Khartoum Siege
The Khartoum Siege refers to the prolonged conflict that took place in and around the city of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, during the Mahdist War in the late 19th century. This siege is particularly notable for its role in the eventual fall of the city to the forces led by Muhammad Ahmad, also known as the Mahdi.
Background
The Mahdist War began in 1881 when Muhammad Ahmad declared himself the Mahdi, the prophesied redeemer of Islam, and initiated a revolt against the Turco-Egyptian rule in Sudan. The conflict escalated as the Mahdi's followers, known as Ansar, rapidly gained support across the country, challenging the weakened Ottoman-Egyptian administration.
The Siege
The siege of Khartoum commenced in March 1884 when Mahdist forces surrounded the city. The British government, alarmed by the instability, sent Major-General Charles Gordon to oversee the evacuation of British and Egyptian nationals. However, Gordon chose to fortify Khartoum and defend it instead, believing he could restore order and possibly negotiate with the Mahdi.
- Duration: The siege lasted for almost a year, from March 1884 until January 1885.
- Defenders: The city was defended by around 7,000 Egyptian and Sudanese troops, commanded by Gordon, who had become a figurehead of resistance.
- Attackers: The Mahdist forces, numbering around 50,000, were driven by religious fervor and the desire to overthrow the foreign rule.
Key Events
- Defense Preparations: Gordon used his military experience to fortify the city, though supplies dwindled over time, and morale among the defenders varied.
- Relief Expeditions: Several attempts were made by British-led relief expeditions to reach Khartoum, most notably by Wolseley Expedition, but these efforts were too late or inadequately equipped to break the siege effectively.
- Fall of Khartoum: On January 26, 1885, the Mahdists breached the city's defenses. Gordon was killed, and the city fell to the Mahdists. This event was a significant blow to British prestige and led to widespread criticism of the government's handling of the Sudan situation.
Aftermath
The fall of Khartoum had profound effects:
- The Mahdi established his rule, creating the Mahdiyah state which lasted until 1898.
- The British public was outraged by Gordon's death, leading to a shift in public opinion towards interventionist policies in Sudan.
- The siege and the subsequent loss of Khartoum played a role in the eventual re-conquest of Sudan by the British and Egyptian forces in the late 1890s.
Legacy
The Khartoum Siege is remembered for its dramatic conclusion, the martyrdom of Gordon, and the significant shift in colonial policy it precipitated. It is often cited in discussions about the complexities of colonial administration, military strategy, and the impact of religious movements on political landscapes.
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