The revival of the Hejaz railway, a historical project initiated by Sultan Abdul Hamid II, was showcased at the Damascus international fair.
In the year 2024, Irish historian Leon Macaron embarked on a remarkable journey, following the route of the Hejaz Railway from Damascus to Medina. This epic expedition was repeated the following year, in 2025.
Commissioned by Sultan Abdul Hamid II in 1900, the Hejaz Railway was a testament to the Ottoman Empire's engineering prowess, spanning over 800 miles and connecting the Mediterranean to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina by 1914.
The railway, one of the greatest engineering achievements of the early 20th century, was intended to unite the edges of the Ottoman Empire with its heart, strengthen military defenses, and facilitate the annual pilgrimage from Damascus to the holy cities.
Macaron's journey took him through Jordan and Saudi Arabia, where he visited every station along the route and spoke with locals. He also drew on local testimonies and rare archival documents from Istanbul and London during his research.
In Syria, Macaron was able to undertake the journey thanks to Yaroub Badr's kind invitation from the Ministry of Transportation. The Hejaz Railway remains preserved in Syria, with sections still intact from Damascus to Aleppo and from Homs to Hama.
Saudi Arabia and Jordan have participated in the preservation and restoration of the Hejaz Railway. They have restored sections of the track, rehabilitated historic stations, and promoted the railway as a cultural heritage and tourist attraction.
In Jordan, the tracks of the Hejaz Railway remain preserved from the north to Ma'an. Officials in Amman describe the Hejaz Railway as the "greatest industrial achievement of an Islamic empire."
Macaron's journey was not without challenges. Plans to extend the railway to Mecca were curtailed by Bedouin opposition, and the railway was never completed. However, Macaron's research has shed new light on the history of this remarkable engineering feat.
During his journey, Macaron recounted his experiences to attendees, sharing stories of the people he met and the sights he saw. At Al Qadem station, he saw a restored royal carriage originally built for the Sultan.
Station manager Na'im al-Kharazeh stated that the Hejaz Railway is part of Syria's heritage, and Macaron's journey has helped to bring attention to its importance. The Hejaz Railway is a testament to the Ottoman Empire's ambition and ingenuity, and Macaron's research has helped to preserve its legacy for future generations.
Macaron collaborated with Mohammed Al Ajami, Massoud Saloum, and Wasim al-Bahra during his journey, and he continues to share his findings with scholars and enthusiasts around the world. His work has helped to bring the history of the Hejaz Railway to a wider audience, and his journey along its route will be remembered for years to come.
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