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October 2006
The Hejaz railway, which transported pilgrims from Damascus to Medina, was one of the great train journeys of the world. Now, an ambitious plan is underway to restore it.
At the Qadem station on the outskirts of Damascus, tourists inspect rusty old steam trains. Nearly a hundred years ago, these trains were used on the Hejaz line. Now, they could again be used again. "The Hejaz railway was once a joint project of the entire Islamic world", explains archaeologist Ulrich Bellwald. "Maybe it will bring people together again." Restorers hope to rebuild sections of the line destroyed by Lawrence of Arabia, update the infrastructure and renovate station buildings. But hampering reconstruction efforts are hoards of treasure hunters, digging for rumoured gold under the tracks.
Produced by ABC Australia
Distributed by Journeyman Pictures
The Hejaz railway, which transported pilgrims from Damascus to Medina, was one of the great train journeys of the world. Now, an ambitious plan is underway to restore it.
At the Qadem station on the outskirts of Damascus, tourists inspect rusty old steam trains. Nearly a hundred years ago, these trains were used on the Hejaz line. Now, they could again be used again. "The Hejaz railway was once a joint project of the entire Islamic world", explains archaeologist Ulrich Bellwald. "Maybe it will bring people together again." Restorers hope to rebuild sections of the line destroyed by Lawrence of Arabia, update the infrastructure and renovate station buildings. But hampering reconstruction efforts are hoards of treasure hunters, digging for rumoured gold under the tracks.
Produced by ABC Australia
Distributed by Journeyman Pictures