El Fasher history

El Fasher, located in the western part of Sudan, boasts a rich history closely tied to the era of sultanates and caravan routes. Its emergence and development were defined by a unique combination of political decisions, geography, and trade.

Foundation and Rise as a Capital

The city gained prominence in the late 18th century when Sultan Abd al-Rahman al-Rashid of the Darfur Sultanate decided to move his capital here. In effect, the city began to be built and grow around the ruler's new palace, which immediately established its high status in the region.

Key Development Factors

Several key factors contributed to the rapid growth of El Fasher:

• Political Centre: As the capital of the powerful Sultanate of Darfur, the city became the focal point of administrative and military power.
• Geographical Location: Situated in the centre of the El Fasher oasis, it provided access to water and resources, which was vital in the arid climate.
• Trade Significance: Historically, El Fasher was a crucial hub at the intersection of caravan routes, making it a bustling centre for trade and the exchange of goods.

These three elements laid the foundation for the city's economic and cultural prosperity in the early period of its history, transforming it into one of the key centres of the region.

Key Milestones in the History of El Fasher

The history of El Fasher is filled with events that defined its role as an important political and cultural centre in the Darfur region. Below is a chronology of key moments, from the city's founding to its development in the 20th century.

Foundation and the Sultanate Era

• Late 18th Century: Sultan Abd al-Rahman al-Rashid moves the capital of the Darfur Sultanate to El Fasher, initiating the active growth of the city around his palace.
• 1799: The ruler of Darfur, Abd al-Rahman, sends congratulations to Napoleon Bonaparte regarding his victory over the Mamluks in Egypt, evidencing the region's diplomatic ties.

Period of External Influence

• 1874: The Sultanate of Darfur falls under Egyptian rule, and El Fasher, as its capital, comes under the management of the Egyptian administration.
• 1883: The city and the entire region become part of the Mahdist State during the rebellion of Muhammad Ahmad.
• 1898: After the defeat of the Mahdists by the British, Ali Dinar restores rule in Darfur as a vassal ruler under Anglo-Egyptian control.

20th Century: Integration and Development

• 1916: After Ali Dinar's attempt to declare full independence, Anglo-Egyptian forces occupy the region, and Darfur is definitively joined to Sudan, with El Fasher becoming an important administrative centre.
• 1937: The famous aviatrix Amelia Earhart visits the city during her attempt to circumnavigate the globe.
• 1990: A university is established in the city by presidential decree, marking an important step for the development of education in the region.
• 1991: The official opening of the University of El Fasher takes place, and it begins its educational activities.

Stages of Development of El Fasher

The development of El Fasher as a significant urban centre in the Darfur region can be traced through several key stages, each of which contributed to its economic, cultural, and urban planning landscape.

• Foundation of the Capital (Late 18th Century): The main milestone was the decision by Sultan Abd al-Rahman al-Rashid to move the capital of the Darfur Sultanate here. This event initiated the planned construction of the city around the palace complex and turned it into the region's main political and administrative centre.
• Centre of Caravan Trade (18th–19th Centuries): Thanks to its strategic location, El Fasher became a vital hub at the crossroads of trade routes. Caravans laden with gum arabic, ivory, and other goods passed through the city, contributing to its economic prosperity and the formation of a bustling market.
• Integration into Sudan (1916): After the fall of the Darfur Sultanate and its inclusion into Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, El Fasher received a new status as a provincial administrative centre. This led to the appearance of new administrative buildings and the integration of the city into the colonial infrastructure.
• Development of Transport Infrastructure (20th Century): The gradual development of the transport network, including the construction of an airport, strengthened El Fasher's connection with other parts of Sudan and the outside world. This simplified logistics and contributed to the further growth of the city.
• Creation of the University (1990): The establishment of the University of El Fasher was a paramount event for cultural and social life. The appearance of a higher education institution turned the city into an educational hub for all of North Darfur, attracting youth and intellectuals, and fostering the development of an intellectual environment.
• Humanitarian and Administrative Hub: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the city became an important centre for the operations of international and humanitarian organisations in the region, which influenced its social structure and economy.

The architectural appearance of El Fasher represents a multi-layered canvas upon which different historical eras have left their mark. The city's urban development reflects its transition from a sultanate capital to an administrative centre and a modern regional hub. Here, traditional African and Islamic motifs combine with elements of colonial and modern construction.

Traditional Architecture of the Sultanate Era (18th–19th Centuries)

The historic city centre formed around the palace of Sultan Abd al-Rahman al-Rashid. This period is characterised by architecture traditional to the Sahel region:

• Materials: The primary building materials were unbaked brick (adobe), clay, and wood. Buildings had thick walls that helped maintain coolness in the hot climate.
• Layout: The development was dense, with narrow winding streets. Residential houses were complexes with inner courtyards hidden from public view, which is characteristic of Islamic urban culture.
• Landmarks: The central element of urban planning was the Sultan's Palace, which served not only as the ruler's residence but also as the main administrative and public centre. Surrounding it was a lively souq (market), forming the economic core of the city.

Colonial Period (Early 20th Century)

After the inclusion of Darfur into Anglo-Egyptian Sudan in 1916, new types of buildings began to appear in El Fasher. The architecture of this period was functional and reflected the city's administrative status:

• Style: Buildings appeared in a utilitarian colonial style. They were distinguished by stricter geometry, the use of baked brick, and the presence of verandas or galleries for protection from the sun.
• Building Types: Construction mainly consisted of administrative offices, barracks, and residences for British and Egyptian officials. These structures were often located in new, more planned districts, separate from the old city.

Modern Development (Mid-20th Century – Present)

From the mid-20th century and after Sudan gained independence, the city began to expand actively. This stage is characterised by the appearance of modern architecture and elements of urban planning:

• Materials and Technologies: Modern materials—concrete, glass, and metal—began to predominate in construction. Multi-storey functional buildings appeared.
• Urban Planning: The city expanded through new residential districts with wider streets and modern infrastructure.
• Landmarks: A significant urban planning project was the founding of the University of El Fasher in 1990. Its campus represents a complex of modern educational and administrative buildings, which has become a new centre of attraction for youth and a symbol of the city's development.

Notable Figures in the History of El Fasher

The history of El Fasher and the entire Darfur region is inextricably linked with the activities of prominent rulers, military leaders, and explorers. Below are key figures who left a significant mark on the city's destiny.

• Abd al-Rahman al-Rashid
  Role: Sultan of the Darfur Sultanate.
  Significance: Considered the founder of the city in its status as a capital. In the late 18th century, he moved the capital of his sultanate to El Fasher, transforming it from a small settlement into the region's main political, administrative, and cultural centre.
• Ali Dinar
  Role: The last Sultan of the Darfur Sultanate (1898–1916).
  Significance: A key figure in the history of Darfur in the early 20th century. He restored the independence of the sultanate after the period of Mahdist rule and governed from his palace in El Fasher. His attempt to gain full independence from Anglo-Egyptian influence led to a military expedition and the subsequent annexation of Darfur to Sudan in 1916, following his death in battle.
• Sulayman Solong
  Role: Sultan of the Darfur Sultanate (c. 1596–1637).
  Significance: Although he ruled long before El Fasher became the capital, Sulayman Solong laid the foundations for the power of the Darfur Sultanate. He declared Islam the state religion and strengthened the Keira dynasty, which predetermined the further development of the region, of which El Fasher later became the centre.
• Ahmed Bahr
  Role: Sultan of the Darfur Sultanate (1682–1722).
  Significance: His reign was marked by economic prosperity and the expansion of the sultanate's borders. His policy of encouraging immigration from neighbouring regions contributed to the growth of trade and cultural exchange, which strengthened Darfur's economic base.
• Rudolf Carl von Slatin (Slatin Bey)
  Role: Governor-General of Darfur.
  Significance: An Austrian officer in Egyptian service, appointed Governor of Darfur in 1881. His rule coincided with the beginning of the Mahdist uprising, and he was forced to surrender the region to the Mahdists. His activities symbolise the period of external administration and attempts to integrate Darfur into the structure of Egyptian Sudan.
• Amelia Earhart
  Role: American aviatrix, aviation pioneer.
  Significance: In 1937, El Fasher became one of the stops during her famous, yet tragically cut short, attempt to circumnavigate the globe. This visit inscribed the city into the history of world aviation and was a testament to its importance as a transport hub even at that time.