The arrival of the Mahdi, Muhammad Ahmad, in 1881 marked a turning point in Sudanese history. His movement, which aimed to establish an Islamic state, gained widespread support among the Sudanese people, who were disillusioned with the oppressive rule of the Turco-Egyptian administration. The Mahdi's forces, composed of tribal warriors and religious followers, achieved several significant victories against the Egyptian army, culminating in the capture of Khartoum in 1885. This victory led to the establishment of the Mahdist state, which lasted for over a decade. The Mahdist state implemented a strict Islamic law and sought to create a just and equitable society. However, the state faced internal challenges and external pressures, including the British invasion of Sudan in 1896. The Mahdist forces were eventually defeated by the British at the Battle of Omdurman in 1898, marking the end of the Mahdist state and the beginning of the Anglo-Egyptian condominium.