Could Sultan Abdulhamid’s Hejaz Railway revive Ottoman heritage in Syria?

The Hejaz Railway, constructed between 1900 and 1908 under the orders of Sultan Abdulhamid II, was one of the most significant railway projects in the Ottoman Empire.

The line connecting Damascus and Medina was a vital piece of infrastructure that had a profound impact on the region.

TRT Haber, the official news channel of Türkiye, recently documented the Hejaz Railway’s historic starting point, the Damascus Train Station, highlighting its importance to the region’s history.

Visionary sultan who transformed the empire

During his 33 years on the throne, Sultan Abdulhamid II managed to transform a crumbling empire into a formidable power, with the Hejaz Railway being one of his most ambitious projects. Before this, the first railway in the Ottoman territories was the Alexandria-Cairo line, constructed with British backing and the support of the Egyptian governor. This was followed by the construction of railway lines across Anatolia and Rumelia.

However, it was the Hejaz Railway that stood out in terms of its length, military, political, and economic potential. The project aimed to facilitate easier access to the Hajj pilgrimage and boost trade across the region.

Strategic and religious imperative

Sultan Abdulhamid II, not only the Ottoman Sultan but also the Islamic Caliph, attached great importance to the Hejaz region. The railway project was designed not only to strengthen his power but also to enhance the unity of the Muslim world.

The completion of the railway would enable more Muslims to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in less time and with greater ease.

Besides its religious significance, the project was also seen as crucial for military logistics.

It was believed to enhance the swift transportation of troops and resources, further solidifying Ottoman control over the region.

Furthermore, the railway would stimulate local economies and industries, contributing to the growth of the Ottoman Empire.

Hejaz Railway Project: Monument to national pride

Role of the Ottoman’s High Commission

On May 2, 1900, a key decision was made to establish the High Comission in Istanbul. This commission, directly overseen by the Sultan, was tasked with managing the construction of the Hejaz Railway. It was responsible for the procurement of materials such as rails, locomotives, cement, and other essential supplies.

The commission also handled the appointment of engineers, officials and the payment of workers. Additional commissions were set up in cities such as Damascus, Beirut, and Haifa.

Building process: An engineering marvel

Construction of the Hejaz Railway began on September 1, 1900, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdülhamid II’s reign. The track gauge was set at 1 meter and 5 centimeters. The first section, between Muzayrib and Daraa, was completed on September 1, 1901, followed by the Daraa-Zarqa section on September 1, 1902. By November 17, 1902, the Zerqa-Amman section was completed. By 1903, the railway had reached Ma’an, and by September 1906, the track extended over 800 kilometers, connecting Damascus with the Hejaz region.

By September 1908, the railway stretched for a total of 1,464 kilometers, with a cost exceeding 3 million Ottoman lira.

Fundraising efforts for the project

Fundraising for the Hejaz Railway was not limited to within the Ottoman Empire. Diplomatic missions across the globe, particularly in Muslim-majority countries, contributed to the project.

Countries like Egypt, Morocco, Russia, China, Java and Sumatra provided donations to the railway’s construction. Sultan Abdulhamid II personally initiated a fundraising campaign, contributing 50,000 lira to the project.

High-ranking officials, religious leaders, bureaucrats, and businessmen also made significant contributions. Approximately one-third of the railway’s total cost was covered by donations from both domestic and international sources.

Challenges and military strategic importance

Although the 450-kilometer stretch between Medina and Mecca could not be completed due to Bedouin attacks and the political machinations of imperialist powers, the railway’s greatest impact was felt in the military sphere.

Following its completion, daily trains ran between Haifa and Damascus, and weekly services connected Damascus and Medina. The construction also included 2,666 masonry bridges, seven iron bridges, nine tunnels, 96 stations, seven reservoirs, 37 water depots, two hospitals and three workshops.

Sultan Abdulhamid II’s respect for sacred sites

In the sections of the Hejaz Railway close to Medina, Sultan Abdulhamid II displayed remarkable sensitivity. Concerned that the noise from construction would disturb the spiritual essence of the Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace be upon on him) resting place, he ordered that felt be laid beneath the tracks to minimize noise. This act of reverence remains a testament to his respect for the sacred nature of the region.

Türkiye’s plans to restore the Hejaz Railway

Following the fall of the 61-year-old Baathist regime in Syria, many historic structures, including parts of the Hejaz Railway, require restoration. Türkiye has pledged to support Syria‘s reconstruction efforts.

Türkiye’s Minister of Transport, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, announced plans to restore sections of the historic Hejaz Railway. He emphasized the importance of re-establishing the railway connection between Damascus and other parts of Syria, starting with the restoration of the line between Damascus and the Hejaz region.

Prospects for connectivity: A vision for the future

Syria’s new Minister of Transport, Bahattin Sharma, also discussed the potential for restoring the train line between Aleppo and Gaziantep, which could eventually bring Istanbul and Damascus back into direct rail contact. He noted that such a connection would be a monumental achievement for the region.

The Hejaz Railway stands as a symbol of Ottoman ambition, connecting diverse regions and peoples across the empire.

Today, Türkiye’s efforts to restore and preserve this historic railway are not just about infrastructure—they represent a renewed commitment to regional connectivity and unity, harkening back to a time when the Hejaz Railway bridged the distances between people and nations.