Turkey to Restore Portions of Historic Hejaz Railway in Syria
Turkey plans to restore sections of the historic Hejaz Railway in Syria, reestablishing rail connections with Damascus amid ongoing efforts to assist in Syria’s reconstruction after the civil war. This initiative highlights the railway’s historical significance and Turkey’s commitment to supporting its southern neighbor’s recovery.
Turkey has announced plans to restore sections of the historic Hejaz Railway located in Syria, significantly enhancing railway links between Turkey and Damascus. This initiative was revealed by Turkish Transportation Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu, who stated that the government is keen to assess the condition of the railway infrastructure and proceed with the reconnection expeditiously. Uraloglu acknowledged that certain segments of the railway have been inactive for an extended period and cited concerns over potential theft of existing railway parts, as noted in comparable situations in neighboring Iraq. This announcement aligns with Turkey’s broader efforts to support the reconstruction of Syria following twelve years of civil conflict.
Additionally, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized during a recent cabinet meeting the importance of examining Syria’s infrastructure issues and providing necessary assistance to the newly formed administration in Damascus. The establishment of this caretaker government follows the exile of President Bashar al-Assad amid ongoing insurgency challenges. The Hejaz Railway, initially conceived by Sultan Abdulhamid II in 1900, represented an ambitious project aimed at connecting Istanbul with Mecca, facilitating pilgrimages, and boosting Ottoman military logistics, although its expansion was interrupted by sabotage during World War I and the Arab Revolt.
The Hejaz Railway was constructed during the late Ottoman Empire, driven by the ambition of Sultan Abdulhamid II to link Istanbul with Mecca in order to enhance accessibility for Muslim pilgrims and fortify Ottoman dominion over its territories. The railway stretched from Damascus to Medina, with future plans to extend to Mecca. Unfortunately, due to the adverse impacts of the Arab Revolt and the onset of World War I, the project was never fully realized, concluding its line approximately 400 kilometers from its intended terminus. Today, Turkey’s restoration efforts of segments of this historic railway are situated within a context of aid and reconstruction amid Syria’s ongoing recovery from civil conflict.
In summary, Turkey’s initiative to restore the Hejaz Railway signifies not only a revival of historical transport links but also represents a strategic move in supporting the reconstruction of Syria. This endeavor reflects Turkey’s commitment to addressing the infrastructural deficits faced by its neighbor while acknowledging the historical significance of the railway for both Ottoman heritage and contemporary connectivity. As this project unfolds, it underscores the complexities associated with post-conflict rehabilitation endeavors and the necessity for a collaborative approach to infrastructure rebuilding.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
