The two fortresses were built by the Portuguese in the 1580s and occupy the eastern end of the seaport of Mutla. For military purposes, the Portuguese built several fortresses on geological formations and tactical positions in the ophile hills, such as Fort Jalali, Fort Minari and Fort Matra, to monitor enemy invasions. The forts are the only link between Muscat in previous years and Muscat now, and play a pivotal role in Oman's past. These forts serve as a window into important history, which helped to build and create cultures and traditions that ultimately produced the Oman we know today.