Publication Date
AD 1916
Publication Place
-
Al-Khalili Family Trust - Nasser D. Collection. Al-Khalili Islamic Art
Subject
Photosensitive paper
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
86.5 × 56 سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
ARC.pt 626
Record ID
object;EPM;uk;Mus22;12;ar
Library Location
Al-Khalili Family Trust - Nasser D. Collection. Al-Khalili Islamic Art
Date
AD 1916
Notes
In 1900, Sultan Abdul Hamid II (ruled 1876-1909) began constructing a railway linking Damascus with the holy cities in the Hijaz, such as Medina and Mecca. This line was established with the participation of public authorities and an invitation to the Islamic world for financial support. The railway reached Medina in 1908, but did not reach Mecca. This map dated June 28, 1334 (June 28, 1916) shows the Hejaz railway line from Damascus to Medina and from Daraa to Haifa, with a dotted line indicating the border between Medina and Mecca (the line was never completed). The names of the positions and tribal areas are indicated. The map is signed by the German Heinrich August Meisner, the chief engineer of the Hejaz Railway. In 1904, he was given an official title and was known as Mayznerpasha. The original drawings of the Hejaz Railway were made by Mukhtar Bey, an accomplished engineer from Istanbul who was responsible for the original surveying of the route. The engineering plans were subsequently drawn by other officials and signed by Meisner, perhaps after some changes. Mukhtarbey was known as Meisner's right-hand man. History here is known as the history of the Arab Revolt, which led to the destruction of parts of the railway and began in June 1916.
Sample Text
“A preliminary map of the Hejaz railway between Damascus and Medina” within Discover Islamic Art Collections. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;EPM;uk;Mus22;12;ar
