Reviving the Hijaz Railway Line: A Project of Unity and Integration Between Istanbul, Damascus, and Medina

Introduction:

In a moment where the Islamic nation and the Arab region are experiencing a difficult political and economic crisis, the discussion returns to a historic project that has long symbolized unity and progress: the Hejaz Railway, which connected the hearts of pilgrims and the cities of the Islamic world, from Istanbul through Damascus, Amman, Tabuk, and finally to Medina.

The Syrian Future Movement, by reintroducing this project with a new vision, brings forth its historical depth and developmental dimensions, positioning it as a priority in post-war Syria. It is seen as a strategic link between the major Islamic capitals, and a civilizational project reflecting the spirit of unity, peace, and development.

 

First: A Historical Correction and Civilizational Prelude: In the Ottoman records, it was known as the “Shamandar Hejaz Line” or “Hamidiyah Line.” The idea was first proposed in 1864 during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz, and it was revisited in 1881, but it faced financial and technical obstacles.

In 1900, at the suggestion of the Syrian statesman Ahmad Izzat Pasha al-Abed, Sultan Abdulhamid II officially ordered the construction of the line.

Ahmad Izzat Pasha was tasked with overseeing the project, which aimed to:

1. Strengthen the unity of the Ottoman provinces.
2. Facilitate communication between the Levant and Hejaz through a telegraph network parallel to the line.
3. Enable pilgrims to perform the pilgrimage safely, and achieve political and economic gains for the Ottoman Empire.

The plan was for the line to extend from Damascus to Medina, with further extensions to Mecca and Jeddah. However, political and military obstacles prevented the completion of the final extension.

 

Second: The Renewed Old Goals of the Project: Reviving this line is not just about preserving heritage; it is a project with multiple dimensions that still meet the needs of the modern era:

1. Religious Dimension: Providing a safe, fast, and accessible travel route for pilgrims from the Levant and Turkey to the two holy mosques, strengthening spiritual ties and alleviating the economic burden on pilgrims.
2. Political and Unifying Dimension: The project serves as a soft pillar to reconnect the countries and peoples of the region on the basis of inclusive regional cooperation rather than subjugation. This aligns with Syria’s new direction towards building independent and balanced strategic partnerships.
3. Economic Dimension: The line will contribute to opening both domestic and foreign markets, facilitating the transport of goods between Turkey, Syria, and Saudi Arabia, encouraging investment and trade exchange, and boosting the economies of cities along its route.
4. Security and Military Dimension: The line serves as a vital logistical connection in times of emergency and disaster, as well as enhancing the stability of remote border areas.
5. Civilizational and Developmental Dimension: Reviving the line reflects the Islamic world’s ability to implement cross-border projects without relying on international guardianship. It also restores the value of waqf (endowment) culture, solidarity, and the connection between major Islamic centers.

 

Third: How Can Syria Strategically Benefit from Reviving the Line? With the new Syrian state’s openness to sustainable transportation policies and cross-border economies, the project of linking Damascus with a direct railway line to Medina presents a golden opportunity to achieve:

1. Enhancing Religious and Developmental Tourism.
2. Stimulating Investment in the Transport and Logistics Sector.
3. Connecting Internal Ports (such as Latakia and Tartus coasts) to maritime outlets in Saudi Arabia via rail transport.
4. Providing tens of thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities.
5. Achieving real regional integration within the area.

 

Fourth: Implementation Challenges and Current Responsibilities We acknowledge that the project faces logistical, political, and security challenges, but political will and a vision for integration are sufficient to achieve it, especially if:

1. It is activated within the Turkish-Syrian-Saudi cooperation framework.
2. Collaborative financing models (waqf, investment, public) are adopted.
3. International experiences in financing cross-continental transport projects are leveraged.

 

Fifth: Recommendations from the Economic Office of the Syrian Future Movement:

1. Call for a trilateral summit (Turkey-Syria-Saudi Arabia) to discuss ways to reactivate the railway line and manage it within an independent regional body.
2. Propose the creation of the “Hijaz Railway Endowment” as a developmental endowment project to ensure the sustainability of operation, maintenance, and connectivity.
3. Invite Islamic countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to support the project within a non-ideological economic and developmental path.
4. Include the project in the new Syria reconstruction plan as a priority within the cross-border transport sector.
5. Convert railway stations along the line into cultural, civil, and tourist centers to enhance the awareness of future generations about the nation’s history and unity projects.

 

Conclusion:

Reactivating the Hijaz Railway Line is not a romantic dream from the past, but rather a developmental, political, and strategic necessity that touches the hearts of the nation and serves its present and future.

It once began as an idea in Damascus and a decision from Istanbul to reach Medina, and today, it can be revived by the sincere, in an era where peoples are searching for the trains that will take them to the future they desire for themselves and for future generations.

 

Economic Office

Research Team

Research and Studies Department

Article

Syrian Future Movement