مشروع سكة حديد وادي الفارت (1856-1882 م)‎

Abstract EN

This research tackles an important issue in the History of Iraq and the Arab World in general; it is the Euphrates Valley Railway connecting the Mediterranean to the Arab Gulf.

The project proposal appeared in 1865 and efforts by its advocates continued up to 1882.This study is intended to track the project progress; identify its proponents; highlight the reaction of the Ottoman, English and French governments to it besides remunerating the different benefits of the project to England as detailed by the project proponents.

The study applied the historical-analytical methodology and used various data resources the most important of which is the information from the British Foreign Office besides other primary important resources from the 19th century including writings of the project proponents and pioneers such as William Andrew and Chesney.

Information resources also include several studies and references about the history of Iraq.The project stands as a real example of what was known in the 19thcentury as the “Railway Fever”.

The study highlighted the strong relation between the project and the British interests in India and the search for the best and easiest ways to secure the route to India.The project acquired unprecedented attention of many businessmen, politicians and intellectuals in England.

The Ottoman Government supported the project and offered the project company a concession.

However, the British Government position towards the project was based on its viewpoint about the Suez Canal Project and its perception for the Iraq route as a substitute for the Egyptian route.Though the Euphrates Valley Railway was never executed, however, the efforts made in its regard shed light on the region’s resources and its strategic importance which paved the way for its subsequent colonization.