Ottoman Hejaz Railway Comes to Life Again

The historical Hejaz Railway in Syria, dating back to the Ottoman period, is being put back into operation after modern technologies and restoration work. During the Ottoman Empire, this railway held an important place as a route for those who wanted to go on the Hajj journey from Anatolia through Syria. It also formed a strategic connection between major cities in the region. Today, this historical line will be revived and will play an important role in transportation in the region.

History and Importance of the Hejaz Railway

The Hejaz Railway, built by Sultan Abdulhamid II between 1900 and 1908, was the most important railway in Ottoman geography. This line, which stretched between Damascus and Medina, had great religious and strategic importance. The railway was intended to be used as a means of transportation that shaped the social, economic and military life in the region.

In the Ottoman Empire, various donations were collected for the construction of the railway, and Sultan Abdulhamid II personally supported the beginning of the project by donating 50.000 lira. The railway line was initially planned to reach from Damascus to Mecca and was later planned to be extended to Aqaba, Jeddah and Yemen.

The Future of the Hejaz Railway

In the new reconstruction process of Syria, it is aimed to benefit from Turkey’s experience. In this context, the Syrian administration has taken action to rehabilitate the railways from the Ottoman period. Modern high-speed train projects and infrastructure projects such as metro lines between Damascus and Aleppo are also on the agenda. Turkey will contribute to the implementation of these projects by sharing its experience in railway projects.

Türkiye-Syria Cooperation and Transportation Projects

Turkey will make significant cooperation in railway, maritime and airport infrastructure projects for Syria. Turkey will provide support to eliminate infrastructure deficiencies, especially in Damascus and Aleppo airports. In addition, transportation from Antakya and Mersin to Latakia is planned through maritime transportation projects. These projects aim to strengthen trade relations and improve regional transportation.

The Strategic Role of the Hejaz Railway

The historical Hejaz Railway not only facilitated religious travel, but also had great importance for defense in the region. Especially with the proposal made by Osman Nuri Pasha in 1891, it was expected that the railway would become a means of defense against external attacks on Hejaz. Today, the restoration of this historical railway is considered as part of the regional strategy.

Past Challenges

After its construction, the Hejaz Railway was frequently attacked by Arab rebels and was severely damaged during World War I. With the Treaty of Sevres, the Ottoman Empire was forced to give up its rights over the railway. However, today, the restoration and re-opening of this historic railway is of great symbolic and strategic importance.

With this project, both Türkiye and Syria will make transportation in the region more efficient by re-strengthening their historical ties and geographical locations.