Hejaz Stamps (1916-1925)

"The Hejaz ("the Barrier"), is a region in the west of present-day Saudi Arabia. The region is so called as it separates the land of the Najd in the east from the land of Tihamah in the west. It is also known as the Western Province.It is bordered on the west by the Red Sea, on the north by Jordan, on the east by the Najd, and on the south by 'Asir Region. Its largest city is Jeddah, but it is probably better known for the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina.As the site of the two holiest sites in Islam, the Hejaz has significance in the Arab and Islamic historical and political landscape.Between 1900 and 1908 a railway was built between Medina and Damascus known as the Hejaz Railway.

Hejaz came under Ottoman influence in 1517 and the Turks took direct control in 1845.During World War I, the Grand "Sharif" of Mecca, Hussein bin Ali who was originally allied with the Ottomans and Germany, began secretly negotiating with the British about creating an Arabian kingdom. After protracted negotiations, Hussein grew impatient and started what would become known as The Great Arab Revolt against Ottoman control in 1916.

On 27 June, 1916, Hussein proclaimed an Arab state, and ultimately proclaimed himself the King of Hejaz. Following World War I, the Arabs found themselves freed from centuries of Ottoman Sultanate rule, but under the mandate colonial rule of France and the United Kingdom. As these mandates ended, the sons of Hussein were made the kings of Transjordan (later Jordan), Syria and Iraq. However, the monarchy in Syria was short-lived, and consequently Hussein’s son (Faisal) instead presided over the newly-established Iraq.