The history of the Mahdist War, which began in 1881, was a period of intense conflict and upheaval in Sudan. The Mahdist movement, led by Muhammad Ahmad, aimed to overthrow the Egyptian-Ottoman rule and establish an Islamic state. The war saw numerous battles and sieges, with both sides suffering heavy losses. The Mahdists eventually captured Khartoum in 1885, marking a significant victory. However, their rule was short-lived, as a British-Egyptian force, led by General Kitchener, reconquered Sudan in 1898, ending the Mahdist state.