The Mahdist War (1881-99) in Sudan was led by the inspirational Muhammad Ahmad, an Islamic holy man who declared himself the Mahdi (the Messiah). The Mahdists wanted to overthrow Ottoman-Egyptian rule in Sudan and spread a new form of Islam both in Sudan and elsewhere. Famously laying siege to Khartoum and killing the British national hero General Gordon, the Mahdists were finally defeated by an Anglo-Egyptian army led by General Kitchener, victor of the Battle of Omdurman in 1898.
More about: Mahdist WarDefinition
Timeline
-
1881 - 1899The Mahdist War in Sudan.
-
1881Muhammad Ahmad leads a rebellion against Turkish-Egyptian rule in Sudan.
-
1883El Obeid in Sudan is captured by the Mahdists.
-
5 Nov 1883The Mahdists defeat an Anglo-Egyptian army led by Colonel William Hicks at the Battle of Shaykan (aka Shoykan).
-
Feb 1884The Mahdists defeat an Anglo-Egyptian army led by General Valentine Baker at the First Battle of El Teb.
-
12 Mar 1884The Mahdists begin the siege of Khartoum.
-
26 Jan 1885The Mahdists take Khartoum and General Charles Gordon is killed.
-
Jun 1885Muhammad Ahmad, leader of the Mahdist movement in Sudan, dies. His successor is Khalifa 'Abdullah.
-
1889A Mahdist army attacks Egypt but loses the Battle of Toski (aka Tushki).
-
Mar 1889A Mahdist army wins the Battle of Gallabat (aka Metema) and the Ethiopian emperor, Yohannes IV, is killed.
-
8 Apr 1898An Anglo-Egyptian army led by General Kitchener defeats the Mahdists at the Battle of Atbara.
-
2 Sep 1898An Anglo-Egyptian army led by General Kitchener defeats the Mahdists at the Battle of Omdurman.
-
Nov 1899The Mahdist War comes to an end when the Mahdist army is defeated at the Battle of Umm Diwaykrat (aka Um Debreikat).
