Mysterious stone circles in Hali, Al-Qunfudhah intrigue researchers

Aerial photographs have revealed interlocking circular stone formations in Hali, a center in Al-Qunfudhah governorate. These circles, varying in size and shape, create a visually striking landscape and raise questions about their historical function and origins.

The formations are found in a historically rich area and are among several types of ancient structures scattered across the Kingdom, differing in form and possible use. This diversity highlights the importance of studying each site within its own context to understand its significance.

Historian and researcher Dr. Mohammed Khurais Al-Marhabi told the Saudi Press Agency that the term "circles" refers only to their visible shape, without explaining their purpose. He noted that their geometric arrangement and interlocking patterns suggest a mathematical or engineering function, ruling out residential or burial uses and instead proposing a link to weather measurements or astronomical observations.

Al-Marhabi explained that the use of volcanic stones in their construction makes these circles difficult to distinguish from ground level, but their features become clear from the air, which may relate to their intended function. He also mentioned discovering the Qouz Al-Shahid cemetery—the largest in the governorate—during his research, indicating the area's long history of settlement, once known as Hali Ibn Yaqub or "Al-Qouz."

Al-Marhabi emphasized Hali's unique position among the valleys of Tihama, citing the fertility of its valley, its historical ties to Makkah, and the local population's traditional reliance on tracking seasons and years. He called for the site to be studied within the broader historical context of Tihama and its inhabitants' activities, expressing his willingness to share his research findings with fellow scholars and relevant authorities to test his interpretations.

Aerial views of these formations offer a new perspective for studying the area's history, revealing details difficult to observe from the ground. The stone circles of Hali remain a source of fascination, their secrets still waiting to be uncovered.