Tarout is a small island in the Arabian Gulf, off the coast of Qatif oasis. By filling the sea in between, Tarout is now connected to Qatif by road. Tarout Island, like Qatif, is inhabited mainly by Shia Muslims.
Nearly 150 years the Portuguese ruled Arabian Gulf that lasted approximately in 1650 A.D. Portuguese was said to be ruled the island of Tarout for a short period. The remnants in the island speak of the ancient history of Tarout.
Close to the Qatif oasis, the Portuguese fort in Tarout Island was said to be built during the first quarter of 16th century. You will find very few Portuguese remnants in the Kingdom and so, as an archaeological site, this small fort becomes a good attraction for history lovers
Around 1521 AD Portuguese captured Qatif and started building forts of which Tarout fort is one of them.
Courtesy: www.splendidarabia.com