxar's archive, painstakingly scrutinized by our dedicated on-the-ground journalist Samir Abchiche, that a significant breakthrough emerged from the desert sands.

The revelation that these circles were, in fact, the result of seismic surveying for petroleum extraction, likely dating back to the late 1950s, marked a pivotal turning point in our investigation. The pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place, revealing a hidden chapter in history that had long been shrouded in secrecy.

The narrative came full circle, aligning with the early suspicions of oil exploration that had initially sparked our intrigue. The French company CREPS emerged as the primary entity responsible for these circles, their purpose rooted in their search for valuable oil reserves buried beneath the Sahara's unforgiving terrain.

As we dug deeper into CREPS' historical presence in the Sahara, we uncovered more evidence linking these circles to their exploration activities. The discovery of sardine cans at the site, dating back to the late 1950s, provided a tangible connection, confirming the involvement of the French company in this clandestine endeavor.

Collaborating with local experts, including Belhadj, whose father had witnessed the exploration activities in 1953, we pieced together a timeline that conclusively linked these circles to CREPS' search for oil. This revelation not only shed light on the true nature of these enduring scars but also unveiled a darker narrative of colonialism and resource exploitation, highlighting one nation's exploitation of another's resources.

The journey, filled with twists and turns that tested our resolve and stretched the limits of our ingenuity, culminated in a deep understanding of these circles as haunting symbols of history. It was not merely a quest for answers; it was a testament to the power of perseverance and the discovery of truths that transcend time and space.

Our comprehensive investigation, involving diverse perspectives, meticulous examination of historical records, and a daring journey into the depths of the Sahara, ultimately unveiled the sad truth behind the Sahara's mysterious circles, leaving us with a profound sense of awe and a renewed determination to expose the hidden stories that lie just beyond the surface.