Скачать или смотреть History of Hejaz Railway station in Medina 🚂

The Hejaz Railway was built between 1900 and 1908 during the reign of the Ottoman Empire’s last powerful Sultan, Sultan Abdul Hamid II. It was constructed with the vision of connecting Damascus to Madina by railway so that pilgrims could travel safely and quickly for Hajj and Umrah, and the Muslim world could be united through better communication and access.
📍 Who built the Hejaz Railway?
The railway was built under the leadership of Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II, with engineers and workers from the Ottoman Empire including Turks, Arabs, and Muslims from different regions. European technical experts were also hired for engineering support, but the project remained under Ottoman control.
🕋 Why was it built?
The main objectives were:
To make the journey of Hajj and Umrah easier and safer
To protect Muslim pilgrims
To strengthen Islamic unity
To secure the holy lands
To reduce Western influence in Muslim territories
This railway was not just a transport project, it was a symbol of unity for the Muslim Ummah.
💰 Where did the money come from?
The Ottoman Empire did NOT take loans from European banks for this project. Instead, Muslims from across the world donated money, jewelry, gold, and personal savings. Donations came from:
India
Central Asia
Africa
Turkey
The Arab world
This railway was funded through love, faith, and sacrifice of ordinary Muslims.
🏗️ What challenges were faced?
Building a railway through deserts and mountains brought many difficulties:
Extreme heat
Limited water
Harsh terrain
Lack of resources
Political pressure from colonial powers
Despite this, the railway was successfully completed to Madina in 1908.
💣 Why and when was it closed?
During World War I (1914–1918), the Hejaz Railway became a military target. In 1916, the Arab Revolt, supported by the British Empire, led to repeated sabotage:
Tracks were destroyed
Trains were attacked
Stations were bombed
The railway stopped functioning properly around 1916–1918, and after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, it was never restored to its full operation.


This vlog is a journey into history, sacrifice, and a dream that once tried to bring the Muslim world together.