Qatif Castle, Military fortress in Qatif, Saudi Arabia.
Qatif Castle is an oval-shaped fortress in central Qatif with dimensions of about 365 meters on its east-west sides and 275 meters on its north-south sides. The structure was divided into four distinct neighborhood sections connected by narrow passages and traditional stone buildings.
The fortress originated in the 3rd century during Sassanid times and was substantially rebuilt under Ottoman rule in 1630. This reconstruction transformed it from a trading outpost into a reinforced military stronghold with increased strategic importance.
The mosques within the fortress served as religious centers that shaped how residents understood the place as a space of faith. These buildings show how religion and daily life were closely woven together.
The location sits in a dry climate and can be demanding to explore during peak heat; visitors should arrive early in the day or later in the afternoon. Comfortable shoes and plenty of water are recommended, as the grounds are uneven and partly undeveloped.
A deep trench system surrounded the entire fortress and provided protection against approaching forces. Inside, numerous wells reaching depths up to eight meters supplied water to residents, representing a clever engineering solution for obtaining water in a dry region.
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