Mahdist Revolt in Sudan

• The anarchic state of affairs that developed after Gordon’s resignation in 1882
   
• Led to revolution led by Muhammad Ahmad, who in 1881 (proclaimed himself the Mahdi, the person who, according to an Islamic tradition, would rid the world of evil.

 

• The rebels had quite a few victories, including the annihilation of an Egyptian army in 1883 and the capture of Khartoum in January 1885.

 

• (This victory resulted in Gordon's death which allowed the Mahdists  complete control over the province.)

 

• Conditions in Egyptian Sudan deteriorated under the rule of the Mahdi and of the caliph Abdallah at-Taaisha, who succeeded the Mahdi in 1885.

(Picture of Muhammad Ahmad, self-proclaimed Mahdi)