Abstract:

The Hedjaz region comprising the two sacred cities for the Muslims was annexed to the Ottoman territories in 1517. However, even before that date, the Ottomans paid attention to Hedjaz region. With such interest emerged in an early period, the Ottomans sent aid and presents to the people of Hedjaz in many occassions. After Sultan Selim I, this interest changed its scope and the Ottoman sultans took the responsibility of the whole Hedjaz region. In order to provide good conditions to the pilgrims to Mecca, the Sultans repaired and maintained the roads, ensured security as their primary responsibilities. The Sultans also personally interested in these processes and they invested in these regions with an attemp to perpetuate their power and prestige. This study attempts to examine the reconstruction works accomplished by the Ottomans in Hejaz in the early period (16th century) and analyze the sensibility of the Ottoman sultans shown towards the region.