Tarut Castle , also known as Tarut Palace , Tarut Fort , Portuguese Fort , or simply " The Fort ," is an archaeological site
94-611: Katif , Qatif or Qateef (Hebrew: קָטִיף ; Arabic: قطيف ) may refer to the following: Qatif , a region in Saudi Arabia Katif (moshav) , a former Israeli moshav in the Gaza Strip Gush Katif , the largest former Israeli settlement bloc in the Gaza Strip Topics referred to by the same term [REDACTED] This disambiguation page lists articles associated with
188-408: A desert climate with temperatures approaching 50 °C (122 °F) in the summer and an average humidity of 75%. In winter, temperatures range between 2 and 18 °C (36 and 64 °F). During the months of May and June, warm seasonal winds called albwarh affect the region. The rest of the year, the moist southern winds, or alcos , bring humidity. There is little rainfall. The Qatif region
282-433: A temple dedicated to Ishtar on the site or because the region was historically known as Tarut, reflecting a strong connection between the environment and the goddess during that time. The ancient inhabitants of the island believed that the goddess Ishtar played a role in agriculture and water supply. Given the island's fertility and abundance of water, these beliefs likely shaped their view of Ishtar. According to legend,
376-557: A basement beneath the castle, which was reportedly used for storing weapons and supplies. The pocket was spacious, designed to hold significant provisions. During the Portuguese period, and later under the Ottomans, the basement also served as a prison for those who disobeyed military orders. It was connected to a secret passage leading outside the castle to the Rumaili area. This passage provided
470-580: A battle at Ghuraymil, south of Qatif, the Banu Khalid lost their rule to the new " First Saudi State " in 1790. In 1818 the Saudi State was destroyed in the Ottoman-Saudi War and the commander of the mostly Egyptian troops, Ibrahim Pasha , took control of Hofuf, only to evacuate it the next year and return to the west coast. The Humayd regained control until the Banu Khalid were finally defeated in 1830 by
564-501: A beautiful nature, whose people are well-groomed, and it is on the Arab side of the Persian Sea coast," as well as Ibn Battuta : "Then we traveled to the city of Al-Qatif, its name is derived from fruit picking, which is an oasis of water and a large city with many palm trees inhabited by sects of Shiite Arabs." Its survival in the midst of desert surroundings is due not only to its being
658-613: A big demonstration. The demonstrators spent the evening of 11 November 1979 shouting slogans against the royal family and the Americans. The Saudi government responded by imposing a curfew on all the towns in the Qatif area, sealing off the area with tanks and armoured vehicles. A bloody showdown between the armed forces and the Shiites continued until 30 November 1979, in which thousands were arrested, hundreds injured and 24 killed. On 10 March 2011, in
752-606: A coastal city but to the fact that Qatif is a green oasis with rich agricultural soil. Qatif itself is surrounded by a jungle of palm trees . Springs are abundant in the oasis of Qatif. On the East, there lies the Persian Gulf . Its warm and calm waters are rich in marine life; fishes, shrimps, and pearls. Also, some springs are found in the midst of its waters. On the west lies, Al-Dahna Desert with its golden sands intermingled with little rocky heights. There are many landmarks in Qatif such as
846-582: A defensive barrier, impeding the movement of soldiers in the event of an invasion. Any approaching enemy forces entering the square would be fully exposed to rifle fire from the northern wall and the high towers, enhancing the defensive capabilities of the village and citadel. In the Qatif region, various defensive strategies were employed, including the construction of sewers and trenches. Local residents built temporary bridges made from palm trunks to facilitate movement during peaceful times. However, during periods of conflict, these bridges were dismantled to hinder
940-454: A degree of holiness to water, reflected in the customs associated with the spring. Despite attempts to revive it, Ain Al-Awda has currently dried up, and no water flows from it. Historically, both men and women visited the site at designated times, with remnants of these visits still visible today. The spring is carved into the rock and overlooks Tarut Castle, situated near the castle's base. In
1034-399: A fortification for soldiers and as a storage site for ammunition. It also housed a headquarters or office for the governor, as well as a central water well, which was likely used for storing supplies during sieges . Soldiers stationed at the castle were provided with water and dates. In times of danger, the soldiers used a signaling system by lighting fires within the castle. During the day,
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#17330861082621128-647: A golden statue of Ashtarot, discovered in one of the palm groves on Tarut Island. A wide range of items has been excavated in Tarut, such as statues, copper and pottery vessels, and traditional weapons. Notably, a bowl from the Indus Valley civilization, currently exhibited at the National Museum of Riyadh . The most recent discovery is an ancient war cannon, now displayed at the Dammam Regional Museum. One of
1222-644: A means of escape during a siege, allowing the castle's occupants to evacuate unnoticed. The well's design at Tarut Castle shares similarities with those found in other Portuguese castles in Oman. According to the Portuguese geographer Pedro Barreto, many Portuguese castles in Oman featured circular towers at each corner, along with water wells and underground ammunition storage facilities. There are also notable architectural similarities between Tarut Castle and Dibba Portuguese Castle, as described in Barreto's reports, particularly in
1316-723: A military campaign against Qatif, successfully capturing the region and its surrounding areas. During the invasion, Abdullah bin Suleiman al-Mahshuri , commander of the Khalidi forces, retreated to Tarut Castle following his defeat in the Battle of al-Jarudiyah. He established a defensive position within the castle, preparing for a confrontation with Ibn Saud's forces. After securing Qatif, Ibrahim bin Afisan, one of Ibn Saud's commanders, sent his brother Fahd bin Afisan with 2,000 troops to Tarut Island to engage
1410-458: A nearby residence. It was later restored in 1984 AD by the Ministry of Archeology. The northeastern tower, which overlooked the old Tarut market, was completely destroyed during the same period. Evidence suggests that the castle's entrance was located near this tower, as old photographs depict the remains of a stone staircase with three lintels in front of the ruins of the northeastern tower. However,
1504-557: A pond on the western side, which functioned as a women's restroom and was bordered by a hill. In his book Dilmun , Jeffrey Beebe, the head of the Danish mission that conducted excavations in the 1960s, references Tarut as part of the historical context of the Dilmun Barbar civilization, which was concentrated on the hill adjacent to Ain al-Awda. This site is considered one of the foundational elements of Tarut Island's civilization. Until 1937,
1598-490: A western border for Qatif and separates it from King Fahd International Airport . The Gulf Road links the city with Dammam . It is also close to the King Fahd Causeway that connects the kingdom with the nation of Bahrain (about 55 km (35 mi)). List of some towns and villages forming Qatif county: Tarout Castle situated on a hill in the center of Tarut Island , located southwest of Deira, in
1692-491: Is a defining characteristic that has contributed to its survival into the present day, reflecting the structure's ability to withstand various challenges over the centuries. The location of Tarut Castle in the center of Tarut Island, amidst a dense forest of palm trees and perched on a rocky outcrop. Additionally, the walls of the castle are reinforced with iron rods, enhancing its durability and resilience against various threats. A considerable number of researchers agree that
1786-475: Is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Qatif Qatif or Al-Qatif ( Arabic : ٱلْقَطِيف Al-Qaṭīf ) is a governorate and urban area located in Eastern Province , Saudi Arabia . It extends from Ras Tanura and Jubail in the north to Dammam in the south, and from the Persian Gulf in the east to King Fahd International Airport in
1880-528: Is located atop a prominent hill where numerous ancient artifacts have been discovered, including a statue of the Sumerian Queen Ishtar . This hill is believed to be the site of the temple dedicated to Queen Ishtar, which she is said to have constructed after being expelled from Mesopotamia by King Gilgamesh . Additionally, it is thought that the castle was built on the ruins of the Temple of Astarte , which
1974-521: Is rich with shrimp and many varieties of fish . Qatif Fish Market is the largest in the Middle East . Qatif villages are known to have many date palms and other fruits. On 8 March 2020 Qatif was put into lockdown by Saudi Arabia until 29 April 2020 because of cases of COVID-19 . There are several educational facilities built by the government and Saudi Aramco for all age levels, starting from first grade in elementary school to secondary school. Most of
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#17330861082622068-486: Is surrounded by a thick wall made from mud, plaster, bedding stones, and sticky, unburned mud mortar. The castle's design is often compared to the shape of a crab , with walls ranging in thickness from 1.5 to 2.5 meters and reaching a height of 9 meters. The castle originally featured eleven tall towers connected by extended bridges, which were used as secret passages during wartime. However, only three of these towers remain today. In its earlier years, Tarut Castle served as
2162-609: Is the largest concentration of Shia Islam in Saudi Arabia; less than 10% of Qatif are Sunni Muslims . Qatif is the centre of the Shiite population in Saudi Arabia. Since 2005, the government has eased the restrictions on commemorating Day of Ashura in public. As of 2022, the total population of Qatif was 552,442. Qatif has one of the lowest numbers of non-Saudi residents in the kingdom (only 114,173). Most people in Qatif are Arab Baharna , with very similar culture and dialects to
2256-430: Is the narrowest of the four layers. Beneath this is the sedimentary layer, which permits groundwater to flow through and replenish the spring. However, this source of water was soon depleted, resulting in a force that caused swimmers to be pushed upward. The earliest documented reference to Tarut Castle appears in both Portuguese and Ottoman records. These historical documents indicate that a Portuguese military contingent
2350-616: The Battle of Qatif . From 1071 until 1253 the Uyunids ruled the region first from the city of "al-Hasa" (predecessor to modern Hofuf ) and later from Qatif. In 1253 the Usfurids rose from Al-Hasa and ruled during the struggle of Qays with the Hormuz for control of the coast. Probably at about this time, Qatif became the main port for the mainland surpassing ' Uqair in importance for the trade and thus became
2444-703: The Sumer era , the Fatimid Caliphate, and the Dilmun civilization . However, the castle is currently facing several challenges, the structural cracking of its towers, which poses a risk of collapse. Additionally, the drying up of Ain al-Awda, a spring located within the castle, has been attributed to continuous oil extraction in the area. The castle remains closed to the public and is not officially open for visitors or tourists. Nevertheless, Tarut Castle continues to attract interest from foreign researchers and expeditions, including
2538-506: The Ubaid period in the fifth millennium BC and continued until the third millennium BC, making it one of the oldest inhabited sites in the Arabian Peninsula. The limited size of the hill and the presence of a prominent fortress suggest that Tarut was more than just a village. Field surveys have shown that the hill is composed of a mixture of clay, dust, and large limestone fragments. Beneath
2632-506: The "Second Saudi State" who now took control of the whole region. The Ottomans moved in again in 1871 not to be expelled until 1913 when Ibn Saud finally established the Saudi rule in the Eastern Province . The economy of Qatif witnessed a sharp decline in the 1920s, initially due to the invention of cultured pearls which severely impacted the Gulf pearl trade, then due to World War I . The decline
2726-432: The 10 days, small kiosks are erected by volunteers in the squares and streets to provide free food, sweets and beverages to the audience and passers-by. Mahmous , a local black colored dish is widely offered during Ashura to indicate a climate of grief. Traditionally, people go out to the seashore to celebrate after the end of Safar , and when they return in the sunset, heaps of straw are collected and burned to symbolize
2820-561: The Arabian Gulf. The fort was constructed on the remains of a temple dedicated to the Phoenician goddess Astarte or Inanna , from whom the name " Tarut Island " is derived. The ruins and foundations of the original temple remain visible beneath the castle. Several statues and pottery pieces dating back to earlier periods have been discovered within Tarut Castle, including artifacts from
2914-495: The Baharna of Bahrain . There is a minority of bedouins, of the tribes of Bani Khalid and Bani Hajer , concentrated in the villages of Anak and Um Al-Sahek . There are also Sunni Gulf Arabs concentrated in the villages of Darin and Al-Zour. Several periodic religious occasions are held in Qatif, the most prominent of which are the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha , as well as Qarqi'an , and
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3008-449: The Banu Khalid returned to the castle and fortified their position. However, realizing that they were unable to withstand the Saudis, the Khalidi forces remained trapped inside. Ibrahim bin Afisan, in response, besieged the castle for twenty days. He then ordered the use of cannons to bombard the castle, with the attack believed to have originated from the northern side near Darwazat al-Hammam,
3102-478: The Banu Khalid. Fahd initially gained control of the island and requested reinforcements. Ibrahim dispatched an additional 1,000 men, bringing the total force to 3,000. The combined forces then attacked Tarut Castle, successfully capturing it after a fierce battle. However, the engagement resulted in heavy casualties, leading to a strategic withdrawal of approximately 2.5 kilometers from the castle. After retreating from Tarut Castle, Fahd bin Afisan resumed his siege of
3196-449: The British consul. The governor of Qatif responded with intimidation and mass imprisonments. Several notables wrote letters to King Abdulaziz voicing their complaints. He eventually met with the governor and some citizens, pardoned past-due taxes, and reduced new taxes. Approximately 60,000 Shias (estimate of 1969) live in the oasis town of Qatif, which is about 65 km (40 mi) from
3290-578: The Danish archaeological expedition and the renowned researcher Jeffrey Beebe. The castle is often referred to as the Portuguese Fort due to its association with Portuguese conquerors, but it is also known as Tarut Castle, named after the site on which it was constructed. The name "Tarut" is derived from the Sumerian goddess Inanna, whose earliest appearances date back more than 5,000 years, recorded in cuneiform inscriptions in Sumer , southern Iraq . Inanna
3384-787: The Mesopotamian Valley. Additionally, orange-yellow pottery from the Dawn of the Dynasties period (2900–2350 BC) was unearthed beneath the castle's foundations. Pottery from the third millennium BC, known as Dilmun pottery, has also been confirmed through field surveys and excavations at Qal'at Tarut Hill. The Dilmun pottery found in the Eastern Province shows a wide variety of forms, including cylindrical, bell-shaped, and ribbed jars with deep, semi-straight sides, as well as smaller vessels such as curved-sided plates and cups. These artifacts highlight
3478-650: The Portuguese from Bahrain. With the signing of the treaty between Iran and the English in 1635 AD, along with the death of the Portuguese commander Roy Free Regongrada, the Portuguese presence in the Gulf region effectively came to an end. Ain Al-Awda , also referred to as Ain Al-Hammam , Ain Al-Halqoum , Ain Tarut , or Ain Al-Qalaa , is a sulphurous spring that has been in existence for approximately 4,000 years. It irrigates
3572-483: The Portuguese ruled the Gulf region until 1650 AD, amounting to approximately 150 years of dominance. The construction of Tarut Castle was undertaken with the objective of controlling the commercial outlets in the area. It was regarded as one of the castles built by the Portuguese to exert influence over the Arabian Gulf and to reinforce the fortress of Hormuz at the entrance to the Gulf. The Portuguese aimed to control
3666-648: The Strait of Hormuz to impede trade between Arab countries and other nations, particularly India. Additionally, several other castles were constructed in Oman , including Khor Fakkan and Jalfar. In 1551 and 1552, Turkish forces launched an offensive against the Qatif fortress, successfully expelling the Portuguese. The Turkish forces also attacked and destroyed the fortress of Muscat and subsequently besieged Bahrain for several months, but they were ultimately unable to gain control and withdrew. In 1602, Shah Abbas successfully expelled
3760-533: The Turkish era, an additional meter was added to the height, and the wall was later widened by 0.5 meters, making the total width approximately one meter. The wall's last known restoration occurred during the Ottoman era, between 1871 AD and 1912 AD. The village of Tarut had two primary gates, known as Darawiza. The first gate, Darawiza Al-Ain (or Al-Hammam), was located near the Tarut market. The second, Darawiza Al-Sharqiya,
3854-653: The birth of Hassan bin Ali , and is called Karikshon. Qarqi'an is an annual custom found in both Bahrain, Qatif and some other areas in the Persian Gulf, where celebrations are held, feasts are made, new clothes are worn, candles are lit, and people and children between 4 and 12 years go out to the streets of old villages and neighborhoods to celebrate. Mosques prepare early to receive visitors, and people distribute sweets and food. The girls wear traditional clothes and are decorated with henna. The children chant folk songs, while they roam
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3948-400: The burning of mourning monuments. Pottery, worn-out trays, and pots are disposed of by smashing them, a habit that seemed to fade away, but few still do it nonetheless. Joy and festivals pervade all of Qatif on during Qarqi'an , on the 15th of the month of Sha’ban , which coincides with the birth of Al-Mahdi , and this day is called Al-Nasifah, and on the 15th of Ramadan, which coincides with
4042-670: The capital of the Usfurids. Ibn Battuta , visited Qatif in 1331 and found it a large and prosperous city inhabited by Arab tribes whom he described as "extremist Shi`is". Power shifted in 1440 to the Jabrids of the Al-Hasa oasis. In 1515 the Portuguese conquered Hormuz and sacked Qatif in 1520, killing the Jabrid ruler Muqrin ibn Zamil . The Portuguese invaded the island of Bahrain and stayed there for
4136-424: The city of Qatif resulted in protests the evening of his arrest. Government snipers killed two protesters that night: Sayed Akbar al-Shakori and Sayed Mohammed Alfelfel. Videos of the killing were released on video streaming sites such as YouTube.com . Although Qatif has a traditional Arab cuisine, in which it shares dishes with its surroundings, it is famous and specializes in several dishes, including: Qatif has
4230-570: The construction of Tarut Castle dates back to the Uyunid Emirate era (1076-1238 AD). It was later restored by the Portuguese Empire on 29 March 1544 AD (corresponding to 1 Jumada I, 951 AH) during the Portuguese invasion of Qatif . However, some researchers suggest that the castle was constructed at the beginning of the sixteenth century AD, specifically between 1515 AD and 1521 AD. This timeframe aligns with historical evidence indicating that
4324-499: The deaths and births of Muhammad and the twelve Imams . At the beginning of each Hijri year , Qatif is draped with black, red and green banners and flags over houses, alleys and roads, which is intended to announce the state of mourning and the start of the Ashura season from the beginning of the month of Muharram until the end of the month of Safar in commemoration of the days of Ashura in which Hussein bin Ali , grandson of Muhammad
4418-464: The design of the cellar and other structural elements. An old photograph indicates that the flagpole, which displayed the Ottoman flag , was positioned directly in front of the northwestern tower of Tarut Castle. This flagpole was located in the square of the walled village, situated behind the northern wall and centered around the pigeons' stairs, or the main entrance to the village. A comparison between
4512-415: The discovery of oil, Qatifi people used to work as merchants, farmers, and fishermen. However, with the development of the oil fields in the late 1940s, Qatif lost its status as an important port to Dammam, and since the 1990s has focused on the oil industry, public services, education, and healthcare sectors. Several travelers visited the city, most famously Abulfeda : "Al-Qatif: a town next to Al-Ahsa, of
4606-413: The diversity and craftsmanship of the region's ancient civilizations. Tarut Castle consists of four towers, constructed to emulate the natural topography of the surrounding area. This architectural approach closely resembles the Portuguese construction methods seen in irregularly shaped Omani castles. The courtyard of the castle is nearly oval, bordering on rectangular, with a deep well at its center. It
4700-446: The eastern part of Qatif Governorate, Saudi Arabia . The hill, known as Tall Tawt, is estimated to be 5,000 years old. The castle itself is believed to date back to the time of the Uyuni state and was later used as a Portuguese defensive point. The Portuguese renovated the castle in the 16th century, specifically on 29 March 1544 CE (1 Jumada al-Awwal 951 AH), during their occupation of
4794-487: The end of the Ain Al-Awda stream or to Al-Qantara to collect water. The Ain Al-Awda is composed of four distinct layers. The first layer, known as the outer cavity layer, defines the geometric shape of the spring. The second layer consists of rocky outcrops that extend into the inner walls of the eye. The third layer features a lengthy basement and a waterway that channels the spring's water to surrounding farms; this section
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#17330861082624888-400: The entire Tarut Island and is known for its mineral-rich water, attracting visitors seeking its therapeutic properties. The spring emits hot water and steam during the winter months, while it produces lukewarm water in the summer. Traditionally, Ain Al-Awda has been considered sacred by the inhabitants of the various civilizations that once thrived in the region, with many religions attributing
4982-506: The flagpole locations at Darien Castle and the port building in Ras Tanura reveals that flagpoles are typically found near main entrances. This suggests that the entrance to Tarut Castle was likely in close proximity to the flagpole, reinforcing the strategic placement of both the entrance and the flagpole in the castle's layout. Tarut Castle has experienced numerous changes in political and military status throughout its history. Its resilience
5076-405: The fortress. One night, Abdullah bin Suleiman al-Mahshuri, the Khalidi commander barricaded inside the castle, consulted with his men about launching a counterattack. They agreed and ventured out to confront the Saudi forces, but the attempt failed, leading to Fahd bin Afisan's death during the battle. Fahd had requested additional reinforcements from his brother Ibrahim, but before they could arrive,
5170-407: The foundations of the citadel, evidence of ancient structures from the third millennium BC has been uncovered, including monolithic and polished stone pieces, believed to be remnants of an ancient building or multiple structures. The archaeological findings are distributed across four distinct historical periods, representing different stages of settlement on the site. The oldest remains date back to
5264-594: The goddess's importance to the island's ancient culture. Tarut Castle is located northwest of the Deira neighborhood on Tarut Hill, in the center of Tarut Island , within the Qatif Governorate in eastern Saudi Arabia . The castle's strategic position was intended to serve as an impregnable fortress, offering protection to the Deira neighborhood in the event of external threats or attacks. Archaeological excavations at Tarut Hill indicate that settlement began as early as
5358-513: The historical region known as the Province of Bahrain , along with Al-Hasa and the present-day Bahrain islands. In 899 the Qarmatians conquered the region with the oases of Qatif and Al-Hasa. They declared themselves independent and reigned from al-Mu'miniya near modern Hofuf until 1071. The Buyids of western Persia raided Qatif in 988. In 1059, Qatif was liberated from Qarmatian rule during
5452-614: The main Saudi refinery and the export terminal of Ras Tanura . The Shias have participated in all the strikes and other political demonstrations that have taken place in the kingdom. The most significant were the 1979 strikes when the Saudi armed forces were called in. The Shias in Saudi Arabia were very receptive to Khomeini and demonstrated against the Saudi royal family on the hitherto novel grounds that Islam and hereditary kingship are not compatible. When American jets landed in Dhahran Air Base for manoeuvres, citizens of Qatif organized
5546-412: The main entrance to Tarut Castle and the walled village. The relentless artillery fire caused severe damage, demolishing the eastern half of the castle and parts of the northern wall. This breach allowed Ibrahim bin Afisan's forces to penetrate the castle and seize control. During the final assault, the Saudis managed to infiltrate the caves beneath the castle, ultimately defeating Abdullah al-Mahshuri and
5640-521: The middle of the third millennium BC. It is speculated that the statue may have been a gift from a Mesopotamian to a prominent figure in the Dilmun civilization, symbolizing friendship and goodwill. In the lower layers of the Tarut Castle mound, archaeologists made a significant discovery: large pottery vessels with triangular bodies and rims, characteristic of the Jemdet Nasr civilization (3100–2900 BC) from
5734-453: The most important discoveries is a limestone statue found beneath the foundations of Tarut Castle. The statue, which bears characteristics of Sumerian civilization art, depicts a standing, bare-bodied man, measuring 94 cm in height, with his hands crossed in a reverential posture. Three belt-like symbols are carved around the waist. The statue is dated to the Dawn of the Second or Third Dynasties, in
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#17330861082625828-420: The movement of enemy forces, providing an additional layer of defense for the area. In 1984 AD, during restoration work at Tarut Castle, the archaeological team discovered a well situated in the center of the castle courtyard. Upon investigation, it was determined that the well was deep and functioned as a water storage system, referred to as a pocket, used during sieges. Some believe that this pocket may lead to
5922-532: The neighborhoods with large bags to collect candy distributed from houses. Saudi Aramco (the Saudi national oil company) completed the development of the Qatif Project in October 2004, comprising facilities to produce, process and transport 80,000 cubic metres per day (500,000 bbl/d) of blended Arabian light crude oil from the Qatif field and 48,000 m /d (300,000 bbl/d) of Arabian medium crude oil from
6016-658: The next eighty years. The ruler of Basra extended his power to Qatif in 1524 but ultimately in 1549 the Ottomans took over, though they could not expel the Portuguese from the island of Bahrain. In 1551 the Portuguese conquered Qatif maintaining domain of the gulf allied with the Pasha of Basra. In 1680 the Al Humayd of the Banu Khalid took the by now weak garrison of the Ottomans in Hofuf. In
6110-413: The northern wall, is known as Darwaza al-Hammam. In front of this entrance lies a large square situated outside the village wall. The square is enclosed on all sides, with the village wall to the south, shops to the east, and a water stream, locally known as al-Seeb, running from Ain al-Awda towards the village of Sanabis to the north and west. This water stream, formerly serving as a natural moat, acted as
6204-612: The offshore Abu Sa'fah field (total 130,000 m /d (800,000 bbl/d)), plus 10 million cubic metres per day (370 × 10 ^ cu ft/d) of associated gas. Qatifi people are likely to work in the oil industry (Saudi Aramco, Schlumberger , Halliburton and Baker Hughes ). Some of the employees have moved to Dhahran , where these companies are located, but the majority still reside in Qatif and go to Dhahran by cars or Saudi Aramco buses in about 50 minutes' journey. Others work in Aramco refineries in Ras Tanura. and others work in
6298-408: The old city of the Qala'a and Awamiya, Tarout Castle , Darin castle which was built to repel the attacks of the Portuguese campaign on Bahrain in the 15th century, and traditional markets such as the Khamis market; In addition to statues, which were transferred to the National Museum in Riyadh to be preserved. Qatif functioned for centuries as the most important trade port in Eastern Arabia , to
6392-441: The past, Ain Al-Awda was primarily used by women for washing clothes, although men began to utilize it intermittently over time. Some women have recounted experiences from when the spring was reserved exclusively for female visitors; they discovered a rock submerged in the water that bore a drawing of a statue with prominent breasts. This sight led them to abandon the rock and return home in a state of apprehension. The area surrounding
6486-424: The people of ancient Tarut envisioned the goddess as a beautiful young woman who wandered gracefully through the palm groves. As she moved, springs of water would flow behind her, nurturing the land and ensuring bountiful crops. For them, Ishtar was the goddess of fertility , love , and sex . Supporting this belief is the discovery of a pure gold statue representing Ishtarot in one of the island's groves, symbolizing
6580-401: The petrochemical companies in Jubail (80 km from Qatif), some go every day and some have moved to Jubail. SABIC is the largest employer in Qatif, However, some Qatifi are also working in other oil, petrochemical, and engineering companies located in Dhahran, Khobar, Dammam, Ras Tanura, or Jubail. Some of Qatifi people work in public services, health care and education. The Qatif coastline
6674-513: The point where the whole Persian Gulf was labeled "Sea of Qatif". The term Qatif is derived from what translates to "harvest" or "grain", signifying the area's past agricultural history. The historic oasis area shows its first archaeological evidence of settlement beginning about 3500 BC. It was known by other names, such as Al-Khatt ( الخَطّ ), immortalized in the poetry of Antarah ibn Shaddad , Tarafa ibn Al-`Abd , Bashshar ibn Burd (in his famous Ba'yya), and others. The word "Khatty" became
6768-483: The preferred " kenning " for "spear" in traditional poetic writing until the dawn of the modern era, supposedly because the region was famous for spear making, just as "muhannad" ("of India ") was the preferred kenning for "sword". The older name also survives as the eponym of several well-known local families ("Al-Khatti", spelled variously in English). Until the advent of Ottoman rule in the 18th century, Qatif belonged to
6862-408: The protestors, injuring three, and there were reports of stun grenades being used as well as many more injuries from police use of batons . Further protests in Qatif continued throughout 2011. Over six people were reported to be killed by the government's forces since November 2011. However, the government tried to overshadow the reports but social networking groups has highly worked to demonstrate
6956-491: The region. A signal fire was used as a warning system, with smoke visible during the day and light at night to indicate impending danger, as well as to monitor ships passing near the island. The Portuguese occupied the castle for a brief period before eventually abandoning all their castles, fortresses, and military installations in the area, permanently withdrawing from the region. In 1791 AD, Imam Saud bin Abdul Aziz launched
7050-463: The schools are public (government owned) but there are some private schools as well. Air travel is provided by King Fahd International Airport , the distance from the terminal to the city center is 30 km (19 mi). Qatif is connected with other Saudi urban centers through highways mainly the Dhahran-Jubail Highway which runs across Qatif, and Abu Hadriyah Highway which serves as
7144-455: The second Ubaid period (4300–4000 BC), with continuous habitation until the third millennium BC, a time marked by the rise of the Dilmun civilization during the late Barbar period. The historical span of the castle's existence is therefore estimated to range between 4300 BC and 500 BC. The King Abdulaziz Darat holds numerous artifacts unearthed from the Tarut Fort archaeological site, including
7238-534: The smoke would signal imminent danger, and at night, the flames would serve as a warning. It is noteworthy that the northwestern and southwestern towers are the only two towers consistently visible in all historical photographs of Tarut Castle. In contrast, the two eastern towers do not appear in all older images. The southeastern tower was bombed by forces of the First Saudi State around 1791 AD and remained partially standing until 1916 AD, when it collapsed onto
7332-422: The southern dwellings and becoming part of the village's structures. It is also connected to the Tarut bathhouse facilities and sections of the old Tarut market in the northwest. The wall intersects with another structure running west to east, which contains a central door, believed to be the main entrance to Tarut Castle and its village. The height of the surrounding wall ranges between four and six meters. During
7426-476: The spring was inhabited by frogs and small fish, known locally as huarsin, and larger fish were occasionally sighted. Ain Al-Awda was a popular destination for divers and sailors from the eastern coastline and the Gulf States, particularly from Kuwait and Bahrain . The Ain Tarut bath is supplied by a branch that extends from the main stream, originating from the eye of Ain Al-Awda. This branch previously led to
7520-409: The title Katif . If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Katif&oldid=1255268877 " Category : Disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Articles containing Hebrew-language text Articles containing Arabic-language text Short description
7614-432: The town of Darien received water from a small tributary originating in the center of Tarut Island. This tributary flowed south from the spring located beneath the castle to the northeastern tip of Darien, near the present-day Al-Jazeera Club. Locally known as Al-Qantara, this waterway ultimately discharges into the sea, located over 1,500 meters away. Residents of Darien would typically walk approximately 1,000 meters to either
7708-435: The true shape of the fourth tower remains uncertain due to its destruction over two centuries ago. A review of historical photographs of Tarut Castle has revealed the existence of an external wall surrounding the castle, situated within the boundaries of the walled village of Tarut. This wall formed an arched strip extending from the southwest corner of the village. The wall continues from the northwest corner, integrating with
7802-495: The wake of the Arab Spring and a day before a "day of rage" planned by Saudi internet users, consisting of protests across Saudi Arabia; 'dozens' of Shias attended a rally in the city centre calling for political reforms in the kingdom and the release of prisoners allegedly held without charge for more than 16 years. The government declared protests to be illegal and it had previously warned against this action. Police opened fire on
7896-462: The way the government used force against the protesters Activists in Qatif first took to the streets in March 2011, demanding the release of political prisoners. In early January 2012, Riyadh ordered the arrest of 23 people responsible for unrest in the Eastern Province. Activists reported that seven protesters were killed from November 2011 to 10 February 2012 in Qatif. The march on 10 February 2012
7990-601: The west. This region has its own municipality and includes the Qatif downtown, Safwa , Saihat , Tarout Island , and many other smaller cities and towns. Qatif is one of the oldest settlements in Eastern Arabia ; its history goes back to 3500 BC, more than 5,000 years ago, and was part of the Bahrain Region which was called Dilmun at that time and the Sumerians knew it as the land of paradise, immortality, and life. Before
8084-469: Was accelerated by a special "Jihad" tax imposed by the Saudis (then the Sultanate of Nejd ), which was used to fund military campaigns . The economic situation became so dire that many citizens were imprisoned for unpaid taxes, including several wealthy landowners and merchants. Then in 1929, the tax was doubled. Riots broke out in several towns, and a large group escaped to Bahrain and requested protection from
8178-453: Was built upon the remnants of ancient structures dating back to 5000 BC. Visible adjacent to a deep water spring, which connects to a channel leading to an exposed stone pool, are the foundations of a structure from the Bronze Age. This structure is thought to have been a temple dedicated to Ishtarot, or Ishtar , the goddess worshiped by the ancient peoples of the Arabian Gulf. Tarut Castle
8272-402: Was dedicated to the Phoenician gods. This temple was situated adjacent to a water spring known as Ain al-Awda in the sixteenth century AD , resting on the remnants of an earlier temple that dates back approximately five thousand years BC. It is believed that the Portuguese constructed and fortified Tarut Castle between 1515 and 1521 AD, utilizing it during the six years they held control over
8366-483: Was killed in the Battle of Karbala . These days have a special importance for the majority of the Qatif community, in which shops are closed and no marriages take place, and any sign of joy is abolished, and black or dark colors are worn. These days are accompanied by Hussaini Majlises which are religious or scientific lectures delivered by clerics in Husseiniyas or mosques . And the practice of Husseini rites. During
8460-441: Was killed on 10 February 2012 when police opened fire to disperse protesters in the town of al Awamiya , in the Qatif region. About 500 people were arrested since March 2011. Activists said 80 remained in custody, including author Nazir al Majid and human rights activist Fadil al Munasif. In July 2012, the government arrested Nimr al-Nimr , a Shiite preacher who called for protests against the government. The arrest of such an icon in
8554-422: Was reportedly organised to protest against the killings of demonstrators, who were calling for reforms, an end to sectarian discrimination and the release of political prisoners. "While security men were following up on an illegal gathering in the town of al Awamiya in Qatif on Friday they were attacked by gunfire," said a police statement published by the state news agency, Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Zuhair al Said
8648-401: Was situated between Beit Umaybad and Beit Askariya. Integrated into the residential structures, the wall and towers formed part of the two-story houses, extending to cover the first floor. Additionally, a third, smaller gate known as Khadaa allowed farmers access to their fields and provided a route back to the fortress. The main entrance to the village and the citadel, located in the center of
8742-464: Was stationed on Tarut Island, where they began restoration efforts on the castle on 29 March 1544. It is evident that the castle served a short-term function for the Portuguese forces before being utilized by Ottoman troops. It is believed that the castle was among those belonging to the Ayuni state, as it is not mentioned in earlier historical sources. Construction of the castle is dated to 468 AH / 1076 AD and
8836-515: Was symbolized by the octagram , which was used to represent the planet Venus . Over time, her worship spread from the Sumerians to the Akkadians , who called her Ishtar , and later to the peoples of southern Arabia, who referred to her as Athar or Attar. The Canaanites and Hebrews knew her as Ashra or Astarte. The exact reason for the name Tarut is unclear. It may be linked to the construction of
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