Al-Mahdiyya (Sudan)

Al-Mahdiyya was a significant religious and political movement in Sudan during the late 19th century, led by Muhammad Ahmad, who proclaimed himself the Mahdi, a messianic figure in Islamic tradition. It aimed to reform and unify Sudanese Muslims under Islamic law, resisting Ottoman, Egyptian, and British influences. The movement established a short-lived independent state from 1881 to 1898, with its capital at Omdurman. Although ultimately overwhelmed by Anglo-Egyptian forces, the Mahdiyya left a lasting impact on Sudanese identity and anti-colonial resistance, symbolizing Islamic revival and national sovereignty.