Province
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Tarut Forts
| Situated in a deep harbor, at the gateway to the Eastern Provinces, Tarut Island, has been a prized strategic strong hold, which has been coveted by all of the great civilisations of The Arabian Gulf |
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Archaeological evidence suggests that Tarut Island has been inhabited for over 5,000 years. There is evidence that the Portuguese, Greeks, Mesopotamians and even Sumerians recognizing the strategic value of the port, and have, at one time or another, made Tarut Island their home. It has a long history of trade, and is renowned for its pearls, lapis lazuli and other precious stones.
Tarut Fort is a traditional mud and stone construction standing guard over the Arabian Gulf. It was originally built by the Portugese in the late 1000H (1500's). The fort has been built on previous fortifications, and you can see throughout the building remnants of 5,000 years of continuous occupation. For instance the staircase which connects the two storied building is the oldest part of the building. The views from the ramparts are excellent. A permit is required to enter.
Qasr al-Darin, on the south of Tarut Island, is a romantic place for a picnic. Built in 1291H (1875) to protect the pearl trade, the fort once covered an area of 8sq kms.
The Tarut Island fishing harbor at Darin on the south side of the island still makes dhows (fishing boats) in the traditional way. The small town of Tarut village also has beautiful examples of traditional thatching, and highly decorated doors and windows in the Bedouin style
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