‐ 1 ‐ 

 

‐ 2 ‐ 

 

Tarut Island: The Geography, History, Antiquities,

Landmarks, and Social Life

By:

Murtadha AlRuwaie

 

Editor:

Daniel Freeman

 

August 03, 2007

 

‐ 3 ‐ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright © 2007 

  All  rights  reserved. Granted  to  copy  and distribute this treatise. Viewers are allowed to  take  any  quotation  from  the  treatise from this source. 

 

‐ 4 ‐ 

 

Introduction 7

Chapter 1 Geography 9

Location 10

Towns and Villages 11

Population and Area 11

Climate 12

Chapter 2 History 13

The Correct Name 15

Civilizations and countries 16

The Ethnicity of its People 17

Chapter 3 Antiquities 19

Antiquities of Island 20

Discovery of Antiquities 21

The Famous Discovered Statue 22

Unknown Fate Statue 23

Chapter 4 Landmarks 24

Section 1 Archaeological Features 25

First Archaeological Features in Deerah Town 25

Contents

‐ 5 ‐ 

 

Deerah Town 26

Tarut Castle 27

Ein Al-Awda 28

Pasha Bath 29

Donkeys Bath 29

Second Archaeological Features in other Parts of

Deerah Town 30

Al-Khoder Mosque alrobaieyah town 30

Mohammed Abdelwahab Castle 30

Section 2 Dareen Port and Beach 31

Section 3 Fish Market in Tarut town 32

Section 3 Farms 33

Section 4 The Traveling Markets 34

Chapter 5 Social Life 35

Section 1 Social Behavior 36

The Treatment of Women 37

Section 2 Religious and Traditional Celebrations 38

First Religious Holy Days 38

Eid ul-Fitr 38

Eid ul-Adha 39

Mawlid days 39

‐ 6 ‐ 

 

Second Happiness Festivals 40

Festival Alkerkiaan 40

Festival Aldokhalah 41

Section 3 Mourning Holy Days 42

Death of Islamic Leaders 42

Grieving for the Dead 43

Section 4 Wedding 44

Conclusion 52

Works cited 53

 

 

Introduction

Through the ages, since the start of creation and the

presence of human beings on earth, people have tried to find the

best way to live by observing the world around them and trying

to organize society. How to find food was the first step for man.

He usually traveled from place to place (a nomad) trying to find

food so that he could settle down. When he settled and started

community organization, he made rules and systems, which

produced customs and culture. The first system was a family

system that evolved into tribes as community. As tribes began to

expand, the need for a government system was apparent. During

this period, civilizations began to form where peoples from many

countries were colonized and transformed into huge empires. The

world was divided between settled lands, colonies for empires, or

land that was waiting for people to settle on it. Knowing this past

will help you understand about Tarut Island and reading about it

will be more enjoyable, wonderful, diversified and useful to you

as you learn about my hometown.

Tarut is a historic small island, which is located in the

Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia on the Persian Gulf and it has ‐ 7 ‐ 

 

‐ 8 ‐ 

 

survived for thousands of years. Tarut Island passed through

several civilizations and was part of many empires and nations.

Many of its antiquities are still being discovered. In addition, its

castle, Tarut Castle, has survived and was built on the rubbles of

past structures from an event five thousand years ago. Its port,

Dareen Port, was a trade center between India, China, and

Africa's eastern coast. In conclusion, we will remember about the

Tarut people's social life, which is similar to other communities in

the Arabian Gulf. The Shiite religion, Gulf culture and Saudi

customs have heavily influenced Tarut Island's social life

Chapter   

1  

 

 

Geography  

 

 

 ‐ 9 ‐ 

 

Chapter 1  Geography

Location

Tarut is a historic island. It is the second longest island in the

Persian Gulf – the Arabian Gulf – after the Kingdom of Bahrain which is

the biggest island in the Gulf. Tarut is located in a quiet corner six

kilometers or 3.72 miles from the coast of the Arabian Gulf at the latitude

of 26° north and a longitude of 50° east, approximately, and in the Eastern

Province of Saudi Arabia. It extends from Ras Tanura in the north to

Qatif in the west. It also is connected to Qatif by two causeways.  

‐ 10 ‐ 

 

Towns and Villages

The island includes many smaller towns and villages such as Tarut

town, Sanabes, Darren, Robaieyah, Alzour, Turkeya, Almhaddoud, and

Almazora. Tarut, the largest town, includes the districts of Deerah,

Aldshah, Alouqaf, Aredh Aljabl, Alvseel, Alhuwami, Furiq Al-ahktarash,

etc.).

Population and Area

As of 1992, the total population of the island was 38,055; it has

4,440 houses. The area of the island is 70 square kilometers. It is in a ‐ 11 ‐ 

 

geologically stable location. History has not recorded any serious

earthquakes on the island. The area has groundwater at a depth of 1 to 2

meters under the surface of the Earth.

Climate

The Island's climate is like other Saudi Arabian cities. Tarut retains

its warm temperature throughout winter, during which it gets around

+15C (59F) at midnight to +25C (77F) in the afternoon. Summer

temperatures are considerably hotter, breaking the +40C (104F) mark in

the afternoon and +30C (86F) in the evening. Since the island is near the

Arabic coast, the humidity is very high, sometimes reaching 96%

humidity. Rainfall on the island is rare, but when it does rain, it is usually

in December.

‐ 12 ‐ 

 

Chapter   

2  

 

 

History  

 

‐ 13 ‐ 

 

 

Chapter 2  History

 

If you look into the rich history of Eastern Saudi Arabia, you will

discover a small island in the Persian Gulf. The present time has

forgotten it and its treasures need to be dusted off. When you are walking

in its old villages, you will see adjoining houses that are built from mud

and stone with narrow alleyways too. Their present is in the distant past.

When looking at the houses you can still see the remnants of many

generations. This island is Tarut.

‐ 14 ‐ 

 

‐ 15 ‐ 

 

Understanding the Name

By: Ibrahim Hapop

Tarut or Tarout means goodness and beauty in the Semitic

languages. Historians differ on the correct name for it. The name

variations include "TARO", "THARRO" or "TWARO" in Greek literature,

including the famous "Ptolemy’s Geography". Additionally, the town’s

name is recorded as "TARU" in historical Chinese texts and "Ishtarut" in

Arabic history. Today, however, most of the new researchers argue that

the correct name is "Ishtarut". The Canaanites and Phoenicians, who

originally lived there, idolized the beauty of the town and called it

Ishtarut. The term, Ishtarut, is also very similar to the new name Tarut

without the first syllable.

‐ 16 ‐ 

 

Civilizations and Countries

Scene from 300

We cannot separate the history of Tarut Island from the Eastern

Arabian Peninsula's history. Tarut Island has survived for thousands of

years and its antiquities prove that it was inhabited since the Stone Age,

approximately 5000 B.C. Many civilizations on the island of Tarut have

come and gone. Sometimes, even as parts of larger empires and nations.

Some of them were before Christ, such as the Dilmun people, the

Akkadian civilization, the Assyrian civilization, and the Persian Empire.

Others were after Christ such as the Persian Empire, the Islamic

civilization, the Portuguese colony, and the Ottoman Empire. Now, Tarut

Island belongs to Qatif city in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. It has

been a place of economic migration because of its important strategic

location and a trade center between countries such as India, Pakistan, and

Bangladesh, the Arabian Peninsula, and Iraq. In addition, it has many

natural resou e farms. rces, including pearl fisheries and dat

The Ethnicity of its People

"Neopolitan Arms" by cushdy

Tarut island was strategically estabilshed as a connector between

the East and the West. It was a place for merchants from all nations and

races to meet throughout history. The major questions about Tarut

Island's history include: Who were the original natives? Who immigrated

to the island? Did they leave valuable artifacts? The answers to these

questions are an enigma for archaeologists and historians. They have not

discovered any satisfactory answers but hope that they are revealed to

them in the future. Archaeologists have discovered old artifacts dating

back to the Stone Age and Bronze Age. But they have not been able to

determine which people left them and where they came from. They can

only designate artifacts by their age. The genetic origins of Tarut's people

contain a mix of different races: Mongol, Caucasian, and Negro who

intermarried throughout history. Some of them have white skin, some

‐ 17 ‐ 

 

‐ 18 ‐ 

 

three races, migrated to the

Eastern Arabian Peninsula from the North.

have dark skin, some have curly hair, some have straight, some even have

different hair colors, different eye colors, different beard thicknesses, etc.

These Semitic peoples, who are a mix of

The first Semites to settle on Tarut Island were the Phoenicians,

who descended from the Canaanites. They later migrated to the

Mediterranean coast. Historical records show that the Persians forced

groups of Roman prisoners to live on the Gulf Coast and in southern Iraq.

The main Arabic tribes who survived on the Eastern Arabian Peninsula

rist are the Abdel Al-Qays, the Kebe, the Iyad, the Abu Kion. before Ch

‐ 19 ‐ 

 

hap   

 

C ter

3

 

By: Mohammed Al‐Mosally 

Artifacts 

 

 

 

‐ 20 ‐ 

 

 

 

Artifacts unlock civilizations and the development of humanity

throughout history. Antiquities preserve characteristics of a nation and

distinguish it from others. This science examines the material remnants

of ancient civilizations, objects large and small, engraved and written.

Antiquities of Island

Tarout Island is like any old place of civilization. It has many

antiquities. Some of its artifacts have been discovered, while others

remain hidden. Once discovered, the antiquities are taken to large

museums in many regions. We can see the island's antiquities in the

Riyadh National Museum, and the Regional Museum of Dammam. If

Chapter 3  Artifacts

someone discovers antiquities hidden on their land, they tell no one for

‐ 21 ‐ 

 

n rare cases, people may destroy

artifacts not realizing their importance.

fear their land may possibly be confiscated. However, some people will

steal antiquities to keep for themselves. I

All of the island's antiquities were thought not to have been made

on the island. Some of them came from other places. The antiquities came

to the island because of Tarut Island's strategic location as a trade route.

Discovery of Antiquities

Discoveries of Antiquities on Tarut Island are rare today. The

famous discovery on Tarut Island was in 1968 by the Danish Mission

which found broken pottery dating to 4500 B.C and others to 3000 B.C.

The last discovery was in 1993 on the Hill of Rafeeah. From time to time,

Tarut's people have accidentally discovered deposits of antiquities. For

example, some automobile repair shop owners were renovating their

workshop and they found tombs dating back to 2000 BC. Another

‐ 22 ‐ 

 

y stories like these of how antiquities were discovered on

arut Islan

example is of a farmer who discovered precious stones and jars when he

was working on his farm. A third example was in 1959. when a janitor

was cleaning in a street, he discovered rocks engraved with the Sheba

language. In 1962, a municipality of Qatif discovered pottery metal

utensils and a stone statue dating back to the Stone Age. When the

government needed sand to build a bridge connecting Qatif and Tarut

Island, they took the sand from the Hill of Rafeeah. In 1980, a company

wanted to extend water pipes and found an old jar that had silver coins.

There are man

d. T

The Famous Discovered Statue

 Photograph of Khadem Abid, p.323, Art of the first cities

This famous discovered statue is Statue Tarut or “Khadem Abid.” It

is in the Riyadh National Museum. It is sculpted from limestone harsh

stony of color. Its height is 94 cm. It looks like a 40 year old man, with a

naked body, showing his genital, in statues of prayer and reverence. It is

‐ 23 ‐ 

 

as from

there. This is not the only statue discovered but there are others.

like Sumer statues which are found in Mesopotamia and they have the

same age. It is thought to be from there or its sculptor originally w

Unknown Fate Statue

The unknown Fate Statue is a statue of a girl that dates to Ancient

Greek civilization. Its height is approximately a meter without its head. It

is a female, chubby body wearing shoes, and made from limestone. The

sculpting is beautifully well done. Moreover, it is affixed on a base.

Archeologists deduce from its size and appearance that the statue was

exhibited in a public place such as main entrance gate or field. The story

of its discovery is interesting: after it was discovered on Tarut Island, the

municipal administration of Qatif city buried it with other antiquities in

Alaiyashi farm. Peter B. Cornwall, who specializes in Dilmun civilization,

the girl statue in 1940. Today, the statue's fate is unknown. extracted

Chapter

‐ 24 ‐ 

 

  

 

 4

 

By: Abdeladhim Al‐Dhamen 

Landmarks  

‐ 25 ‐ 

 

 

 

When the sun rises every day Tarut island becomes a day older.

Surrounding countries look at Tarut Island as a monument and the

people of Tarut Island take pride in this. It has survived since 5000 BC,

and is recorded deep in history as an important land. It has connections

with the world though political and business relationships. Control

passed from civilization to civilization and was part of many empires and

countries. It has many archaeological features. Almost all of them have

been destroyed and are gone because of neglect and urbanization. Others

wasted away and became rubbish areas. A few of them were lucky and

were preserved. That is Tarut Island's current problem. Through this

section, I will talk about the famous archaeological features on the island.

Section 1  Archaeological Features

‐ 26 ‐ 

 

First:  Archaeological Features in  Deerah Town

Deerah Town

Deerah town or Dayra is the oldest town on Tarut Island and the

highest town because of the buildings that have been built on top of each

other since 5000 B.C. Its houses are considered to be heritage buildings of

the Arabic Gulf. Unfortunately almost all of the houses are destroyed and

are gone because of neglect and urbanization. Many of the homes house

poor people still today. Anyone can reach it them easily from inside the

city. Neighboring cities are connected by new roads. Those who visit this

ancient town should not forget to carry their camera to take photos and

shouldn’t hesitate to t habitants who hurry in offering

help and tourism guidance to those who visit their island.

alk to the kind in

Tarut Castle

Tarut Castle is the most famous castle in the Eastern Province of

Saudi Arabia and the oldest castle in the Persian Gulf. Tarut castle was

built on the ruins of an event 5 thousand years before. It was built in the

center of Tarut Island in Ishtarut near a waterhole known as Al-Awda

from the sixteenth century. Later, a fence was built around both. It is

located on the beautiful main streets of the island, near shops and main

services. Even now it is fighting nature’s effects, age, and negligence in

order to remain an important emblem of antiquities and heritage not only

in our valuable country but worldwide. On the towers of the castle, the

viewer can see most of the island -- its shores and gardens from every

direction. You can see where the blue of the sky meets the blueness of

he sea and the greenn

t ess of the land.

‐ 27 ‐ 

 

Ein Al-Awda

Ein Al-Awda or Al-Aoudeh waterhole is considered to be one of

the oldest springheads in the Qatif oasis. It is located east of Tarut Castle.

It has been extinct for 4000 years according to what T. Geoffrey Bibby

said in his book "Looking For Dilmun" T. Geoffrey Bibby, who is a British

archaeologist, was in charge of the Danish mission which searched for

antiquities in the region. It was full of little fish and some tortoises and

frogs. Tarut's women washed their family's clothes and pots in it and

swam in it. Years later, boys would swim in it. Now, it has dried up and is

closed.

‐ 28 ‐ 

 

Pasha Bath

This bath was constructed between Ein Al-aoudeh and Donkeys'

Bath. Its history dates back to the Portuguese colony that built it in 1544.

During World War II the Ottoman Empire used the bath; later Tourists

‐ 29 ‐ 

 

would use it. Pasha B 1996 and there are no remains. ath was destroyed in

Donkeys Bath

Donkeys Bath was located at the beginning of Deerah Town. It was

at the end of the for Ein Al-Awda channel. Tourists would wash their

donkeys since donkeys were the main transportation on Tarut Island

before cars. It was destroyed in 1996 and there are no remains.

Second:  Archaeological Features in  other parts of Deerah Town

Al-Khoder Mosque is in Robaieyah Town

Al-Khoder Mosque is between a triangle of main towns (Tarut,

Sanabes, and Darren) in the south for Robaieyah town. it is over hill

rubble near the sea. Al-Khoder was a pious person, his name is

mentioned in the Quran. Historians and researchers differ on the reason

why this mosque is called Al-Khoder. The mosque was built far away

from towns. It was the pilgrimage place for Nestorius Christens and was

prevalent in the regain. Religious celebrations were held here.

Mohammed Abdelwahab Castle

Sheikh Mohammed Abdelwahab, who is one of the famous pearl

traders in the Persian Gulf, built a castle in 1885. The castle was a place

for meeting, hospitality, and foreign traders. Also it is in ruins now.

‐ 30 ‐ 

 

‐ 31 ‐ 

 

 

Section 2  Dareen Port and Beach

Dareen town is located in the southwestern coast of Tarut Island.

Its ports are famous and date back to the Greek age. It was a trade center

between Arabian Peninsula, India, China, and Africa's eastern coast.

Indian ships carried goods such as musk, perfumes, textiles, spices,

precious stones, ivory and wood. Silk textiles came from China. Ivory

came from Africa's eastern coasts. In the 1880s, Dareen Port became the

most famous port in the Persian Gulf. The extraction of pearls made this

port famous in the 1880s. Some traders settled in the Persian Gulf because

of the pearl market. Now, Dareen Port is mostly used by fishermen who

export fish to neighboring cities.

Section 3  Fish Market in Tarut town

If you would like to buy fresh seafood such as fish, shrimp, lobster,

scallops, crabs, etc. you had better visit the fish market in Tarut town.

There is a variety of fresh fish in Tarut's fish markets.

‐ 32 ‐ 

 

‐ 33 ‐ 

 

 

Section 4  Farms

 

By: Mohammed Al‐Mosally 

 

Almost all of Tarut Island's area is filled with palm trees and date

trees, because Tarut has fertile ground. In the 1990s, a lot of palm trees

were cut and removed from many farms because of urbanization.

Centuries ago, farms were the second most popular occupation after

fishing. Due to urbanization, trees on the Island were cut down and only

farms have trees today. Now, farms can be rented as a place to vacation

and relax on the weekend and on holidays. The farm includes a large

house to stay in, a swimming pool, and farm animals that stay in barns

and pastures.

Section 5  The Traveling Markets 

 

Travelling Market on Thursday in Qatif city

On most weekdays on Tarout Island there are traveling markets

that move from town to town. You can buy a variety of new products

that you would want (groceries, utensils, clothes, books, etc.). You

negotiate a price that you are willing to pay.

The Traveling Markets and their locations: 

- Sunday market is in the neighborhood of Alhawwami and Alvesel in Tarut town.

- Monday market is in Sanabis.

- Tuesday market is in the neighborhood of Alenjimh in Tarut town.

- Wednesday market is in Alrobaieyah.

‐ 34 ‐ 

 

Chapter   

5  

 

 

By: Ali Al‐Mohsin, Festival Aldokhalah 2007 

Social Life  

 

‐ 35 ‐ 

 

Section 1  Social Behavior 

Social life is considered to be the community's identity or the way

it is organized on the basis of history, culture, religion, and economics. In

addition, social life is affected by geographical regions and intermixing

with foreigners. Therefore, one region will have a different social life

than another. The Tarut people's social life is similar to other peoples in

the Persian Gulf . Furthermore, the social life has Shiite (religious), Gulf

culture (culture) and Saudi (customs) influence. This section will talk

about important aspects of Tarut's social life.

Social Behavior

There are many kinds of social behavior on Tarut Island. One

important behavior is obedience to one's parents and to comply with

authority, whether the authority is right or wrong. Another example is

respect for the elderly, such as taking their advice and not interrupting

them but instead listening to them and never eating before them. The

most prominent manifestations of social life appear in the exchange of

greetings with acquaintances or strangers when walking down the road,

visiting relatives, helping a person in need whether material help, moral

advice, and providing advice when one sees something wrong in the

community. ‐ 36 ‐ 

 

The Treatment of Women

The treatment of women is a mix between the teachings of Islam

and the old customs of the Arabian Peninsula. For example, men cannot

say their mother's or sister's names in public although Islam does not

forbid it. Another example is that women cover their faces in public

although Islam does not forbid showing the women faces.

Woman usually stayed at home as a housewife and did not leave

the house. She raised her children and did tasks at home. She had to ask

permission from her husband if she wanted to go out. A man worked to

provide for his family and bought all that his house needed. Now, women

can work as men do and are not restricted to the home. Women are now

working outside their homes, shopping in public, and can go out in public

easier. Children are raised by a nanny or a grandmother.

‐ 37 ‐ 

 

‐ 38 ‐ 

 

Section 2  Religious and Traditional Celebrations 

First:  Religious Holy Days 

Tarut Island has many holy days that are rooted in happy and sad

history because its people are from Shi‘ite Islam.

Eid ul-Fitr

Eid ul-Fitr is an Islamic holiday that marks the end of the fasting

month of Ramadan. It is the first day after the fasting month of Ramadan.

In the morning of Eid, people go to a mosque to pray the Eid prayer.

Before one prays, he will give Zakat al Fitr, which is an alms for the

month of Ramadan. This gift equates to about 2 kg of a basic foodstuff

(such as wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc.), or its cash equivalent. "Blessed

Eid" or "Happy Eid" is a common greeting during this holiday. Moreover,

children wear new clothing to celebrate. Also, parents give gifts or

money to their children.

Eid ul-Adha

This day is a commemoration of Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness

to sacrifice his son Ismael for Allah. In addition, it is three days long and

starts on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja. This is the day after the

pilgrims (during Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by

Muslims worldwide) descend from Mount Arafat.

Mawlid Days

Shi'a has many Mawlid days, the birth of Islamic leaders, for

example, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad is on the 17th of Rabi'-ul-

Awwal, coinciding with the birthdate of the sixth Imam, Ja'far al-Sadiq.

Also, the birth of the Imam Ali is on thirteenth of Rajab month.

‐ 39 ‐ 

 

‐ 40 ‐ 

 

Second:  Happiness of  Traditional Festivals 

Festival Alkerkiaan

By: Yousef Masoud, 2006 

 

Festival Alkerkiaan is the most famous traditional Festival in the

Eastern Arabian Peninsula. It is occurs twice a year. The first time is on

night of the 14th of Shaaban on the lunar Islamic calendar. The second

time is on the night of the 14th of Ramadan. Streets and alleys of the

Island are decorated during the Festival Alkerkiaan. Children carry bags

and enter houses in order to fill the bag with peanuts, nuts, and candy.

Youths drive their vehicles about towns to get peanuts, a meal, or gifts.

Festival Aldokhalah

 It is a cultural tradition and heritage festival occurring only for the

people of Tarut Island. It is three days long and starts during Eid ul-Adha.

The Festival comes from the tradition long ago, that when a family

member would go to Mecca (Hajj), the mother would plant barley in an

aldokhalah or bamboo basket and give to their children in order to

remember the absent pilgrim. About six days later, on Eid ul-Adha, the

children would throw the aldokhalah in the sea and sing "Habibie Gaeb

Mecca" which means "My dear one is in Mecca."

 

Some of the Festival events include visiting heritage exhibitions,

cultural competitions, playing games, drawing pictures, comedic drama,

throwing Aldokhalah in the sea, meeting with comical artists, and prize

drawings. ‐ 41 ‐ 

 

Section 3  Mourning Holy Days 

Death of Islamic Leaders

 

  

The mourning days commemorate the deaths of Islamic leaders.

Every shop is closed and people wear black clothes. Women remove any

kind of decoration from their wardrobe such as jewelry and clothes with

color. Moreover, weddings and engagement parties do not occur during

these days. The Day of Ashura is the most famous mourning holy day for

Shia. It celebrates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the

Islamic prophet Muhammad at the Massacre of Karbala in the year

680AD when Imam Husayn was martyred with his household and fellow

prophets of Islam. ‐ 42 ‐ 

 

Grieving for the Dead

 

When a relative dies, his family meets; the men meet for three days

and the women for five days. The deceased's family does not celebrate

any happiness holy days for one year from the date of the relative's death.

‐ 43 ‐ 

 

‐ 44 ‐ 

 

Section 4  Wedding 

If you ask any girl, "What is your dream?" she will say, "My dream

is to have a beautiful wedding!" If you ask any boy, "What do you think

of marriage?" he will say, "It is my life goal!" Some people consider

marriage to be a heavy responsibility although marriage is a system of

honor. A system of honor means that marriage keeps people from

behaving promiscuously. Also, marriage provides mental and emotional

stability and it produces children who will later work in the economy

and help the country grow. Wedding ceremonies differ from place to

place because of different religions and cultures. In this essay, I will talk

about how dating works such as how to choose a girl, what the

‐ 45 ‐ 

 

engagement is like, what are the factors that define the wedding's timing,

and the wedding itself.

The first step for planning a marriage is choosing a wife. Maybe

foreigners think that it is complicated in the Saudi community because

Saudi boys cannot see the face of other girls; however, sometimes a girl

may remove her head covering without realizing that a boy is present.

Foreigners think that it must be difficult to choose a wife since he cannot

see her face, but to a Saudi man, this is simply a part of the culture. If a

Saudi boy would like to get married, he tells his parents. His mother then

asks him, "Do you have a girl or a family in mind?" If he has no girl in

mind, then she will ask, "Describe to me the type of girl you are looking

for." However, some young men know who they will marry due to their

parents telling them as children that they will marry a certain girl. This is

called an arranged marriage. Most sons usually agree because he has lived

with this girl since they were both children. If, however, the son does not

accept his parents' choice, then his mother and sisters will search for

another girl. The most important thing for the parents to do is to research

a girl's family reputation. Does the family have a good reputation and

good behavior? The mother and sisters then ask the community about the

reputation of the family. While this is happening, the mother of the girl

being sought after is taught by her mother how she should behave in

order to receive a good report. For example, if she is a bad wife, she may

try to convince her husband that his mother is bad and cause the husband

‐ 46 ‐ 

 

to hate his mother. If this happens the community will shun the

newlyweds because hating ones mother is against Islam and custom.

Some families who are wealthy may only consider the wealth of the

other family. If his family is rich, then they will only choose a woman

whose family is also rich. After looking at the girl's family, the mother

and sisters will observe the girl's behavior. If his mother likes the girl,

then she discusses her choice with her husband. Usually, the father

knows the family because the community is small. Later, the parents

describe the girl's family and her beauty to their son. If the son does not

like what he hears, then his mother searches again.

When the son finally agrees upon the girl that his mother has

chosen, his mother and sisters go to the girl and her mother. At this time,

they talk with them in order to obtain information about her to tell the

son. After the son decides that he definitely wants to marry this girl, then

the mother and sisters will go to the girl and tell her that her son wants

to marry her. After that, the girl's mother tells the boy's family that she

needs time (a week or more) to ask her daughter about whether she is

ready to marry and also to gather information about the boy and his

family. After the allotted time, the girl's family will give an answer on

whether they agree on the engagement or not. If they agree, the boy and

girl go to the hospital to take a premarital genetic screening. If the results

of the screening are good, meaning that they are not close relatives, then

‐ 47 ‐ 

 

the engagement time begins. During this time, the engagement is a secret

between both of the families in order to protect the girl's reputation.

After the screening, both the boy and girl's families meet to know

what the girl's family requirements are. This is called mahr or dowry

which comes in the form of money. It is obligatory in Islam and is given

by the groom to the bride upon marriage in Islamic countries. The mahr

in Tarut Island is anywhere between 6,000 and 8,000 US dollars. In

addition, they decide how much money to give the girl for new clothes

and jewelry, usually around 1,500 US dollars. Some questions asked

during this time are: "When will the engagement begin?", "Where will

the wedding be?", "Where will the girl live?", etc. During the

engagement, the groom, his father, and the religious sheikh who will

marry them, come to the bride's house to listen to the agreement

between the bride and groom and to write a contract of agreement. Her

family will attend the meeting to show their approval and two male

witnesses will sign the contract. The groom's family will then give the

mahr in a beautiful box with a small Quran. After that, the sheikh takes

the letter to court to notarize the contract. Next, the groom's family

gives the bride's family approximately 16 kg of fish to distribute to their

relatives and neighbors and to make a declaration of the engagement

between the families. After that, the bride's family and the groom's

family prepare a large party in the bride's home and invite their relatives,

neighbors, and best friends. Most of the costs such as cake, drinks, and

‐ 48 ‐ 

 

almonds are paid for by the groom's family. During the party, the groom

stays with his bride. He feeds her cake, gives her juice to drink, and

places a ring on her finger. He also puts other jewelry on her (such as a

necklace, bracelet, etc.).

"Lailat Ghasalh," or "Night Washer" is a custom that has almost

vanished from Tarut Island. During "Lailat Ghasalh," the bride and her

friends would go swimming in a springhead or pool before sunset. During

this time, her friends would sing to her, congratulate her, and wash her

so that she is completely clean. Then they would come to the bride's

house to sing to her. Long ago, in the groom's house, the groom sat on a

chair around his friends who would sing to him and the barber would cut

his hair and beard. Today, "Lailat Ghasalh" has changed dramatically. The

bride takes a shower in her house, then goes to the hairdresser. The

groom goes to the barber shop, and after that, he and his friends go to

swim in a springhead or pool and his friends sing to him while they wash

him.

The night of Privet or henna, is usually two days before the

wedding. A woman who applies the privet (henna tattoo) comes to the

bride's house to embellish her hands and feet. During this time, her

friends and relatives sing to her.

In the past, invitations to the wedding were given by a relative or

family friend who would go throughout the neighborhoods. Also, the

‐ 49 ‐ 

 

bride's family would send a relative or family friend throughout the

neighborhoods to invite the community to the wedding. Today, families

or the bride and groom use invitation cards. Only a few families make a

general invitation in which everyone is invited.

On the day of the wedding, during the afternoon, the groom's

family prepares a lunch for family and close friends. Wedding ceremonies

occur at night and usually on the weekend, which in Saudi Arabia is

Wednesday and Thursday night. The wedding is held in at least two

locations: one location is for the men from both families to celebrate; the

second is for the women from both families to celebrate, however, some

families will split the women from the bride's family from the women

from the groom's family and celebrate at different locations. The men

from both families celebrate the wedding in a husseinieh, which is a

building where Shiites go to hear about Shiite history and seek advice or

the families will rent a wedding hall. Finally at night, the bride wears a

white wedding dress and goes to a hairdresser, then goes to a

photography studio to take pictures. The professional photographer, who

is a woman, accompanies the bride throughout the night taking photos

and making a film of the ceremony. After going to the studio, the bride

then goes to the wedding hall where the women are waiting for her. The

women's celebration will rent singers and dancers to entertain the guests

and is much more exciting and livelier than the men's celebration. When

she enters, the emcee welcomes her and announces her to the female

‐ 50 ‐ 

 

guests. The dinner is usually a buffet, but sometimes an Arabic meal is

given to the guests when they arrive. During the men's celebration,

guests eat a large dinner without the groom, usually a big dish of rice

with a piece of mutton or beef, called Eich Alamaaris. Also, soda and fruit

(such as bananas and oranges) is eaten by the guests. Some poorer families

will not have a meal but only give cake to the guests. After dinner,

someone will sing a religious song and read a story of the birth of an

Islamic leader. While the men are singing, the groom with his brother(s)

and best friend will arrive at the husseinieh by a grandiose car such as a

BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz. When he enters the door of the

husseinieh, everyone stands up and shouts "Allahoma Sali ali Mohammad

wa ala Muhammad" that means, "All praise be to Allah alone, and His

peace and blessings be upon His messenger and bondman our Prophet

Muhammad, his family. All the guests congratulate the groom, shake his

hand, and kiss both of his cheeks. They also shake his family's hands and

his best friend's hand. Later on, the groom's relatives and some of the

guests will accompany the groom on foot and sing religious songs on their

way to the mosque to pray. After praying, they will walk back to their

cars and drive around town and honk their horns. Then, they accompany

the groom to his apartment where his bride will be waiting for him. After

that, they will leave. His family has already brought a meal for him and

his wife to eat since they have not eaten because of their busy schedules

all day.

‐ 51 ‐ 

 

The next night, many people will go to the groom's home to say

congratulations again to the groom and his family and to eat some cake.

The bride usually goes with her mother-in-law to meet her new family

and family friends (all females). Also, many people will go to the bride's

home to say congratulations again to the bride's family.

In conclusion, the wedding ceremonies differ from city to city

because of different religions and cultures. The wedding process on Tarut

Island is a mix between religion and culture that start with choosing an

honest wife, then engagement, and later the wedding ceremony.

Weddings on Tarut Island seem very expensive, but the people of Tarut

hope to reduce the costs in order for people to be able to get married

early. Also, I hope that the customs involved in weddings on Tarut Island

are not lost as many weddings today appear to be like those in Western

culture.

Conclusion

The historic small island of Tarut, located in the Eastern Province of

Saudi Arabia on the Persian Gulf, has survived for thousands of years. It

has survived many larger empires and countries such as Dilmun, the

Persian Empire, the Islamic civilization, and the Portuguese colony. The

Island's location was strategically commercial as the connector between

India and the Arabian Peninsula. Though it is small in size, it is large in

its history and invaluable in the hearts of historians and its people. Tarut

Island has many treasures of human civilizations from antiquity. Some of

its artifacts have been discovered (like Khadem Abid), while others

remain hidden, and others have been destroyed. In addition, this island

has many archaeological features. Some of them still exist and others

were sadly removed because of urbanization. In addition, the island has

many landmarks such as Dareen Port, the fish market, and the traveling

markets. The Tarut people's social life has Shiite (religious), Gulf (culture)

and Saudi (customs) influence. It has religious and traditional

celebrations as well. On the other hand, it has mourning holy days. In

the end, Tarut Island is ingrained with past life and present life in the

landmarks and the customs of its people.

‐ 52 ‐ 

 

Works cited

- Bibby, Geoffrey. Looking for Dilmun. New York: Knopf, 1956.

- Aruz, Joan. Art of the First Cities: The Third Millennium B.C. from the Mediterranean to the Indus. New York. 2003

- Abdulmohsen, Abdullah. Min Torath Jazeera Tarut. 1986.

- Al-Darorah, Ali. Min Tarikh Jazeera Tarut.

‐ 53 ‐