Railways in II. Abdulhamid period (Hijaz and Bagdat railways)

This thesis, Sultan II. it deals with the issue of railways built during the reign of Abdülhamit and gives detailed information about the twelve railways built by the Ottoman Empire. Sultan II. Abdulhamid thought that the most important, perhaps the first, policy of the domination of the Ottoman Empire in the Arabian Peninsula regions. According to him, one of the conditions for the realization of this policy was to complete two railways and put them into operation. But he faced great difficulties in the construction of these railways. Both railways were made the international subject of foreign powers. But Sultan Abdulhamid was able to complete these railways with his intelligence and wide-ranging political views. By connecting Anatolia to Arab countries, the Hejaz and Baghdad railway projects would ensure unity and development in religious, cultural, political, social, military and other fields. Significant gains such as the transportation of passengers, the exchange of goods, the development of trade, and helping to connect the villages, towns and regions where the railway lines cross each other are vital for the future of Anatolia and the region. However, British politics was the biggest obstacle to these irons. In the Middle East, both the Hejaz Railways and the Baghdad Railways had to grapple with the dangerous and provocative tricks of British politics. Apart from England, France and Russia should not be forgotten. Let's not forget, history reminds us of the past, it also leads what we need to do in our lives. Our thesis consists of an introduction, two chapters and a conclusion. In the introduction, the history of the railways built by the Ottoman Empire until the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid is given. In the second part, the routes, financing, operation and benefits provided to Muslims by the Hejaz Railways, which started from Damascus and completed in Medina, were emphasized. In the third part, the construction of the Baghdad Railways as a joint project of the Ottoman-Germany, the principles to be followed during the construction, the completion of the railway and the political, economic, military, commercial and other gains it will provide are examined. In addition, after the First World War, the fate of these railways was discussed.