Gedaref, Sudan
Region: Gedaref
Geographic Coordinates: 14.033300, 35.383300
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 40.0°C (68°F to 104°F)
Climate: Dry and hot climate with occasional rainfall during the months of July to September.
Population: 354927
Language: Arabic
Gedaref is a city located in eastern Sudan, Around 300 kilometers southeast of Khartoum, The capital city. It serves as the capital of Gedaref State and has a population of over 200, 000 people. The city sits on the banks of Atbara River which provides water for agriculture and irrigation. The history of Gedaref dates back to ancient times when it was an important trading center between Ethiopia and Egypt. The area was ruled by various kingdoms including Funj Sultanate and Ottoman Empire before becoming part of Sudan during British colonial rule in 1898.
Agriculture plays a significant role in Gedaref’s economy with cotton being one of its major crops. Other crops grown include sesame seeds, Sorghum, Wheat, And millet. The fertile land allows for extensive farming which supports both local consumption as well as export to neighboring countries. The annual Dabka festival is a popular attraction in Gedaref held every August or September each year that celebrates traditional Sudanese music and dance with participants dressed in colorful costumes performing intricate dances accompanied by live music played on traditional instruments such as drums.
Gedaref’s architecture reflects its rich history through various styles such as Ottoman-style buildings from colonial times and traditional mud-brick houses still used by locals today. Apart from agriculture, Animal husbandry also contributes significantly to the economy with cattle rearing being common among many communities living around Gedaref. Livestock markets are held regularly within the city where traders buy and sell animals such as camels, Goats, Sheep, And cows.
Despite its distance from major cities like Khartoum or Port Sudan on either side – it remains an important regional hub due to its strategic position at crossroads between Ethiopia Eritrea Djibouti Somalia Kenya Uganda and South Sudan making it essential for trade between these countries. In conclusion, Gedaref is a vibrant city with a rich history, Culture, And economy centered around agriculture. Its location as a regional hub makes it an important center for trade and commerce in the region.
Visitors to Gedaref can enjoy its traditional architecture, Music festivals, And experience the unique lifestyle of its people who have lived off the land for generations.
- Dinder National Park: A protected area with diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes.
- The Blue Nile River: One of the longest rivers in Africa that flows through Gedaref, offering beautiful views and opportunities for water activities.
- Al-Qadarif Museum: A museum that showcases the history and culture of Gedaref and its surrounding areas.
- Wadi Halfa Desert: A vast desert landscape that offers unique experiences such as camel rides and stargazing at night.
- Al-Rahad Agricultural Scheme: An extensive irrigation system that has transformed the region into a major agricultural hub for cotton, sesame seeds, sorghum, wheat among others.
- Khashm El Girba Dam Lake: A large reservoir created by a dam on the Atbara River near Gedaref town which provides recreational activities such as fishing and boating to visitors.
- Tuti Island: An island located in the middle of Blue Nile river near Khartoum city where visitors can take boat tours to see local life along with bird watching opportunities.
- The major industries and businesses in Gedaref, Sudan are:
- Agriculture
- Mainly focused on cotton, sesame, and sorghum
- Livestock production
- Includes cattle and camels
- Food processing
- Involves oil extraction and flour milling
- Trade
- Transportation
- Small-scale mining of gold in the region
- The Battle of Gedaref occurred in 1884 during the Mahdist War, resulting in the defeat of the British-led Egyptian army by Mahdist forces.
- Sheikh Ali Al-Tom was a well-known Islamic scholar and Sufi leader who lived in Gedaref during the early 20th century. He was known for his opposition to colonialism and support for Sudanese independence.
- The Gezira Scheme began in the 1920s and transformed agriculture in Sudan, establishing Gedaref as a significant agricultural center.
- The Khatmiyya Sufi Order is one of Sudan’s largest Sufi orders, with many followers based in Gedaref.
- Dr. Hassan al-Turabi was a prominent Islamist politician born near Gedaref who became a leading figure in Sudanese politics during the 1990s.
- The Second Sudanese Civil War lasted from 1983 to 2005 and had an impact on Gedaref due to its proximity to South Sudan where much of the fighting took place.
- The Nuba Mountains Conflict also affected Gedaref as it is located near the Nuba Mountains region where fighting between government forces and rebels has occurred intermittently since the late 1990s.
- Ahmed al-Mirghani, born near Gedaref, served as president of Sudan from 1986 to 1989 before being overthrown by Omar al-Bashir’s military coup.
- Abdullah Khalil Ibrahim founded one of Darfur’s most prominent rebel groups, Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), hailing from Wad Banda village near Gedarif town.
- Mohamed Wardi was a famous musician born at Wad Hamid near Gedaref and is considered one of the most important Sudanese singers of all time.
- Al-Mazmoum Archaeological Museum
- Gedaref Cultural Center
- El Gash Bridge
- Dinder National Park
- Wadi El Ku National Park
- Al-Rahad Agricultural Scheme Museum
- The Great Mosque of Gedaref
- The Old Market (Souq)
- The Palace of the Governor
- Hamidu’s House (Historical House)
- Gereif Cultural Festival: This festival celebrates the local culture and traditions of the Gedaref region, including music, dance, food, and crafts.
- Eid al-Fitr: This is a major Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with feasts and family gatherings.
- Eid al-Adha: Another important Islamic holiday that commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah’s sake.
- Moulid al-Nabi: A celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday that includes parades, poetry readings, and religious ceremonies.
- Sufi Festivals: Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam practiced in Sudan. There are several Sufi festivals held throughout the year in Gedaref that include music, dance, and spiritual rituals.
- Gezira Agricultural Fair: An annual event showcasing agricultural products from across Sudan, including livestock shows, crop exhibitions, and traditional crafts.
- International Camel Racing Festival: A popular event where camel owners from across Sudan compete in races for prizes and bragging rights.
- National Heritage Week: A week-long celebration of Sudanese heritage featuring cultural performances, art exhibits food fairs ,and other events showcasing the country’s rich history and traditions.
- Ful Medames: A traditional Sudanese breakfast dish made from fava beans and served with bread.
- Kebabs: Grilled meat skewers that are a popular street food in Sudan.
- Shai (tea): Sudanese tea is brewed with black tea leaves and flavored with mint or cinnamon.
- Al Housh Restaurant: A popular restaurant in Gedaref that serves traditional Sudanese dishes like ful medames, kebabs, and grilled chicken.
- El Malak Restaurant: Another popular restaurant that offers a variety of local dishes like kofta (meatballs), shawarma, and falafel.
- Al Tayebat Restaurant: This restaurant specializes in seafood dishes like grilled fish and shrimp curry.
- Al Waha Restaurant: Known for its delicious lamb chops and kebabs, this restaurant also serves other local favorites like ful medames and lentil soup.
- Al Andalusia Coffee Shop & Bakery: This coffee shop is famous for its freshly baked bread, pastries, cakes as well as coffee drinks like cappuccino and espresso.
