The markets within the castle, estimated by Wimmer to consist of around 300 shops, began at Darwaza al-Souq and ended near al-Dababiya, an area now part of King Abdulaziz Street.

The royal court was surrounded by extensive gardens and vineyards, which began at the Karidi stream, adjacent to the Minaret Mosque, and extended northward to the Warash district.

[4][15][17] In the late 1960s to early 1970s,[17] the wall was gradually dismantled by the municipality, citing the need to accommodate increased security, population growth, and urban expansion beyond the old city limits.

Before the removal of the citadel wall, the castle was also surrounded by several other neighborhoods, including Al-Sharia, Bab Al-Shamal (the north gate), Al-Kuwaikib, Al-Madaris, Al-Dababiya, Al-Jarari, Al-Shuwaika, and Mias.

The construction of Al-Sidra Mosque is also attributed to the eighth century AH, as indicated by a stone slab affixed to the entrance of its 30-meter-high round lighthouse, which offered a view of the metropolis and its suburbs.

It is believed that the Sidra Mosque may have been constructed on the site of an earlier structure, as some sources suggest it was originally an ancient temple that was subsequently abandoned and fell into disrepair.

[5][16] The open spaces in front of the houses in Qatif Castle served as gathering places for children, who engaged in social activities and popular games such as Taila, Yahmouh, Khast, Andi, among others.

This area hosts a market where women sell a variety of dairy products and fruits, including rutabaga, khalal, basil, raziqi, foul, and chicken eggs.

Inhabitants relied on candles and lanterns for illumination, utilizing fuels derived from palm materials, including fronds, carp, petals, and fibers.

Over time, historical events led many residents of Qatif to relocate to the castle, resulting in a gradual increase in population and the construction of houses within its walls.

Additionally, this level contains storage areas, a bathroom, and a swimming pool, which was frequently used for storing large quantities of grain, organized in small flats.

These flats often feature a wooden structure fixed to the wall, approximately one meter high, upon which the grain, or jahlah (a larger and more expensive type), is placed.

The windows of these houses are generally oriented to the east and south to facilitate airflow, providing a cool and comfortable living environment due to the elevation and limited wind exposure.

In addition to the aforementioned items, several other utensils are utilized indoors, including: he accommodation within the castle was characterized by shared houses occupied by extended families.

This traditional building style persisted until the early 1970s, ultimately giving way to modern designs with the introduction of the Real Estate Development Fund, leading to a widespread abandonment of what was known as Arabic architecture.

[31] Al Gashi's house, also known as Beit Al-Gashi, built over four centuries ago, this five-storey residence was originally home to multiple families, each occupying a separate section.

[34] It was later utilized by the Ottomans as a garrison and, at one point, as a warehouse for goods and a storehouse for spices and perfumes arriving from Tarut Island due to its strategic location and direct access to the market.

[10][36] Inscriptions on a stone plaque at the Darwaza of Bab al-Shamal indicate that it was rebuilt by Ali Pasha during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Selim II in 1039 AH, following the Portuguese withdrawal from the area.

[37][11] In Jumada I of 1206 AH (January 1792 AD),[38] the First Saudi State gained control of Qatif following a military campaign led by Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz.

Sadlier's memoirs provided a detailed description of the castle, the agricultural products cultivated in the surrounding region, the markets located nearby, the prevailing commercial conditions, and an estimate of the local population and the taxes remitted to the Ottoman Empire.

He noted the absence of Hindus or Christians within the population and provided a detailed outline of the taxes imposed on the castle's inhabitants, which he presented in a table included in his memoirs.

[42][43][44] Following the death of Imam Faisal bin Turki Al Saud (circa 1282 AH), a significant division emerged among his sons concerning the distribution of power, resulting in the country splitting into two distinct factions.

In 128 AH, Pasha dispatched a substantial land and naval force from Basra, supported by Sheikh Abdullah Al Sabah, the governor of Kuwait.

This internal conflict resulted in a civil war, ultimately leading to the loss of Seyhat and Tarut Island, and preventing him from exerting control over Qatif.

Subsequently, on 2 February 1902, Gaskin visited Qatif aboard the Royal Sphinx, acting on the orders of Colonel Campbell, the deputy political resident in Bushehr.

[56] Following the discovery of oil in Qatif, significant advancements were made in infrastructure, including the installation of electrical wiring, the construction of asphalt roads, and the emergence of urban development around the castle's western entrance, known as the North Gate.

In response to these changes, local tribes began to establish permanent residences for protection, forming independent blocks of buildings that later became known as the suburbs of the North Gate.

Among these are Sheikh Mansour al-Bayat's residence, the home of Mr. Jaafar al-Daalouj located on the main street, and the popular al-Gharab coffee shop in the Al-Sharia neighborhood, along with several mosques and husseiniyas.

Abu al-Lirat has documented Qatif Castle in various stages, capturing its swabit, streets, and corridors by climbing high buildings to take photographs.

[71] The tour, attended by 18 participants, brought attention to the lack of signage and the limited interest from the Tourism and National Heritage Authority in Tarut Castle, a site steeped in history and regarded as the oldest historical landmark in the Arabian Gulf.