The Mahdist War (1881-1899) was a conflict in the Sudan between the forces of the British-Egyptian administration and the followers of Muhammad Ahmad, who proclaimed himself the Mahdi, a messianic figure in Islam. The war began when the Mahdi led a revolt against foreign rule, aiming to establish a theocratic state based on Islamic principles. The conflict saw significant battles, including the famous Battle of Omdurman in 1898, where British forces, led by General Kitchener, defeated the Mahdist army. The war ultimately resulted in the establishment of British control over Sudan, ending the Mahdist state and leading to a period of colonial rule.