The Historical Jeddah is divided into four main Harat or districts: Harat al-Sham (The Levantine District), which occupies the northern part of the city in the direction of the Levant; Harat al-Yemen (Yemeni District), which occupies the southern part of the city in the direction of Yemen; Harat al-Mazloum (District of the Wronged), whose name's origin was a subject of debate among historians seeing the presence of the port facilities, including al-Karantinah, the location of the boat scaffolding and quarantine doctor's office, and al-Bunt, which includes the Sambuk berth and customs yards and warehouses; and Harat al-Bahr (Seafront District), located on the western edge of the Yemeni District and named for its close association with maritime activities before the construction of the waterfront in its current location south of the old port. In each district, there was a mayor known as the Sheikh of the District, who was responsible for the district's public affairs.