The Hijaz Railway: A Musical Journey Reviving Family History in London

A new theatrical production, The Hijaz Railway, is set to premiere at London’s Leighton House Museum on February 9, 2026. The show, conceived and developed by Tala Totunji, draws inspiration from the memoirs of her grandfather, Dr. Jamil Tutunji, and promises a musical journey spanning Istanbul to Medina.

The production, as described by sources, isn’t simply a retelling of a historical railway’s story, but a blending of East and West, tradition, and modernity. It features iconic songs from the Levant, Turkey, and the West, alongside original compositions by Tarek Younis and Bassem Alkhouri. The narrative unfolds across key historical locations: Izmir in 1896, Aleppo in the early 20th century, Beirut in 1910, Jerusalem in the 1950s, and finally, Medina.

Totunji’s impetus for the project stems from a deeply personal connection to her family’s memories, photographs, and stories passed down through generations, culminating in a dream where her grandfather requested she light a candle in Izmir. “I felt I had to convey this inner feeling, and embody that memory in an artistic work,” she stated, according to reports.

The railway itself, according to Totunji, transcends its function as a mode of transport, becoming a symbol uniting people of different religions and backgrounds. The project, she emphasizes, is not politically motivated, but rather a human story about connection and the importance of preserving ancestral narratives.

The creative team behind The Hijaz Railway includes playwright and actor Nadim Nuaman, who penned the theatrical text, and director Samar Dudin, who shaped the dramatic structure. Visuals are being crafted by Jordanian-Circassian artist Zeina Saeed. Nuaman, whose own grandfather was involved in Lebanon’s transportation sector, described the challenge of creating a cohesive narrative that integrates music, theatre, and historical archives, aiming for an experience where audiences can connect with Jamil Tutunji’s story and see themselves within it.

The performance will feature Farah Bolat, Basem Alkhouri, Fraz Ishqi Sahrai, and Antonio Romero. The production blends live performance with music and imagery.

Musically, the production incorporates songs and pieces from various eras and regions, maintaining their original spirit while adapting them to serve the narrative. Nuaman notes that the dream of Sultan Abdul Hamid II to build a railway connecting Istanbul to Medina, a dream that remained unfulfilled historically, is symbolically completed within the artistic work – as if the railway was actually completed.

The role of women is also highlighted within the production, featuring characters like Shadia (Jamil’s mother), Roueida (his wife), and Tala’s mother, Maha Totunji, emphasizing their contributions to education and society – a legacy Totunji considers integral to her family’s heritage.

The choice of London as the premiere location is deliberate, described by Totunji as a city that brings together East and West. She believes that artistic endeavors originating in London often resonate globally. Plans are also underway to develop a documentary film inspired by the production, in collaboration with producer Wadih Safieddine.

The Hejaz Railway itself has a rich history. Originally a narrow-gauge railway (1,050 mm / 3 ft 5+11⁄32 in) running from Damascus, it operated from 1908 to 1920. It traversed Palestine, Southern Syria, Jordan, and Northern Saudi Arabia. Sections of the railway operated sporadically in Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon until conflicts in the 20th century led to its decline. The Medina station eventually closed permanently, and much of the route fell into disrepair.

However, the railway is now the focus of a renewed effort to revive it. As of September 29, 2025, Türkiye, Syria, and Jordan pledged to work together on its restoration. Türkiye will develop a master plan and rebuild a 30-kilometer stretch of missing track in Syria, while Jordan will assess the technical capacity for maintenance and operation. This marks the first serious attempt at restoration in decades.

The revival effort extends beyond these three nations. Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia is also involved in considering plans to resurrect the century-old rail line, viewing it as a potential bridge across West Asia’s shifting alliances and emerging trade routes. The project aims to reconnect historical routes and foster new connections between countries.

The historical significance of the Hejaz Railway is underscored by its disruption during World War I, when it was sabotaged during the Great Arab Revolt with the aid of British officer T.E. Lawrence. Brief attempts to reopen the line in 1919 and 1925 were unsuccessful, and it gradually crumbled. The Haramain High Speed Railway in Saudi Arabia, the Jezreel Valley Railway in Palestine, and the Palestine Railway are listed as successors to portions of the original Hejaz Railway.