Aba Island, River island in White Nile, Sudan
Aba Island is a river island in the White Nile, located in central Sudan and shaped like an elongated strip of land between the river's banks. It has small settlements, cultivated fields, and a shoreline where fishing boats come and go.
Muhammad Ahmad launched the Mahdiyya movement from this island in 1881, triggering a years-long uprising that brought his followers to control much of Sudan. The movement collapsed after his death, but the island remained a place of memory for his followers and descendants.
The island is closely tied to the memory of Muhammad Ahmad, and his descendants, known as the Mahdi family, have long held a prominent role in Sudanese public life. Visitors today can feel how deeply this legacy shapes the way local people talk about and relate to their home.
The island can only be reached by boat, and there is no regular ferry service from the Sudanese mainland. Arranging a ride with a local boat operator beforehand makes the trip easier, and it helps to leave time for unexpected delays.
In 1970, Egyptian warplanes bombed the island, killing many residents and leading to the seizure of property belonging to the Mahdi family. The attack is still spoken about by locals as a turning point in the island's recent history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
