The station was built on an area of 90,000 square meters and features a distinct urban design dating back to the late Islamic era. It has 12 buildings that provide service to the railway. The station was opened in 1326 AH (1908), and it is one of the railway’s most prominent stations and its nal station. During World War I, the station was intermittently closed until it halted permanently in 1921.
The Al-Suqya Mosque is located within the station walls.
It was named after the nearby Al-Suqya Well, from which the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) performed ablution while heading to the Battle of Badr, prayed, and supplicated for the well-being of the Muslims of Madinah. During his governorship of Madinah, Umar bin Abdul Aziz, may Allah bless his soul, built this mosque on the site where the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed.
Establishment:
The museum is considered one of the historical tourist destinations in Madinah. It was established in 1419 AH, corresponding to 1998 AD, and was inaugurated by Prince Abdulmajeed ibn Abdulaziz. It is located on Omar ibn Al-Khattab St, King Abdulaziz Square in Anbariya. It is about 1,020 meters away from the Prophet’s Mosque.
Out-of-Service Railway:
The Hijaz Railway was built during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid II in 1908. The journey of the Levant, Asia and Anatolia pilgrims from Damascus to Madianh took 5 days by train, instead of the 40 days journey using traditional means. The railway lines became inoperative after they were destroyed in 1916 during the World War I.
In 1419 AH, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities restored and rehabilitated the station, turning it into a historical archaeological museum.
Historical Landmarks:
The museum is an important historical institution. It showcases the history of Madinah from the pre-Islamic era through the present.
The museum also immortalizes the history of the Hijaz Railway and the great services it rendered to pilgrims and visitors of the Two Holy Mosques. Museum collections include 7 safes containing artifacts, in addition to ancient manuscripts written during the reign of King Abdulaziz, and numerous early Islamic inscriptions.
The museum consists of 19 galleries, exhibiting the history of Madinah from the pre-Islamic period through the modern era. It provides information on the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, his wives and offspring, the emigrants and helpers (ansar), etc. There are also seven artefact display halls.
The museum contains parts of the Hijaz train, including 12 carriages that have been renovated and turned into restaurants for visitors.
A Saudi Landmark:
The Hijaz Railway Station has been transformed into an immortal historical and cultural landmark. It was turned into a museum of great historical and cultural value. The museum has been renovated and testifies to the history and civilization of the Kingdom.
The Museum Today:
The museum is equipped with various services. Cultural events and festivals are also held at the museum.
Visitors can easily distinguish the wonderful traditional style of the museum and its surroundings in King Abdulaziz Square in Ambariya, and experience the past.
Visiting the Museum:
The museum is open on Saturdays through Thursdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4 pm to 9:00 pm.
Entry is free. No reservation is required.