Definition

Proper noun A coastal region in the western Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Red Sea. It is historically and religiously significant as it contains the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. It was formerly an independent kingdom before uniting with the Nejd region to form the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Usage

The term "Hedjaz" is used as a proper noun to refer to this specific geographic and historical region. * The pilgrimage routes across the Hedjaz were vital for centuries. * The unification of the Hedjaz and Nejd created modern Saudi Arabia.

Advanced Usage

• The Hejaz Railway: A historical railway line, built in the early 20th century, intended to connect Damascus to Medina, running through the Hedjaz region. Its construction and partial destruction during the Arab Revolt are famous historical events.

Variants and Related Words

• Hejaz: The most common alternate transliteration of the Arabic name (الحجاز) into English.
• Hijaz: Another common variant spelling.

Synonyms

• Western Arabia: A broad, descriptive geographical term for the region.
• The Hijaz: The direct transliteration from Arabic, functioning as a synonym.

Related Terms and Context

• Sharif of Mecca: The title of the traditional ruler of the Hedjaz region before the Saudi conquest.
• Kingdom of Hejaz: The official name of the independent state that existed from 1916 to 1925.
• Nejd: The central Arabian plateau region that united with the Hedjaz to form Saudi Arabia.

Noun

1. a coastal region of the western Arabian Peninsula bordering on the Red Sea; includes both Mecca and Medina; formerly an independent kingdom until it united with Nejd to form the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia