"Omdurman" Top 5 Page for this destination Omdurman by uglyscot

Omdurman Travel Guide: 48 reviews and 145 photos

largest town in Sudan

Omdurman along with Khartoum and Khartoum North make up the capital of The Sudan.It was established at the time of the Mahdiya when the follows of the Mahdi settled there. It has a more native flavour to it than Khartoum with a maze of twisting narrow alleys, and a traditional market..
There are a number of sites dating from the Mahdiya that are easily reached by tourists. The market place, the camel market, Hamad el Nil and the whirling dervishes. deserve a visit.
Omdurman is the home of the faculty of Education, University of Khartoum; Omdurman Islamic University; Ahlia University; Ahfad University for Women and many new institutes.
The Military Hospital and a large Military Are is to the left as you come over Omdurman Bridge from Khartoum, so photography in the area is forbidden.

History

Abdel Ghayoum Gate

Mohamed Ahmed declared himself the Messiah of Islam [The Mahdi] on 29 June 1881. Born in Dongola to a boatbuilder, he was brought up near Khartoum. He became very religious and wanted to rid Sudan of the Egyptians, so gathered an army. He was successful in battle, and then went on to besiege Khartoum. Khartoum was under the command of General Gordon. After 10 months.In 1885, Gordon and most of the inhabitants were killed, and the Mahdi declared himself ruler of Sudan.
However, he died 5 months later , and was succeeded by the Khalifa Abdullahi, who ruled for 13 years, and moved the capital to Omdurman.

Abdel Ghayoum gate was one of the main entry points to Omdurman. Nearby are some remnants of the ramparts from which the Mahdi 's forces fired on the British ships which had been sent to try to rescue General Charles Gordon.

parliament

The Parliament building was built by a foreign company {Romanian] during the presidency of Gaafer Nimeri. It stands by the river on the right hand side when you cross the old Omdurman Bridge.
Also from this era is the nearby Youth Palace built by the North Koreans, and across the bridge in Khartoum The Friendship Hall built by the Chinese.

Pros and Cons

Pros:fascinating maze of alleys, and the market
Cons:very traditional

Last visit to Omdurman: Nov 2006
Intro Updated Nov 20, 2006
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Reviews (23)

The Mulid: The celebration of the... Local Customs (1)

Every year there are celebrations for the Birthday of the Prophet Mohamed. The actual date varies because the Islamic... more travel advice

sheep or camel? Restaurants (2)

This very traditional restaurant is two tented areas with web-strung metal beds, a few plastic chairs and tables. The... more travel advice

after rain, Omdurman ,August 2009 - Omdurman

when it rains Warnings and Dangers (1)

Because Omdurman was not planned as a city, it is difficult to find your way around. To me it is like a rabbit warren-... more travel advice

Entrance to the Mereikh Stadium - Omdurman

Mereikh Stadium Sports & Outdoors (1)

Football is the most popular sport among Sudanese men. There are two main rival clubs, both based in Omdurman: Hilal and... more travel advice

Shopping (4)
See All Spices and herbs
Transportation (1)
congestion
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Comments (8)

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tiabunna Jun 15, 2009 at 1:49 AM

Your interesting page took me back many years to reading Alan Moorhead's books on the Nile and the history of the area. As a vehicle enthusiast, I loved Wingate's old Arrol-Johnstone.
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Sininen Aug 26, 2007 at 6:42 AM

Interesting page! I enjoyed so much reading your tips and looking at the photos. Well done!
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canuck68 Aug 17, 2007 at 11:22 PM

That was very interesting. I am abysmally ignorant about your part of the world. Lovely pictures.
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mafootje Aug 6, 2007 at 6:13 AM

lots of thanks for the birthday wishes.
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gilabrand Jul 25, 2007 at 1:36 AM

So Islam has messiahs, too. I guess I sort of knew that, in the back of my head....Sakhteyn on the new HP photo!!
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SLLiew Jun 18, 2007 at 10:24 PM

Very education page of Omdurman. We know so little of Sudan. Enjoyed your shopping tips of spices, beads, silver and gold :)
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evaanna Mar 25, 2007 at 8:50 AM

Looks like an interesting place to visit, all those markets, the whirling dervishes, the mosques...Thanks for the history lesson too. The women's university seems to be doing a really good job. Great photos and very helpful tips.
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sachara Dec 1, 2006 at 1:39 AM

Hi Shane, another informative and fascinating Sudanese page ! The markets of Omdurman look great. Thanks for sharing.