There is no doubt that many of the cities in the world has a lot of previous civilization and artifacts and that most people like to see things from the past to imagine how people lived at that time an hear stories about these cities. In Saudi Arabia there is a city from thousand years called “Al Qatif “. Moreover, most tourists go to this city in order to see the engineering Ottoman architect or to shop at traditional markets. In addition, the city holds traditional festivals that in attract thousands of people the year around. It also embraces the largest fish market in the Middle East if not the largest in the world. Al Qatif has been an interesting city not just because its beauty, but for its admirable historical places. However, there are places disappeared, but still retains its status. People from around the world come visit Al Qatif to explore the nature, the history and the beauty of its culture.
There are many small lakes inside and surrounds Al Qatif. For example, Aldroush, Abu louza and more. The oldest lake founded 4000 years ago called “ Alaoda” which means the largest. The lake’s water is very pure, clear and very warm. Because of that, most people go there from all other places by walking or with their wagon. Moreover, some people go there for relaxing or get out of pain in their body. Actually, my mother told me when they were young after getting out of school they ran to this lake, swim there or play different games around the lake. She said those days were very enjoyable and cheerful, they had gleeful times. Unfortunately, because nobody cares for these lakes for a long time most of them are gone, their places remained only.
Castle of Tarot was built around 1515-1521 there are some arguing about who was built it. There are two theories about who is building this historical castle. The first theory, the citizen built it to protect them from Portuguese attacks. The second theory, the Portuguese built the castle to save their lives from the offense of the Turkish soldiers. Eventually, they gave it to them. Tarot’s castle played an important role in the protection of people. To clear, when an internal war broke out, a group of people hid inside the castle in order to not be seen by the enemies. The castle was a reason for these people to live. Today, Tarot’s castle is the first destination for the tourists visiting Al Qatif. In addition, this castle is also a place where photographers visit to capture amazing photos.
The most gorgeous milestone in the city, the castle of Qatif. It was the oldest palace in Qatif city and was the administrative center of Al Qatif in the past. A few years ago, it was demolished by government in order to modernize the city. It was surrounded by a great wall which is around 9 meters high and had 11 huge towers. In fact, that wall formed the first neighborhood in Qatif called “alQala’a” In addition, the literature shows that there were engraved on the stones which was built in the reign of Ottoman Sultan Salim II in the sixteenth century. However, some people say it was built much earlier. Now, nothing was left of the castle, but little pieces of history in the city center.
The last one is Thursday market, which is called “souq alkammees’. That place is a traditional street market. Featured in this market, that opens from early in the morning until noon. So far, no one knows how old this market is. However, many people visit that market from different countries, such as golf area and foreigners. Visitors to the market buy several things like products from palm frond and more. This market is characterized by simplicity and cheapness. The last year before I came to the United States, I went to Thursday market to buy traditional stuff for my friend here. I bought for her a kind of fabric made by hand to put some make up on it and other things; she was really surprised and amazed to see them
Al Qatif city is small and old, but carries a lot of history and beautiful old stories to be told for all generations. Every person who walks around in the city will feel the greatness of its history and the welcoming of its warm heated Qatifi people. Also, there are committees organized by the city to improve the tourist areas of the city; presented to the world in the most beautiful and best image.
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