FacebookThe origins and purpose of Ksar Draa have remained mysterious for centuries. While most people have heard of the Giza Pyramids of Egypt or Machu Picchu of Peru, Ksar Draa of Algeria is far less known. A fortress deep in the Sahara Desert, located in the Timimoun Province, this crumbling citadel is stunning but mysterious. No one knows when exactly it was built, who exactly built it, or when and why it was abandoned. Indeed, the circular ruins of Ksar Draa have baffled historians for centuries. They rise from the desert like a structure from another planet, surrounded by oceans of dunes. Made of sand, clay, and stone, it’s clear that the fortress was once a formidable structure. But what was the citadel used for? Its original purpose remains a mystery to this day. That said, Ksar Draa is one of Algeria’s most prized archaeological sites. Though long since abandoned, it tells a fascinating story about the ingenuity of its builders — who designed a virtual oasis in the depths of the desert. This is the full story of Ksar Draa, from its mysterious origins to its possible uses to the mystery about its past that lingers into present day. What Is Ksar Draa? The Mysterious History Of The Citadel What is Ksar Draa? A hint to the answer may lie in its name. “Ksar” is a type of North African fortified village, found in territory traditionally held by Berbers, a civilization that has lived in North Africa since the beginning of recorded human history. These ksar villages normally contained attached houses as well as a shared granary. However, the word “ksar” also means castle in Arabic — and Ksar Draa certainly looks like a citadel. Located in the Sahara Desert, the fortress looms over the surrounding dunes. As Maghreb Magazine reports, its walls — made of sand, straw, and clay — stand over 30 feet high and are more than six feet thick. Not only would this have protected it from sandstorms and heat, but the structure only has one entrance, which would have made it difficult to penetrate. Othmani Kamel/Inside Africa/FacebookAn aerial view of Ksar Draa. Though the interior of Ksar Draa is nothing but crumbling walls today, it likely once held houses, schools, communal kitchens, and even a large mosque. But many questions about it remain. There are no hieroglyphs, like those found in ancient Egypt, which could offer a hint about the structure’s purpose. Even Ksar Draa’s exact age is unknown, though it’s thought to be at least 700 years old. And no one knows who built the citadel — or why. That said, theories about its purpose have emerged over the years. Theories About The Purpose Of Ksar Draa What was Ksar Draa used for? Its circular shape and location makes it different from other Berber ksars, which are often located in the mountains, and look more like a series of attached houses. Indeed, Ksar Draa doesn’t look much like other Berber ksars. Bernard Gagnon/Wikimedia CommonsThis ksar, also located near Timimoun, has a totally different design than Ksar Drar, which was built as a simple circle around an interior village. One possibility is that Ksar Draa was a prison. Positioned in the middle of the desert, the sprawling sand dunes might have been a deterrent to escape, if the citadel’s walls weren’t enough. Then again, it may have been a village, well-protected against the arid conditions of the surrounding desert. It’s also possible that Ksar Draa was a “caravanserai,” a kind of roadside inn where caravans of travelers, pilgrims, and others could stop and rest. As National Geographic reports, caravanserai were known to have powerful walls, a single gate, and an interior made of storerooms and stables, as well as rooms for lodgers and prayer rooms. Certainly, such a structure would have been an invaluable resource for those traversing the Sahara. Their journeys were dangerous, as travelers faced both the hostile environment of the desert and the possibility of attack. If it were a caravanserai, Ksar Draa would have been an important outpost. Then again, it’s possible that Ksar Draa was a different kind of respite. Some suspect that it could have been a shelter for Jewish communities during a time of religious persecution. In the 15th century, the Islamic scholar Muhammad al-Maghili organized campaigns against local Jews, many of whom were forced to flee. Perhaps they sought shelter at Ksar Draa. But no one knows for sure. A Mystery That Endures Today At the end of the day, the true history of Ksar Draa is known only to the desert that surrounds it. No one knows when it was built. No one knows who built it. No one knows exactly how it was used, or by whom. While theories about merchants, prisons, and religious persecution have been floated, nothing has been confirmed — yet. It’s possible one day we’ll learn more. There’s never been a major archaeological excavation at the site, and perhaps such a project could unearth insightful artifacts. Beneath the sands of the Sahara, are there objects hinting at the presence of merchants, travelers, or fleeing Jews? Fiontain/Wikimedia CommonsIn the unforgiving environment of the Sahara Desert, Ksar Draa likely offered a respite — perhaps to travelers, perhaps to Jews fleeing religious persecution. For now, we don’t know. But while Ksar Draa is a mystery, it’s still an incredible sight to behold. Perched in the middle of the Sahara Desert, this fortress has withstood the march of time. Though it’s hundreds of years old, and though its interior has crumbled into ruin, its walls stand as proud as ever. Who knows what those walls may have seen. Perhaps one day they’ll tell their story. Until then, Ksar Draa remains a fascinating but elusive sight, an impressive structure that rises out of the desert like a mirage. But this mirage, though mysterious, is very real. After learning about Ksar Draa, the mysterious looming fortress in the middle of the Sahara Desert, discover the fascinating histories of some of the most chilling ghost towns in the United States. Or, learn about some of the world’s lost cities — and how they were rediscovered. The post The Mysterious History Of Ksar Draa, The Citadel In The Middle Of The Sahara Desert appeared first on All That's Interesting.