The Mahdist Revolution, also known as the Mahdist War, was a significant religious and political uprising against the Turko-Egyptian rule in the Sudan during the late 19th century. Here's a detailed account:
Background:
- The uprising was led by Muhammad Ahmad, who proclaimed himself the Mahdi, or the divinely guided one in Islam, destined to rid the world of evil.
- At the time, Sudan was under the control of the Khedivate of Egypt, which had been itself under Ottoman influence and later direct British control.
- The rule was characterized by corruption, heavy taxation, and the exploitation of Sudanese resources, leading to widespread discontent among the local population.
Key Events:
- 1881: Muhammad Ahmad declared himself the Mahdi in August, initiating the rebellion against the Egyptian Government.
- 1882-1883: The Mahdi's forces, known as the Ansar, began to capture key cities like El Obeid, which was a significant early victory.
- 1885: The siege and fall of Khartoum marked a pivotal moment in the revolution. General Charles Gordon, who was sent to evacuate Egyptian forces, was killed during the fall of the city.
- The Mahdi died shortly after the capture of Khartoum, and his successor, Abdullah al-Taashi, continued the movement.
- The Mahdiyah state was established with Omdurman as its capital, enforcing strict Sharia law.
Consequences:
- The revolution led to the establishment of the Mahdist State, which lasted until 1898.
- The British, concerned with the spread of Mahdism and its anti-colonial sentiment, eventually launched the Anglo-Egyptian Conquest of Sudan in 1896, culminating in the Battle of Omdurman in 1898, where the Mahdist forces were decisively defeated.
- The Mahdist movement, although defeated, left a lasting impact on Sudanese identity and resistance to foreign rule.
Legacy:
- The Mahdist Revolution is remembered as a symbol of resistance against foreign domination and has influenced subsequent nationalist movements in Sudan.
- It also demonstrated the power of religious and charismatic leadership in mobilizing mass movements.
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