Holiday in Omdurman

About Omdurman

Omdurman is the largest city in Sudan and lies on the western bank of the Nile, directly opposite the capital Khartoum. Together with Khartoum and Bahri, it forms the triplet capital at the confluence of the White and Blue Nile — one of the most significant geographical points in Africa, where the two branches of the Nile merge into the great Nile. The Souq of Omdurman is the largest traditional market in Sudan and one of the most fascinating bazaars in Africa. In labyrinthine alleys, spices, gold, incense, traditional swords (Kaskara), handcrafted leather goods, and camels are traded. The gold market is particularly impressive — hand-forged jewelry following Nubian and Arab traditions. The Whirling Dervishes are Omdurman's most famous spectacle: every Friday afternoon in front of the Hamed al-Nil Mosque, Sufi dervishes perform their ecstatic whirling dances in colorful garments, accompanied by drums and singing. It is one of the last living Sufi ceremonies in Africa. The Khalifas House Museum commemorates the Mahdi rule (1885-1898), when Omdurman was the capital of the Mahdi state. The Battle of Omdurman in 1898, where British-Egyptian troops under Lord Kitchener defeated the Mahdists, was a turning point in colonial history — Winston Churchill fought as a young officer in this battle. The Tuti Island confluence, where the Blue and White Nile meet, is a magical place: the two differently colored rivers visibly flow side by side before they mix.