Hejaz

Hejaz Rail track laying near Tabuk 1906

Al Ula (6708283401)

Qasr al Farid

MasjidNabawi

Codice Casanatense Arabian Merchants

Hejaz is a region in the western part of Saudi Arabia, extending along the coast of the Red Sea for about 1,100 km (680 mi) from the Gulf of Aqaba in the north to the Asir region in the south. It includes the major cities of Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina. Historically, Hejaz has been known for its significance in Islam, as it is home to the two holiest cities in the Islamic world, Mecca and Medina. The region has played a pivotal role in the Islamic history, being the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the revelation of the Quran, making it a central religious destination for Muslims worldwide.

History

The history of Hejaz is deeply intertwined with the history of Islam. Before the advent of Islam in the 7th century, Hejaz was inhabited by various Arab tribes who were engaged in trade, agriculture, and pastoralism. The strategic location of Hejaz along the trade routes between Yemen, the Levant, and the Mesopotamian civilizations facilitated its economic development and cultural exchange.

With the emergence of Islam and the Hijra (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, Hejaz became the cradle of the Islamic civilization. Following the death of Muhammad in 632 CE, the region remained the political and spiritual center of the Islamic empire under the Rashidun and Umayyad caliphates.

During the Ottoman Empire, Hejaz came under Ottoman control in the 16th century. The Ottomans administered the region through a governor appointed from Istanbul, although the local Sharif of Mecca retained a degree of autonomy, particularly over the holy cities. The Hejaz railway, completed in the early 20th century, was a significant Ottoman project intended to facilitate the pilgrimage to the holy cities and strengthen the empire's control over the region.

The 20th century saw the rise of the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule, which was supported by the British during World War I. Following the war, Hejaz briefly became an independent kingdom under Sharif Hussein bin Ali before being conquered by Ibn Saud, the founder of the modern kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in 1925.

Geography

Hejaz is characterized by its diverse geography, ranging from the mountainous highlands in the east to the coastal plains along the Red Sea. The Sarawat Mountains run parallel to the coast and are dotted with oases that have historically supported agriculture. The climate of Hejaz varies from the relatively mild and humid conditions along the coast to the arid and hot climate of the interior.

Culture

The culture of Hejaz has been shaped by its historical role as a center of Islamic learning and pilgrimage. The region is known for its unique architectural styles, which reflect the Islamic influence, as well as its rich culinary traditions and diverse linguistic dialects. The annual Hajj pilgrimage and the lesser Umrah pilgrimage bring millions of Muslims to Hejaz, contributing to its cosmopolitan cultural landscape.

Economy

The economy of Hejaz is dominated by the services sector, particularly religious tourism associated with the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. The region also benefits from its strategic location along the Red Sea, with the port city of Jeddah serving as a major commercial hub. In addition, Hejaz has a growing industrial sector, including oil refining, and agriculture, with crops such as dates and cereals being cultivated in the oasis areas.

Conclusion

Hejaz holds a special place in the heart of the Muslim world due to its religious, historical, and cultural significance. The region's rich heritage, combined with its strategic importance, continues to play a vital role in the socio-economic development of Saudi Arabia.