Turkey has announced plans to restore sections of the Hejaz Railway in Syria to re-establish rail links with Damascus. Transportation Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu provided insights during a press meeting, emphasizing swift assessments and highlighting historical contexts. The restoration effort comes as Turkey seeks to assist in rebuilding Syria post-civil war.
Turkey is set to restore portions of the historic Hejaz Railway in Syria, aiming to reconnect Turkish rail lines with Damascus. This announcement was made by Transportation Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu during a recent meeting with journalists, where he indicated that efforts will focus on assessing the current state of the railway as part of broader reconstruction efforts in the region following years of civil strife.
Minister Uraloglu remarked, “We will quickly assess the situation and take steps to restore the railway connection to Damascus as a first stage,” emphasizing the historical significance of the railway that connected various regions and facilitating travel and trade. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in areas like Iraq, where railway infrastructure has been compromised due to theft. Furthermore, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has directed his cabinet to investigate the shortcomings of Syrian infrastructure and offer assistance to the new Syrian administration.
The Hejaz Railway, once an ambitious project launched by Sultan Abdulhamid II of the Ottoman Empire in 1900, was designed to connect Istanbul with Mecca. The railway, funded primarily through Muslim donations, intended to serve religious pilgrimages while enhancing Ottoman influence across its territories. However, its construction faced numerous setbacks, including sabotage during the Arab Revolt and the onset of World War One, and ultimately fell short of reaching its intended goal in Mecca.
This initiative reflects Turkey’s commitment to supporting its neighbor during a critical time in reconstruction while also recognizing the historical importance of the railway in facilitating travel to one of Islam’s holiest sites.
The Hejaz Railway, conceived by Sultan Abdulhamid II, was constructed to connect Istanbul with Mecca and facilitate the Hajj pilgrimage. Built with a combination of voluntary and coerced donations, its route linked Damascus to Medina while also extending to Haifa. The railway was of strategic military importance but faced ongoing sabotage and ultimately did not achieve its goal of reaching Mecca due to geopolitical events such as World War One. After years of civil war in Syria, Turkey’s restoration of the railway reflects a focus on regional stability and infrastructure development.
Turkey’s plan to restore parts of the Hejaz Railway is a significant step towards revitalizing regional connections and aiding Syria in its recovery from civil conflict. The historic railway holds cultural and strategic importance, marking a pivotal link between Turkey and the Arab world. This initiative demonstrates Turkey’s ongoing commitment to support Syria amidst its reconstruction efforts, highlighting both historical preservation and modern diplomatic relations.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
