'PERSIAN GULF AND GULF OF OMAN. RESOURCES AND COAST DEFENCES.' [‎20] (26/114)

20 PERSIAN GULF The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .— EESOURCES AND DEFENCES.
Saihat. —Saihat is a town and large port (of which no descrip
tion is available) on the coast about 4 miles N.W. of Dammara.
It is opposite the Khor Saihat, which is the approach to (1)
Dammam (S.), and (2) A1 Katif (N.N. W.).
dnich. —There is a dilapidated fort at Anich about 2^ miles
N.N.W. of Saihat. No description available.
Al Katif. —A1 Katif is a large town* on the coast about 2^
miles N.N.W. of Anich and about 35 miles N.W. of Bahrein
Harbour. It appears to be the Turkish headquarters for this
section of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. coast. Al Katif can be reached by-
boats drawing not more than 6 to 7 feet. There is plenty of
fresh water in the neighbourhood in springs, and supplies of
vegetables, &c», can be obtained. The defences are as
follows :—
{a) Large fort in the town containing the residence of the
sheikh and accommodation for the Turkish garrison.
In the N.W. corner of the fort is a citadel said to have
been built by the Portuguese. There is a minaret in
the S. part of the fort.
(Jb) Fort Tarut, on the E. side of Tarut Island, among the
date trees. The high towers show above the trees, and
are visible 10 to 11 miles.
(c) Fort Darin, a square work at the S. point of Tarut Island.
Tarut Island is about 3| miles in diameter.
The strength of the garrison is not known. In the autumn of
1902 the Zuhaf brought 350t infantry and two small guns from
Basra. The troops and guns were landed at the dilapidated fort
of Anieh. One hundred of the infantry were sent to Al Ojair,
and the two guns were despatched to El Hassa (about 70 miles
to the S. of Al Katif). Twenty-five soldiers were to be
stationed on the island of Musaiamiya and J anna, some 68 miles
N.W. of Al Katif.
Curzon's map of 1891 shows a road to Koweit from Al Katif,
and two roads to the Nejd district (but see Map 2 in Pocket).
Jnnnn mid Musaiamiya Islands. —These, two islands, some 68
miles JN.W. of Al Katif, are stated to be under the sheikh of Al
Katif and, as mentioned above, were to be held by 25 Turkish
soldiers detached from that place.
The sheikh of Koweit asserts that Musaiamiya belongs to his
territory, but his claim is believed to be untenable.
On the N. side of Janna Island is a small fort in which the
Turkish garrison would probably be quartered.
* From 5,000 to 6,000 tons of dates are exported annually during the
last quarter of the year from Al Katif and Al Ojair to Indian ports,
f According to another account, 230 men.