The history of the Hejaz Railway is a very important chapter for the Muslim world. There were multiple political, religious and military objectives behind the planning and construction of this railway. During the rule of the Ottoman Empire, this railway was built from Damascus (present-day Syria) to Medina (present-day Saudi Arabia). This railway was specifically planned to facilitate the travel of pilgrims and to establish the rule of the Ottoman Empire
In 1890, Sultan Abdul Hamid II, ruler of the Ottoman Empire, planned to build the Hejaz Railway. He wanted it to unite the Muslim world, provide easy travel for pilgrims, and increase the dominance of the Ottoman Empire. Initially, it was decided to build it from Damascus to Medina. The main goal was to extend the railway to Mecca, the holy city.
The construction of the Hejaz Railway began in 1900. Therefore, the economic and military goals of the Ottoman Empire were behind the construction of the railway. Initially, there were many challenges, as the technology and infrastructure of the time had to be overcome. It was a long and difficult task, as the railway had to pass through deserts, mountains, and difficult terrain.
The Ottoman Empire financed the construction of the railway. However, various political challenges, economic crises, and wartime circumstances related to the construction of the railway disrupted the project. The construction of the railway was greatly delayed due to the war and remained almost incomplete.
During World War I, the Ottoman Empire was at war, and construction of the Hejaz Railway was halted. The war resulted in the deaths of many railway workers and the economic and military capabilities of the Ottoman Empire were severely weakened.
After the war, the project could only be completed up to Medina, where it ended. The railway could not be built up to Mecca. However, the opening of this railway up to Medina was considered a breakthrough, facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage for Muslims and providing significant convenience in transportation between Mecca and Medina.
After World War II, the condition of the Hejaz Railway began to deteriorate rapidly. After the war, the Ottoman Empire collapsed and the Hejaz Railway passed into the hands of Saudi Arabia. After the establishment of the Saudi monarchy, it could no longer carry the same importance. Most of the railways were also not properly maintained, as a result of which the railway gradually fell into disrepair.
Currently, many parts of the Hejaz Railway are still in disrepair or abandoned, but some areas are undergoing light renovation and reconstruction. In particular, some regions of Saudi Arabia are working to reestablish the historical importance of the Hejaz Railway.
In 2084, a plan to revive the Hejaz Railway is reportedly set to be implemented. The new "Hejaz Express" will run from Damascus to Medina, rebuilding the historic railway with modern technology and speed. It will be important for tourists, businessmen, and Muslims traveling for religious purposes.
Nowadays, modern communication systems have completely reduced the need for the Hejaz Railway. However, it is considered an important chapter in history. If the revival of the Hejaz Railway is realized, it will also play an important role in tourism and religious communication.
