Turco-Egyptian conquest of Sudan (1820–1824)

The Turco-Egyptian conquest of Sudan (1820–1824) refers to the military campaign led by Muhammad Ali, the Ottoman governor of Egypt, to conquer and annex the northern portion of what is now Sudan. This invasion, conducted between 1820 and 1824, resulted in the establishment of Turco-Egyptian rule over the region, marking the end of the independent Funj Sultanate of Sennar and the beginning of a period of significant political, economic, and social transformation for Sudan.

Motivations for the conquest were multifaceted. Muhammad Ali sought to secure new sources of wealth and manpower, particularly gold and slaves, to strengthen his position within the Ottoman Empire and to build a modern, independent Egyptian state. He also aimed to control the trade routes along the Nile River and to expand his influence in the region.

The campaign was spearheaded by Muhammad Ali's son, Ismail Kamil Pasha. The Egyptian army, though equipped with relatively modern weaponry for the time, faced resistance from various Sudanese groups, including the Funj, the Shaigiya, and the Ja'alin. The conquest involved a series of battles and sieges, characterized by significant violence and brutality.

The fall of Sennar in 1821 marked a decisive moment in the conquest. Following this, the Turco-Egyptian administration, led by a governor-general in Khartoum (which became the new capital), implemented policies aimed at extracting resources, establishing control, and reorganizing the Sudanese economy. This included the imposition of heavy taxes, the expansion of slave trade, and the introduction of new agricultural practices.

The Turco-Egyptian rule, while bringing some technological and administrative advancements, was largely characterized by exploitation and oppression, leading to widespread resentment among the Sudanese population. This resentment eventually contributed to the rise of the Mahdist revolt in the late 19th century. The legacy of the Turco-Egyptian conquest is a complex and contested part of Sudanese history, shaping the country's political and social landscape for decades to come.