The late Sharif Hussein bin Ali
fired a bullet from the balcony of his home in Mecca on the (9th of Shaaban),
June 10, 1916, marking the establishment of the Revolt and the start of
military operations of the forces of the Great Arab Revolt. The initial plan
was to start the Revolt in the Levant and the Hijaz and to do so as allied
forces land at a location near Iskenderun to surround the Turks, but the Allies
did not do so, and on June 26, 1916, Sharif Al-Hussein issued the first
publication outlining the causes of the Revolt. Three Arab armies were
formed: • The Northern Army led by Prince
Faisal bin Al Hussein. • The Southern Army led by Prince
Ali bin Al Hussein. • The Eastern Army led by Prince
Abdullah bin Al Hussein. The armies have been
called these names in accordance with the direction of their military
operations; and have begun carrying out military operations targeting: • Castles and forts where Turkish
troops are present. • Heading to Ajyad Castle as the
largest stronghold of Turkish forces in Mecca and occupy it and turn it into a
military school. • Focusing on the railway line for
some reasons the most important of which are: o Since 1914, most Turkish forces
have been concentrated around the railway and its stations to ensure supplies
and ease of movement. o The railway is the main transport
nerve in transporting weapons, ammunition, and soldiers at the time. o Many Arab communities have grown
and developed around the railway, creating integrated cities such as Al-Mafraq,
Al-Giza, Al-Qutrana, Al-Hasa, Manan and Al-Medora, due to the railway stations
and services exchanged between the population and Turks. o The local population at these
stations had to be reached out to ensure their support for the revolt or at
least neutralize them. o The railway is a strategic
landmark in Jordanian territory and controlling it means controlling the
land.
Declaration of the Revolt
