The arrival of the Mahdi.

The Mahdi, Muhammad Ahmad, was born in 1844 in the Dongola province of Sudan. He was a religious leader who claimed to be the Mahdi, a prophesied redeemer in Islam. His movement gained significant support among the Sudanese people, who were disillusioned with the oppressive rule of the Ottoman-Egyptian government. The Mahdi's forces achieved several military victories, culminating in the capture of Khartoum in 1885. This marked a turning point in Sudanese history, as it led to the establishment of an independent Mahdist state. The Mahdi's rule was characterized by a strict adherence to Islamic law and a rejection of foreign influence. He died in 1885, shortly after his victory in Khartoum, but his legacy continued to shape Sudan for years to come.