Mahdiyya

Mahdiyya refers to the Mahdist War, a significant uprising in Sudan that took place between 1881 and 1899. The movement was led by Muhammad Ahmad, who declared himself the Mahdi, the prophesied redeemer in Islamic tradition. He rallied a large following, primarily drawn from the Sufi Shadhiliyya order, and launched a rebellion against the Anglo-Egyptian rule.

The Mahdist movement gained considerable momentum, capturing Khartoum in 1885 and establishing a state that controlled much of Sudan. Muhammad Ahmad's victory over General Gordon became a pivotal moment in the conflict. Following the Mahdi's death later in 1885, his successor, Abdullah al-Taashi, continued to rule the Mahdist state.

The Mahdist regime implemented a strict interpretation of Islamic law and faced internal challenges and external pressure. The British, under the leadership of Lord Kitchener, eventually launched a reconquest of Sudan. The decisive Battle of Omdurman in 1898 effectively ended the Mahdist state, though pockets of resistance continued for a short period. The Mahdist War had a profound impact on the political and social landscape of Sudan, and its legacy continues to be debated and analyzed.