Turkey Revives Historic Railway: A New Corridor Through Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia

Resurrecting the Hejaz Railway

According to ХВИЛЯ: During the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan unveiled a map highlighting key transportation and energy projects-one of which is the revival of the historic Hejaz Railway. This initiative aims to link Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, which Fidan argues will secure vital transport routes across Anatolia and the Middle East, a crucial factor for the entire region's economic stability.

Past and Present

Construction of the Hejaz Railway began in 1900 under the patronage of Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II, with German engineers playing a key role. The original plan was to connect Istanbul to Mecca and Medina. The Damascus-to-Medina section opened in 1908, stretching 1,302 km. However, the 450 km Medina-to-Mecca segment was never completed due to Bedouin attacks and political interference from imperial powers.

The railway used a 1,050 mm gauge, and a layer of felt was laid beneath the rails to ensure quiet operation.

During World War I, the line became a target for raids by Thomas Lawrence, famously known as Lawrence of Arabia. Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the railway fell into disrepair. Now, Turkey plans to restore and modernize this important route. Hakan Fidan emphasized that Turkey fully respects international law but will not tolerate any infringement on its sovereign rights in the areas marked by "red lines" on the map.

“Turkey fully respects international law but will not tolerate any infringement on its sovereign rights.” - Hakan Fidan

In this context, reviving the Hejaz Railway could mark a significant step forward for transportation infrastructure and economic ties among Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The project also has the potential to reshape the regional geopolitical landscape, as expanding transport corridors may foster stronger interstate cooperation and improve economic interaction-essential for stability amid today's challenges.

The revival of the Hejaz Railway is not only a nod to history but also a strategic move in light of regional tensions. As Turkey and Saudi Arabia strengthen their collaboration, the establishment of a land corridor raises questions about the security of vital trade routes, especially amid concerns regarding the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz. For a deeper understanding of the implications of this partnership, read more about the land corridor between Saudi Arabia and Turkey.