Damascus, March 5 (SANA) Hejaz Station in Damascus stands as one of Syria’s most prominent historical and architectural landmarks and a living symbol of the city’s memory. Since its establishment at the beginning of the 20th century, the station has served as a spiritual, cultural and economic gateway linking the Levant with the Hejaz, carrying pilgrims, merchants and travelers across the region.
Today, after years of neglect, renewed hopes are emerging to restore this historic landmark and transform it into a vibrant cultural and tourism destination reflecting the spirit of a new Syria.
The Birth of a Railway Dream
Hejaz Station was established in 1900 by order of Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II as part of the ambitious Hejaz Railway project, which aimed to connect Damascus with Medina in present-day Saudi Arabia.
In 1908, the first pilgrimage train departed from the station, traveling about 1,320 kilometers in five days—an engineering achievement considered remarkable for its time. The railway made the journey to the holy sites easier for thousands of pilgrims while opening new channels for trade and cultural exchange across the region.
Architecture Bridging East and West
Historical references say the station was designed by Spanish architect Fernando de Aranda, who blended traditional Ottoman architectural elements with classical European influences, creating a distinctive landmark in the heart of Damascus.
Its façade features finely carved stone arches and wooden windows adorned with stained glass, while the iconic clock tower still rises above the building as a witness to an entire era.
Inside, the spacious waiting hall is decorated with delicate plaster ornaments crafted by Syrian artisans, reflecting the artistic richness that once flourished in the city.
A Crossroads of Culture and Travel
For decades, Hejaz Station served as more than a railway terminal. It became a meeting point for travelers, scholars and merchants moving between the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula.
Prominent figures of the time, including Sharif Hussein bin Ali and leading thinkers of the Arab cultural renaissance, passed through the station, reinforcing its status as a symbol of connection and cultural exchange in the Arab East.
Years of Neglect
In recent decades, the station has suffered prolonged neglect. Parts of the building deteriorated, some sections were turned into storage spaces, and dust gradually settled over its intricate decorative features.
Despite its historical significance, serious restoration initiatives were largely absent, leaving the landmark vulnerable to decay.
Plans Interrupted by War
Before 2011, proposals were put forward to transform Hejaz Station into a cultural and tourism complex that would include a railway museum, art galleries and traditional markets.
However, the outbreak of war halted these plans, leaving restoration projects shelved amid widespread destruction and instability.
Renewed Vision for the Future
Today, attention is once again turning toward reviving the historic station.
Authorities say that Proposals include creating an interactive museum documenting the history of the Hejaz Railway, hosting cultural festivals and international exhibitions, and establishing heritage hotels and traditional craft markets. Some plans also suggest restoring part of the historic railway route linking Damascus and Daraa as a heritage tourism attraction.
A National Opportunity
Supporters of the project believe that restoring Hejaz Station could help revitalize tourism and economic activity while preserving one of Damascus’s most recognizable historical landmarks.
Cooperation with international organizations such as UNESCO could also support restoration efforts and potentially lead to the site being recognized as part of the world’s cultural heritage.
Iman Alzuheiri
