The enemy.

The year 1884 was a year of great events. The Mahdist war had begun, and the country was in a state of turmoil. The Mahdi, Muhammad Ahmad, had declared himself the Mahdi, the awaited redeemer of Islam, and had gathered a large following. His followers, who called themselves Ansar, were a formidable force. They were known for their bravery and their devotion to the Mahdi.

The Mahdi's army was composed of men from all walks of life. There were soldiers, farmers, and merchants. They were all united by their belief in the Mahdi and their desire to overthrow the Egyptian rule. The Mahdi's army was well-trained and well-equipped. They were armed with rifles, swords, and spears. They were also skilled in the use of cavalry.

The Mahdi's army was able to defeat the Egyptian army in several battles. The most notable of these battles was the Battle of El Obeid, in which the Mahdi's army captured the city of El Obeid. The Mahdi's army then went on to capture the city of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. The Mahdi's army then went on to capture the city of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan.

The Mahdi's victory was a major blow to the Egyptian government. It also had a significant impact on the balance of power in the region. The Mahdi's victory was a major blow to the Egyptian government. It also had a significant impact on the balance of power in the region.