Hejaz Railway

The Hejaz Railway was a historic railway line built between 1900-1916, connecting Damascus in Syria to Medina in present-day Saudi Arabia. Initiated by the Ottoman Empire, its primary purpose was to facilitate travel for Muslim pilgrims to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The 1,300-kilometer route aimed to enhance trade and military movement in the region. Despite its initial success, the railway faced challenges, including local resistance, technical difficulties, and World War I disruptions. Today, remnants of the railway highlight its significance in transportation history and its role in the broader context of Middle Eastern geopolitics.