Turkey is set to restore portions of the historic Hejaz Railway in Syria, connecting Turkish and Syrian rail lines as part of the country’s efforts to aid Syria’s post-civil war reconstruction. The revival of this railway, originally constructed by the Ottoman Empire, reflects Turkey’s broader strategy for regional influence.
Turkey plans to restore segments of the historic Hejaz Railway in Syria, enabling a vital rail link between Turkish rail lines and Damascus. This announcement was made by Turkish Transportation Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu during a press conference in Ankara, highlighting Turkey’s commitment to aiding Syria’s reconstruction in the aftermath of its prolonged civil conflict. Uraloglu indicated that an assessment of the railway’s conditions will be conducted promptly to establish the necessary restoration steps. He acknowledged that while segments of the railway still exist, past issues such as theft of materials in areas like Iraq pose challenges to the project.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also instructed ministers to examine existing infrastructural challenges in Syria and extend support to the newly formed Syrian governing body, which arose following President Bashar al-Assad’s exit from power earlier this month amid rebel advances.
The Hejaz Railway was originally conceived by Sultan Abdulhamid II of the Ottoman Empire, aimed at connecting Istanbul to Mecca in order to facilitate religious pilgrimages. Although constructed largely through donations, the railway was often the target of sabotage during the British-backed Arab Revolt and never reached its intended destination of Mecca, concluding approximately 400 kilometers short in Medina.
This restoration effort indicates Turkey’s broader strategy to enhance its influence in the region while contributing to the rebuilding of Syria after years of turmoil.
Uraloglu also reminisced about the operational history of the railway, mentioning that passenger trains had previously run from Turkey into Syria until they ceased operations due to conflict and political instability.
The Hejaz Railway, built during the early 20th century, served both as a means of pilgrimage and as a military supply route for the Ottoman Empire. The project’s ambitious scope was intended to unify the empire, connect key cities, and secure transport routes for moving troops. Its construction faced significant challenges, including theft and targeted attacks during the Arab Revolt. Though it significantly aided travel for pilgrims heading to Mecca, it ultimately fell short of reaching its goal, halting at Medina as World War I erupted and the Ottoman Empire weakened. Today, the revival of this railway line aligns with Turkey’s strategic objectives in the Middle East, influenced by recent political developments in Syria.
In conclusion, Turkey’s initiative to restore the Hejaz Railway underscores its commitment to aid in Syria’s recovery and improve regional connectivity. By reestablishing this historical railway, Turkey aims to strengthen its ties with Syria while navigating the complex post-civil war landscape. Additionally, the legacy of the Hejaz Railway reflects a critical aspect of the region’s historical and socio-political dynamics, emphasizing the enduring significance of such infrastructure projects.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
