The term "Mahdist" refers to followers of a religious movement that emerged in the late 19th century in Sudan, led by Muhammad Ahmad. He proclaimed himself the Mahdi, a messianic figure in Islamic belief, who would bring justice and restore true faith. The movement sought to establish a theocratic state and resist foreign influence, particularly from British and Egyptian colonial powers. The Mahdist movement culminated in the establishment of the Mahdist State in Sudan, which lasted from 1885 until 1898. The Mahdists successfully captured Khartoum and defeated the ruling Turco-Egyptian administration. However, the state eventually fell to a British-led military campaign, marking the end of the Mahdist era.