Turkey to Restore Sections of Historic Hejaz Railway in Syria

Turkey plans to refurbish parts of the historic Hejaz Railway in Syria, linking Turkish railways to Damascus. This endeavor, led by Transportation Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu, is part of Turkey’s broader rehabilitation efforts in Syria after years of conflict, while addressing historical challenges posed by the railway’s past during the Ottoman era. President Erdogan has directed his ministers to assess and aid Syrian infrastructure needs, following significant political changes in the country.

Turkey is set to restore portions of the historic Hejaz Railway in Syria, aiming to reestablish rail links with Damascus, as confirmed by Turkish Transportation Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu. This initiative aligns with Turkey’s efforts to assist in the reconstruction of Syria following 13 years of civil conflict. Uraloglu emphasized the importance of evaluating the current status of the railway infrastructure, which has been inactive for a substantial period. He mentioned, “We will quickly assess the situation and take steps to restore the railway connection to Damascus as a first stage.”

The Hejaz Railway, envisioned in the early 1900s, was intended to connect Istanbul with Mecca, facilitating pilgrimage and strengthening Ottoman oversight in distant regions. Despite its rapid construction funded largely by Muslim donations, the railway faced numerous challenges, including sabotage during the Arab Revolt and ultimately ceased operations due to the outbreak of World War I. Although segments of this historic railway exist, Minister Uraloglu cautioned that issues such as theft of railway tracks might pose significant obstacles to the restoration process.

Furthermore, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has instructed his cabinet to examine various deficiencies within Syrian infrastructure and provide necessary assistance to the newly formed Syrian administration, which is working to restore state functions after the departure of President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month.

The Hejaz Railway represents a significant chapter in Ottoman history, conceived as a transformative project to connect the empire’s heart in Istanbul to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Initiated under Sultan Abdulhamid II, its construction between 1900 and 1908 was marked by a rapid pace that relied heavily on Muslim contributions. However, sabotage efforts during wartime and political unrest hindered its full operation, stalling the endeavor just short of its ultimate goal of Mecca. Understanding this historical context underscores the significance of Turkey’s current restoration plans amid the ongoing reconstruction of Syria, which has suffered extensive damage from a protracted civil conflict.

In conclusion, Turkey’s initiative to restore the Hejaz Railway marks a strategic move in reviving not just a historic transport link but also bolstering Turkey’s role in Syria’s recovery. The project seeks to reconnect vital rail lines and aid the rebuilding of a nation devastated by civil war. However, challenges related to the existing infrastructure and potential theft of resources must be addressed to ensure successful implementation.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net