Definition

Proper noun A coastal region in the western part of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Red Sea. It is a historically and religiously significant area, containing the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. It was formerly an independent kingdom before unifying with the Nejd region to establish the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Usage

The term is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this geographic and historical region. * The Hejaz is of immense importance in Islam. * Many pilgrimage routes historically crossed the Hejaz. * The unification of the Hejaz and Nejd was a pivotal event.

Advanced Usage

• The Hejaz Railway: A historical railway line, famously targeted during the Arab Revolt, connecting Damascus to Medina.
• Hejazi (adjective): Pertaining to the Hejaz region or its culture, people, or dialect.
  • The museum exhibits traditional Hejazi architecture.

Variants and Related Words

• Hijaz: An alternative transliteration of the name from Arabic.
• Al-Ḥijāz: The Arabic name for the region.

Synonyms

• Western Arabia: A broader, less specific geographic descriptor.
• The Hijaz: Alternate spelling.

Different Meanings

As a proper noun, "Hejaz" refers exclusively to this region. It does not have other common meanings in English.

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