Sudan Al-Ubayyid, also known as the White Nile, is a major river in Africa that has been a key part of Sudanese history for centuries. It is one of the longest rivers in the world, stretching from its source in the Ethiopian highlands to the Mediterranean Sea. The river is an important lifeline for the people of Sudan, providing them with water for drinking and irrigation, and its banks are home to numerous settlements and cities.
The history of Sudan Al-Ubayyid is intertwined with the history of Sudan itself. The river has been a major source of transportation and trade since ancient times. In the 8th century, the Islamic Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab ordered the construction of a canal that connected the river to the Red Sea. This allowed for trade between the two regions and allowed Sudanese goods to reach the Mediterranean.
In the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire conquered Sudan and established control over the river. The Ottomans used the river to transport goods and people between Sudan and the Mediterranean. During this time, the river was also used for military campaigns, with the Ottoman navy using it to launch attacks against the Portuguese in the Red Sea.
In the 19th century, British and Egyptian forces occupied Sudan and the river became an important part of their strategy. The British used the river to transport troops and supplies, while the Egyptians used it to launch attacks against the Mahdist forces in the south of Sudan.
The river has been a major source of conflict in Sudan since the mid-twentieth century. In the 1950s, the Sudanese government built a dam on the river near Khartoum, which led to the displacement of thousands of people and created tensions between Sudan and Egypt. In the late 1960s, the Egyptian government began to build a series of dams on the river, which further exacerbated tensions between the two countries.
Today, Sudan Al-Ubayyid is a major source of water for the country, providing the majority of its drinking water and irrigation. The river is also an important source of hydropower, with several dams located along its course. In addition, the river is a major tourist destination, with numerous attractions located along its banks.
Sudan Al-Ubayyid is a vital part of Sudanese history and culture. It has been a source of trade, transportation, and conflict for centuries, and continues to play a crucial role in the country’s economy and development.