The Ottoman Empire built a desert railway to unite the Islamic world by rail

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Constructed between 1900 and 1908, the Hejaz Railway was a bold Ottoman project designed to connect Damascus with the holy city of Medina. Beyond facilitating pilgrimages, this ambitious engineering feat aimed to solidify imperial control over distant provinces and counter European influence through a powerful symbol of Muslim solidarity.

Sultan Abdülhamid II initiated the railway as a centerpiece of his Pan-Islamism policy. By linking the capital to the Hejaz region, the Ottomans sought to integrate remote Arabian territories and project authority over the Islamic world. The project was remarkably efficient, completed in just eight years under budget, despite the harsh desert and mountainous terrain. It reduced the arduous journey for pilgrims from 40 days to just five, significantly improving safety for travelers who previously faced high mortality rates on the traditional route.

The railway was funded primarily through donations from Muslims worldwide, reflecting its status as a religious and political symbol rather than a purely commercial venture. To maintain independence, the Ottoman state rejected foreign investment, relying instead on a dedicated Donation Commission. While the main line reached Medina, it fell 400 kilometers short of its original goal of Mecca due to the outbreak of World War I. The line served as a vital military artery, but it also became a target for Bedouin tribes and later, during the Arab Revolt, suffered extensive sabotage encouraged by T.E. Lawrence.

Following the war, the railway’s southern sections were largely abandoned and fell into disrepair, with some tracks destroyed by treasure hunters seeking gold. While northern segments remained operational for freight throughout the 20th century, conflict and shifting regional priorities eventually disrupted service. In recent years, renewed interest in regional connectivity has led to discussions between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, and Syria regarding the potential revival of the historic route to bolster modern trade and infrastructure.

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