Omdurman
Encyclopedia
Omdurman is the second largest city in Sudan
and Khartoum State
, lying on the western banks of the River Nile, opposite the capital, Khartoum
. Omdurman has a population of 2,395,159 (2008) and is the national centre of commerce. With Khartoum and Khartoum North
or Bahri, it forms the cultural and industrial heart of the nation.
In 1884, Muḥammad Aḥmad
, "the Mahdi
", made his military headquarters in the village of Omdurman. The conflicts that followed over the next fifteen years have become known as the Mahdist War
. Following the defeat of the besieged defenders of Khartoum in 1885, the Mahdi's successor, Khalifa
ʻAbdullahi ibn Muḥammad
, made Omdurman his capital.
The city, now the location of the tomb of the Mahdi, grew rapidly. However, in the Battle of Omdurman
in 1898 (which actually took place in the nearby village of Kerreri), Lord Kitchener decisively defeated the Mahdist forces, ensuring British
control over the Sudan, and killed Khalifa.
Kitchener restored Khartoum as the capital and, from 1899 until 1956 Sudan was jointly governed by Great Britain and Egypt. Although most of the city was destroyed in the battle, the Mahdi's tomb was restored and refurbished.
On the 10 May 2008 the Darfur
rebel group of the Justice and Equality Movement
moved into the city where they engaged in heavy fighting
with Sudanese government forces. Their goal was to topple Omar Hassan al-Bashir's government.
Depicted as an icon for nationalism and diversity, Omdurman has been featured in numerous poems and songs. As the unofficial national capital of Sudan, the word "national" is tied to many of the city attractions. Some of Omdurman's famous arts facilities include National Theatre, Al-Arays (Puppets) Theatre, Alwataniya Cinema, Sudan TV
and radio station studios, The Higher Institute for Music and Theatre and Qasr Alshabab o Alatfal (Youth & Kids Palace).
Every Friday in Omdurman one can see the Whirling Dervishes. The whirling Dervishes are heterodox Sufi Muslims who wear colourful patchwork robes and dance to the beat of drums, twirling and stamping their feet until they go into a trance. They consider this dance a ritual from Islam's earliest days, though it is generally considered in Sudan
and abroad as a peculiar local Folklore. At the height of the dance, participants say that their souls communicate with Allah
(i.e. God, in Arabic) and are cleansed of evil. The spell is only broken with the call to evening prayer.
Public universities are:
Private universities are:
Furthermore, there are several public libraries in Omdurman. Albashir Alrayah Library is a famous library and hot destination for students, researchers and intellectuals. The library hosts several lectures and panels from different guest speakers and organizations.
Omdurman has several multicultural tourist targets and facilities that attract local and international visitors. Souq is the Arabic term for a market. Souq Omdurman, Souq Libya and Souq Aljilod are considered the largest merchandise spots common sceneries at Alshohada. Along this busy and noisy environment, there lies two hospitals: Omdurman Hospital and for Sudanese commodities and gadgets.
Another important destination in Omdurman is Almourada. Famous for its fish market along the banks of the Nile, Almourada is one of the old historical neighbourhoods in Omdurman. Fishermen and local merchants post at the shores selling their fresh catch. It is also home of Al-Mourada
football club, named after the neighbourhood, a top Sudan Premier League
team that has represented Sudan on numerous CAF
, and other regional tournaments.
Another shopping area is Alshohada or Hay Alsouq , Omdurman's downtown area. Transportation lines, buses, taxis, canteens, barbershops, fast-food restaurants and music stores are Blue Nile Hospital with several pharmacies at walking distances.
Another important speciality trading area is Abu Rouf. Known for its small-scale crafts including metallic beds, boat-making and extracting wood. Located along the shores of the Nile, swimming is considered an eternal hobby of Abu Rouf residents.
Just outside of Omdurman there is a camel market, where merchants come to buy and sell their desert animals. The white or paler coloured camels are the more desired and therefore highly prized, and many of the camels wear leather kitabs, talismatic pouches containing prayers to protect to the animals on their long walk to the souq.
Omdurman city has its own industrial area, in which many of huge factories are working under the control of Sudanese government, in terms of production control and quality assurance.
There are several outdoor activities and destinations that are worth visiting in Omdurman. This include Almourada Family Park, on the opposite side of Souq Almourada. Rivera Recreational is another modern park along the shores of the Nile that features outdoor dining and children playing facilities. The recreational facility has a large rental ballroom that is available for the public for hosting events such as weddings.
Another attraction is also the tomb of Sheikh Hamad El Nil Tomb, a Muslim propagator, who was active in Sudan during the Funj Kingdom (1505-1820). The tomb and the adjoining mosque are located on the western side of Omdurman. The followers of Quadriya sect Sufi gather on Friday afternoons for Zikr (recital). The congregations usually attract large crowds of local people and tourists.
There is also Souq El Naaga, which is a typical pastoral market, Located southwest of Omdurman, cattle sales are held at the market, where it also offers various basic necessities for pastorals. The major attraction of the Souq is its stalls of freshly slaughtered meat and traditional food sheds where roasted and stewed meat is served. Camel meat, and its spiced uncooked liver are considered delicious delicacies to many Sudanese. The Camel Market Located west of Omdurman, this Souq is one of the main trading centers of camels in Sudan. Camels offered in this market are brought in mainly from western Sudan and subsequently are usually herded overland to markets in Lower Egypt.
football clubs constitute the triplet of Sudanese football.
Other sports played include basketball, with Coptic School Omdurman Club being one team that plays the sport.
Some of Omdurman's football stadiums include: Al Merreikh Stadium, AlHilal Stadium
, Almourada Stadium
, Stade de Omdurman
and Dar Alrayada.
(87)xxx-xxx (calls within Khartoum State that includes Omdurman, Khartoum North and Khartoum city)
249-187-xxx-xxx (call from outside Sudan)
Omdurman features the buildings and studios of the national TV and radio stations. "Hona Omdurman", (This is Omdurman), is the name of Sudan's national radio station. Other local radio stations include: Taybah 103 FM, AlKawthar, Mango 96, 100 FM and radio Holy Quran stations.
There are two TV stations in Sudan, Sudan TV
which is the national TV of Sudan and Blue Nile Channel, a private channel that is part of Arab Radio and TV network package.
are also common mass transportation schemes.
Sudan
Sudan , officially the Republic of the Sudan , is a country in North Africa, sometimes considered part of the Middle East politically. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the...
and Khartoum State
Khartoum (state)
Khartoum is one of the 15 states of Sudan. It has an area of 22,122 km2 and an estimated population of approximately 7,152,102 . Khartoum, the national capital of Sudan, is the capital of the Khartoum State....
, lying on the western banks of the River Nile, opposite the capital, Khartoum
Khartoum
Khartoum is the capital and largest city of Sudan and of Khartoum State. It is located at the confluence of the White Nile flowing north from Lake Victoria, and the Blue Nile flowing west from Ethiopia. The location where the two Niles meet is known as "al-Mogran"...
. Omdurman has a population of 2,395,159 (2008) and is the national centre of commerce. With Khartoum and Khartoum North
Khartoum North
Khartoum North is a city close to, but distinct from, Khartoum in central Sudan. The city is close to the confluence of the White and Blue Nile on the eastern bank of the Blue Nile. The city, which had in 1993 a rapidly growing population of 900,000, is connected by bridges to Khartoum and Omdurman...
or Bahri, it forms the cultural and industrial heart of the nation.
History
Muhammad Ahmad
Muhammad Ahmad bin Abd Allah was a religious leader of the Samaniyya order in Sudan who, on June 29, 1881, proclaimed himself as the Mahdi or messianic redeemer of the Islamic faith...
, "the Mahdi
Mahdi
In Islamic eschatology, the Mahdi is the prophesied redeemer of Islam who will stay on Earth for seven, nine or nineteen years- before the Day of Judgment and, alongside Jesus, will rid the world of wrongdoing, injustice and tyranny.In Shia Islam, the belief in the Mahdi is a "central religious...
", made his military headquarters in the village of Omdurman. The conflicts that followed over the next fifteen years have become known as the Mahdist War
Mahdist War
The Mahdist War was a colonial war of the late 19th century. It was fought between the Mahdist Sudanese and the Egyptian and later British forces. It has also been called the Anglo-Sudan War or the Sudanese Mahdist Revolt. The British have called their part in the conflict the Sudan Campaign...
. Following the defeat of the besieged defenders of Khartoum in 1885, the Mahdi's successor, Khalifa
Caliph
The Caliph is the head of state in a Caliphate, and the title for the ruler of the Islamic Ummah, an Islamic community ruled by the Shari'ah. It is a transcribed version of the Arabic word which means "successor" or "representative"...
ʻAbdullahi ibn Muḥammad
Abdallahi ibn Muhammad
Abdullah Ibn-Mohammed or Abdullah al-Taaisha, also known as "The Khalifa" was a Sudanese Ansar General and ruler.-Early years:Abdullah was born into the Ta'aisha Baqqara tribe in Darfur around 1846 and was trained and educated as a preacher and holy man.He became a follower of Mohammed Ahmed "the...
, made Omdurman his capital.
Battle of Omdurman
At the Battle of Omdurman , an army commanded by the British Gen. Sir Herbert Kitchener defeated the army of Abdullah al-Taashi, the successor to the self-proclaimed Mahdi Muhammad Ahmad...
in 1898 (which actually took place in the nearby village of Kerreri), Lord Kitchener decisively defeated the Mahdist forces, ensuring British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
control over the Sudan, and killed Khalifa.
Kitchener restored Khartoum as the capital and, from 1899 until 1956 Sudan was jointly governed by Great Britain and Egypt. Although most of the city was destroyed in the battle, the Mahdi's tomb was restored and refurbished.
Darfur
Darfur is a region in western Sudan. An independent sultanate for several hundred years, it was incorporated into Sudan by Anglo-Egyptian forces in 1916. The region is divided into three federal states: West Darfur, South Darfur, and North Darfur...
rebel group of the Justice and Equality Movement
Justice and Equality Movement
The Justice and Equality Movement is a rebel group involved in the Darfur conflict of Sudan, led by Khalil Ibrahim. Along with other rebel groups, such as the Sudan Liberation Movement , they are fighting against the Sudanese Government, including the government's proxy militia, the Janjaweed...
moved into the city where they engaged in heavy fighting
2008 attack on Omdurman and Khartoum
The 2008 attack on Omdurman and Khartoum was a May 2008 raid by the Justice and Equality Movement , a Darfuri ethnic minority rebel group, against the Sudanese government in the cities of Omdurman and Khartoum....
with Sudanese government forces. Their goal was to topple Omar Hassan al-Bashir's government.
Demographics
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1909 (Census) | 42.779 |
| 1941 | 116.196 |
| 1956 | 113.600 |
| 1973 | 299.399 |
| 1983 | 526.284 |
| 1993 | 1.271.403 |
| 2007 Estimate | 3.127.802 |
| 2008 | 2.395.159 |
| 2010 | 2.577.780 |
Arts
Sudan TV
Sudan TV or Sudan National Broadcasting Corporation is an Arabic language television network. It is Sudan's national network and is government-owned and operated. Sudan TV is one of six television networks in the country. -History:...
and radio station studios, The Higher Institute for Music and Theatre and Qasr Alshabab o Alatfal (Youth & Kids Palace).
Every Friday in Omdurman one can see the Whirling Dervishes. The whirling Dervishes are heterodox Sufi Muslims who wear colourful patchwork robes and dance to the beat of drums, twirling and stamping their feet until they go into a trance. They consider this dance a ritual from Islam's earliest days, though it is generally considered in Sudan
Sudan
Sudan , officially the Republic of the Sudan , is a country in North Africa, sometimes considered part of the Middle East politically. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the...
and abroad as a peculiar local Folklore. At the height of the dance, participants say that their souls communicate with Allah
Allah
Allah is a word for God used in the context of Islam. In Arabic, the word means simply "God". It is used primarily by Muslims and Bahá'ís, and often, albeit not exclusively, used by Arabic-speaking Eastern Catholic Christians, Maltese Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, Mizrahi Jews and...
(i.e. God, in Arabic) and are cleansed of evil. The spell is only broken with the call to evening prayer.
Education
There are several educational institutions in Omdurman. Some of the notable schools include:- Elementary Schools:
- Omdurman Elnamozegia Elementary School
- High Schools:
- Abu Kadok High School
- Almotmar High School
- Basheer Mohamed Saeed Secondary School
- Omdurman Ahlia High SchoolOmdurman Ahlia High SchoolOmdurman Al'ahllia school is located in the Sudan Omdurman area of Wad Nubawy. It neighbors the Khartoum University's Faculty of Education and is located east of the Ahmed Sharffy cemetery.-History:...
- Mohammed Hussien High School
- Omdurman High School
- Wadi Saydna High School- one of famous historical high schools in Sudan
Public universities are:
- Karary UniversityKarary UniversityThe Karary University is a university based in the city of Omdurman in the state of Khartoum, Sudan.The university was established in 1996 as a public university funded by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research....
- Omdurman Islamic UniversityOmdurman Islamic UniversityOmdurman Islamic University is built on an area of size about 500 acres in Omdurman, Sudan. The school is basically oriented toward Islamic studies, yet, it serves other fields of studies as well such as engineering , agriculture and medicine ....
- University of the Holy Quran and Islamic SciencesUniversity of the Holy Quran and Islamic SciencesThe University of the Holy Quran and Islamic Sciences is a university in the state of Khartoum, Sudan. It is based in Omdurman.-History:The University of Holy Quran and Islamic Sciences was established in 1990....
Private universities are:
- Ahfad University for Women
- Omdurman Ahlia UniversityOmdurman Ahlia UniversityOmdurman Ahlia University is a community non-profit university in Omdurman, Sudan.It was opened on 1 November 1986 as Omdurman Ahlia College, and was upgraded to University status on 7 May 1995....
- University of Science and Technology - OmdurmanUniversity of Science and Technology - OmdurmanThe University of Science and Technology - Omdurman is a non-profit organization established in March 1995.-Foundation:The University of Science and Technology is located in Omdurman , the largest city in Sudan and Khartoum State...
Furthermore, there are several public libraries in Omdurman. Albashir Alrayah Library is a famous library and hot destination for students, researchers and intellectuals. The library hosts several lectures and panels from different guest speakers and organizations.
Souqs (markets)
Another important destination in Omdurman is Almourada. Famous for its fish market along the banks of the Nile, Almourada is one of the old historical neighbourhoods in Omdurman. Fishermen and local merchants post at the shores selling their fresh catch. It is also home of Al-Mourada
Al-Mourada
Al-Mourada Sports Club is a Sudanese football club based in Al-Mourada, a suburb of Omdurman. Along with AlHilal and Al-Merrikh,they formed the triplet of Sudanese football, but they couldnt that legacy. They were one of the strongest teams in sudan . Their home stadium is Stade Mourada .-Name...
football club, named after the neighbourhood, a top Sudan Premier League
Sudan Premier League
Sudan Premier League is the top division of the Sudan Football Association, it was created in 1962.-Sudan Premier League Clubs - 2011:* Al-Ahli * Al-Ahli * Al-Hilal * Al-Hilal...
team that has represented Sudan on numerous CAF
Confederation of African Football
The Confederation of African Football is the administrative and controlling body for African association football.CAF represents the national football associations of Africa, runs continental, national, and club competitions, and controls the prize money, regulations and media rights to those...
, and other regional tournaments.
Another shopping area is Alshohada or Hay Alsouq , Omdurman's downtown area. Transportation lines, buses, taxis, canteens, barbershops, fast-food restaurants and music stores are Blue Nile Hospital with several pharmacies at walking distances.
Another important speciality trading area is Abu Rouf. Known for its small-scale crafts including metallic beds, boat-making and extracting wood. Located along the shores of the Nile, swimming is considered an eternal hobby of Abu Rouf residents.
Just outside of Omdurman there is a camel market, where merchants come to buy and sell their desert animals. The white or paler coloured camels are the more desired and therefore highly prized, and many of the camels wear leather kitabs, talismatic pouches containing prayers to protect to the animals on their long walk to the souq.
Omdurman city has its own industrial area, in which many of huge factories are working under the control of Sudanese government, in terms of production control and quality assurance.
Outdoors
Another attraction is also the tomb of Sheikh Hamad El Nil Tomb, a Muslim propagator, who was active in Sudan during the Funj Kingdom (1505-1820). The tomb and the adjoining mosque are located on the western side of Omdurman. The followers of Quadriya sect Sufi gather on Friday afternoons for Zikr (recital). The congregations usually attract large crowds of local people and tourists.
Hospitals
In a country torn by wars and poverty, more facilitated hospitals are needed in the whole of Sudan. Furthermore being a highly dense city, small private clinics that are scattered throughout the city, are a common sight, especially close to Hay Alshohada. Some notable hospitals include:- Omdurman Teaching Hospital, the biggest public hospital with an emergency centre.
- Omdurman Military Hospital (or Alsilah Altiby).
- Omdurman Maternity Hospital (or Aldayat Hospital), a public hospital specializing in pregnancy and delivery, and woman's health.
- Blue Nile Hospital, a private hospital
- Asia Hospital, a private hospital
- Altigany Almahy HospitalAltigany Almahy HospitalAltigany Almahy Hospital is one of the oldest hospitals in Sudan specializing in mental and psychological health. This hospital, which established its work in 1950, is named after one of the pioneers of mental and psychological health in Sudan, Professor Dr. Tigany Almahy. The hospital is still...
, a public historical hospital specializing in psychological and mental disorders
Sports
With Sudan's best three football clubs based in Omdurman, the city is considered as the centre of football in Sudan. Al-Hilal, Al-Merreikh and Al-MouradaAl-Mourada
Al-Mourada Sports Club is a Sudanese football club based in Al-Mourada, a suburb of Omdurman. Along with AlHilal and Al-Merrikh,they formed the triplet of Sudanese football, but they couldnt that legacy. They were one of the strongest teams in sudan . Their home stadium is Stade Mourada .-Name...
football clubs constitute the triplet of Sudanese football.
Other sports played include basketball, with Coptic School Omdurman Club being one team that plays the sport.
Al-Hilal versus Al-Merrikh
When historic rivals Alhilal and Almerrikh play against each other, precautions and advisory announcements are posted. On game days, police forces circle the pitch, local companies compete to support the teams, musical instruments play, newspapers are burnt, and vehicle horns honk. Early fan arrivals are recommended. It is the biggest and most watched derby in the Sudan and one of the fiercest rivalries in Africa.Some of Omdurman's football stadiums include: Al Merreikh Stadium, AlHilal Stadium
AlHilal Stadium
AlHilal Stadium is a multiuse stadium, located in Omdurman, Sudan. It is mostly used for football matches. It is the official stadium and home of Sudanese football club AlHilal. Built on December 4, 1965, it has a capacity of 35,000....
, Almourada Stadium
Almourada Stadium
Almourada Stadium is the home stadium of Almourada. The stadium is made up of mud and water. It is one of the oldest stadiums in Sudan....
, Stade de Omdurman
Stade de Omdurman
Stade de Omdurman is a multi-use stadium in Omdurman, Sudan. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of Al-Mourada. The stadium has a capacity of 14,000 people....
and Dar Alrayada.
Telephone system
The telephone system in Sudan has greatly improved since the privatization of the telephone company. The telephone service was further improved by the introduction of the cellular system in 1996. Khartoum State (including Omdurman) follows closed telephone numbering plan as follows:(87)xxx-xxx (calls within Khartoum State that includes Omdurman, Khartoum North and Khartoum city)
249-187-xxx-xxx (call from outside Sudan)
Television and radio
There are two TV stations in Sudan, Sudan TV
Sudan TV
Sudan TV or Sudan National Broadcasting Corporation is an Arabic language television network. It is Sudan's national network and is government-owned and operated. Sudan TV is one of six television networks in the country. -History:...
which is the national TV of Sudan and Blue Nile Channel, a private channel that is part of Arab Radio and TV network package.
Public transportation
There are several bus lines that operate within Khartoum state. From Khartoum city to Omdurman, the main lines include Alshohada, Atthoura (passes through Alshohada) and Alfitihab. Minivans, Amjaads (4-wheeled microvans), taxis and raksha (s) (autorickshaw)Auto rickshaw
An auto rickshaw or three-wheeler is a usually three-wheeled cabin cycle for private use and as a vehicle for hire. It is a motorized version of the traditional pulled rickshaw or cycle rickshaw...
are also common mass transportation schemes.