Omdurman
Omdurman is a major city in Sudan and the second most populous city in the country, located in the State of Khartoum on the west bank of the River Nile, opposite and northwest of the capital city of Khartoum. It acts as an important road hub, with the Nile boosting transportation further.
- country
- Sudan
- state
- Khartoum
- population_rank
- Second most populous city in Sudan
- climate
- Hot arid climate, one of the hottest major cities in the world
- airport
- Khartoum Airport serves Omdurman
Lore & Background
The name Omdurman (Umm Durmān) literally translates as 'Mother of Durmān', but who she was or might have been is unknown. After the siege of Khartoum, followed by the building of the tomb of the Mahdi after his death from typhus, the city grew rapidly. The following year British forces defeated Abdallahi ibn Muhammad, the Khalifa, at the Battle of Umm Diwaykarat, ensuring British control over the Sudan. By contrast there were fewer than four hundred casualties on the British side with forty-eight British soldiers losing their lives. General Kitchener then ordered the desecration of the Mahdi's tomb and, in the words of Winston Churchill, 'carried off the Mahdi's head in a kerosene can as a trophy'.
Reader's Guide
The city's rapid growth after the Mahdi's death and its subsequent destruction in the battle highlight its centrality to Sudanese history. Today, Omdurman is one of the three capital cities (with Khartoum and Khartoum Bahri) and is connected by several bridges over the Blue and White Nile rivers. It hosts several public and private universities, including Omdurman Islamic University and Ahfad University for Women.
Did You Know?
- The name Omdurman translates as 'Mother of Durmān', but who she was is unknown.
- General Kitchener ordered the desecration of the Mahdi's tomb and carried off the Mahdi's head in a kerosene can as a trophy.
- Omdurman is one of the three capital cities, connected to Khartoum and Khartoum Bahri by several bridges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Omdurman?
Omdurman is a major Sudanese city situated on the western bank of the Nile, directly across from the national capital, Khartoum. It holds the distinction of being the country's second-largest city by population within the State of Khartoum.
What is the climate like in Omdurman?
Omdurman experiences a hot arid climate that ranks it among the hottest major cities on Earth. Temperatures stay extreme year-round with very little rainfall, making it one of the most scorching urban environments in the region.
How do people get to Omdurman?
The city functions as a key road junction in Sudan, with major highways radiating outward from its location. For air travel, residents and visitors use Khartoum Airport, which serves the broader Khartoum metropolitan area including Omdurman.
What happened to Omdurman during the 1898 battle?
Much of the city was destroyed in the fighting between Mahdist forces and the Anglo-Egyptian army. After the conflict, British authorities took control of Sudan and the urban area was gradually rebuilt under their administration.
More in Cities And Urban Areas 1-23
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