From empire-building to modern marvels, the story of Middle Eastern railways spans ambition and transformative change.
The first rails in the Middle East were more than metal and wood - they were the threads of a narrative that would weave together empires, economies and cultures. As the 19th century unfolded, trains surged across deserts and mountains, transforming trade, travel and the geopolitical chessboard.
From Egypt’s pioneering tracks to the ambitious Hejaz Railway, each line carried dreams, disputes and destinies. These are the tales of how iron and steam carved a path through history, bridging distant lands and setting the stage for the region’s future…
Egypt: The Pioneer Tracks
In 1854, under the rule of Khedive Abbas I, Egypt became the first Middle Eastern country to embrace rail travel. The Alexandria-to-Cairo railway was more than a feat of engineering; it was a geopolitical statement. British engineer Robert Stephenson led the project, seeing it as a crucial link between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, an artery that would support Britain’s imperial lifeline to India. By 1856, the line was operational, reducing travel time between Alexandria and Cairo to mere hours. In an age where journeys were made by camel or riverboat, the introduction of the railway system was regarded as a momentous feat.
The railway’s impact was immediate. Goods from grain to textiles flowed faster, and urban centres expanded. So successful was the line that it led to the expansion of Egyptian National Railways, setting the stage for a transportation network that remains vital today. At the same time that these advancements were creating seismic changes in the country, they also raised concerns. The tracks, revolutionary as they were, also symbolised the tug-of-war between Egypt’s sovereignty and European influence, as foreign powers jockeyed for control over strategic assets.
Ottoman Ambitions & the Anatolian Rails
To the north, the Ottoman Empire silently eyed the potential of railroads to strengthen its sprawling territories. The Ottoman Railway Company - a British enterprise - laid the İzmir-to-Aydın railway in the 1850s, primarily to transport agricultural products, including the famed Aydın figs. This railway was Anatolia’s first, marking the beginning of a transformative era.
However, it was the Berlin-to-Baghdad Railway project, launched in the late 19th century, that epitomized the Ottoman Empire’s ambitious vision. Designed to connect Europe to the Persian Gulf, this railway aimed to enhance trade and consolidate Ottoman control over its far-flung provinces. Yet, the project’s geopolitical implications were immense, drawing suspicion and resistance from British and Russian powers, wary of German influence in the region. To some, the railway’s incomplete sections still evoke stories of unfinished dreams and shifting allegiances.
The Hejaz Railway: Tracks of Faith & Empire
Perhaps no railway captures the imagination like the Hejaz Railway, a monumental project conceived under Sultan Abdul Hamid II. Built in eight years between 1900 and 1908, the line stretched from Damascus to Madinah, traversing some of the harshest terrains on Earth. While its stated purpose was to facilitate pilgrimages to the holy cities of Islam, it also served a strategic role, allowing the Ottoman Empire to project power and move troops across the Arabian Peninsula.
Constructed with remarkable speed and efficiency, the Hejaz Railway was an engineering marvel. Workers battled extreme heat, sandstorms, and scarce water supplies to lay over 1,300 kilometres of track. German expertise played a significant role, with engineers designing innovative solutions to the region’s challenges.
Despite its initial success, the railway’s completion did not ensure its survival. During World War I, the line became a target for Arab revolutionaries, led by figures like T.E. Lawrence, whose sabotage missions became legendary.
Today, there are remnants of the Hejaz Railway that serve as historic relics which attest to the audacity of human ambition. Abandoned stations and rusting tracks dot the desert, reminding people of a time when iron and steam sought to conquer the sands.
Lebanon and Syria: The Mountain Conquests
In the mountainous terrains of Lebanon and Syria, railways faced a unique set of challenges. French companies, operating under Ottoman concessions, constructed lines that defied gravity and geography. The Beirut-to-Damascus Railway, completed in 1895, was a masterpiece of engineering, featuring dramatic viaducts and tunnels that carved through the rugged landscape.
As the first railway in the Levant, it carried goods like silk and agricultural produce to Mediterranean ports. They also became symbols of modernity, connecting remote villages to bustling cities. However, the advent of cars and political upheavals in the mid-20th century led to their decline. By the 1970s, Lebanon’s railways had largely ceased operations, victims of war and neglect.
British Influence in Palestine & Iraq
British imperial interests left an indelible mark on the Middle East’s rail history. During World War I, the British military extended rail networks to support their campaigns in Palestine and Mesopotamia. In Iraq, the construction of the Basra-to-Baghdad Railway (also called the IRR Southern Line) was a critical component of Britain’s strategy to secure its oil interests and maintain control over the region.
Post-war, these railways became vital arteries for commerce and administration. The Iraqi State Railways expanded to connect major cities, fostering economic growth and national unity. Yet, political instability and underinvestment in the late 20th century led to the decline of this once-thriving network.
