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The next area of interest I'd like to share is Tarut Island which lies in the sheltered bay of the same name. The island is now approached by a dirt, perhaps paved now, causeway. Formerly trips had to be made by Dhow. The island is somewhat circular in shape and had four villages located on it. On the southern end is Darin, on the northern coast is Zor, a mile or two south was Sanabis while a mile or so inland was Tarut. The most prominent landmark is the old Portuguese fort situated on the jebal overlooking the village. The rounded towers are particularly interesting. On the side of the jebal was an artisan spring that was restricted to women only. Fencing and young men on the outside discouraged any other visitors. The spring is free flowing and deep enough for swimming if you care to jump the five to eight feet down to the water level. About 8 feet under the surface of the water large blocks of quarried stone are in place, apparently to form a retaining wall. Due to the spring men are not allowed to climb the jebal. There has been only one attempt, an archaeological excavation of the site and that took place when Dr. Geoffrey Bibby of the Danish Exploratory Team was allowed to dig a trench 6'x3'x3' at the base of the jebal not far from the spring. He was limited to two hours but found neolithic flints and shards of Ibaid pottery. As of 1973 he considered this to be the oldest site in Saudi Arabia and contemporaneous with Dilmun on Bahrain. |
