Turkey plans to restore parts of the Hejaz Railway in Syria, reconnecting to Damascus as a part of reconstruction efforts post-civil war, led by Transportation Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu. Challenges include the non-operational status of some lines and theft of railway materials.
Turkey has announced plans to restore certain segments of the historic Hejaz Railway in Syria, thereby reestablishing rail connectivity from Turkish lines to Damascus. Turkish Transportation Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu made the announcement during a press conference, highlighting the initiative as part of broader efforts to aid in the reconstruction of Syria post-civil war. Uraloglu emphasized the need for a rapid assessment of the situation to commence restoration work, citing concerns about the current operational status of the railway which has been dormant for an extended period.
He indicated that while some infrastructure remains intact, issues such as theft of railway materials in regions like Iraq could present challenges in Syria as well. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan further underscored the urgency of evaluating and addressing infrastructural deficits in Syria, following the establishment of a provisional government in Damascus amid civil unrest that recently resulted in the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad.
The Hejaz Railway was established in the early 20th century under Sultan Abdulhamid II of the Ottoman Empire, aiming to connect Istanbul with Mecca, driven mainly by religious motivations for Hajj pilgrimage facilitation. Constructed rapidly and predominantly funded through Muslim donations, the railway was pivotal for military logistics as well. Despite its ambitious goals, the project faced numerous challenges including sabotage during the Arab Revolt, leading to its incomplete status. Today, Turkey’s initiative to revive sections of this historic railway illustrates a significant engagement in Syria’s post-conflict reconstruction and regional connectivity.
In summary, Turkey’s proposal to restore portions of the Hejaz Railway in Syria reflects a broader commitment to reestablish connections and aid in the region’s recovery. The restoration efforts, which aim to reconnect Turkish rail lines to Damascus, signify strategic infrastructural investments amid ongoing governmental changes in Syria. However, concerns about railway integrity and operational efficiency present potential obstacles to successful implementation.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
