[3][4] Several statues and pottery pieces dating back to earlier periods have been discovered within Tarut Castle, including artifacts from the Sumer era, the Fatimid Caliphate, and the Dilmun civilization.

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.

It may be linked to the construction of 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 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.

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.

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 the Mesopotamian Valley.

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.

[25] 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.

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.

This timeframe aligns with historical evidence indicating that the Portuguese ruled the Gulf region until 1650 AD, amounting to approximately 150 years of dominance.

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.

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 a degree of holiness to water, reflected in the customs associated with the spring.

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.

These historical documents indicate that a Portuguese military contingent was stationed on Tarut Island, where they began restoration efforts on the castle on 29 March 1544.

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.

[45][1][2] Tarut Castle is located atop a prominent hill where numerous ancient artifacts have been discovered, including a statue of the Sumerian Queen Ishtar.

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.

[47][48] In 1791 AD, Imam Saud bin Abdul Aziz launched 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.

During the final assault, the Saudis managed to infiltrate the caves beneath the castle, ultimately defeating Abdullah al-Mahshuri and the Banu Khalid forces.

After the death of Imam Turki bin Abdullah Al Saud, the founder of the Second Saudi State, in 1834, his son Faisal withdrew from the Qatif region and returned to Dariyah.

Taking advantage of the political instability, the ruler of Bahrain, Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, seized control of the forts of Darien and Tarut, which were said to generate an annual income of $300,300.

His primary responsibilities included:[51] In 2004 AD, a café was established near Tarut Castle, designed in a traditional style reflecting popular local architecture.

The initiative was designed to allow younger individuals to gain insight into the region's history by documenting and sharing the experiences and memories of the older community members.

The total area of the project is approximately 112 square meters and includes the construction of two balustrades featuring traditional Tarut designs, along with roofs made of jandal, basjil, and mats.

Additionally, the project aims to create permanent centers for artisans to practice their crafts, consolidating their work in a single location rather than scattering it across various sites.

The project also includes the restoration and preservation of the buildings adjacent to Tarut Castle, with the goal of transforming the area into an attractive center for artisans, tourists, and visitors to the region.

The bath was home to small fish believed to aid in healing scars and ulcers, earning them the nickname "underwater doctors" among some contemporary residents of the island.

After enduring the harsh conditions of the sea, which often left their bodies festering or cracked due to salinity and a lack of fresh water on diving boats, the hammam provided a much-needed respite.

The castle and its surrounding houses have suffered neglect and damage, allegedly due to the lack of attention from the Eastern Province branch of the Department of Tourism and Antiquities.