Sannār, Sudan

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Sannār, Sudan

Region: Sannār is located in the state of Al Jazirah

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Geographic Coordinates: 13.550000, 33.583300

Climate: Semi-arid climate with a dry season from November to May and a rainy season from June to October. Temperatures range from 35-40°C in the hot season (April-June) to 20-25°C in the cool season (December-January).

Population: 143059

Language: Arabic

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Sannār, A small town in the Blue Nile state of Sudan, Sits on the banks of the Blue Nile River. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times and has been an important center for trade and commerce since then. One of Sannār’s most significant historical sites is the Sannār Dam built during the 18th century by King Nour Angara. This dam played a vital role in irrigation and agriculture, Allowing farmers to grow crops year-round. The ruins of this dam still stand today and are considered an essential part of Sudan’s cultural heritage.

The Sannār National Museum is another notable site that showcases artifacts from various periods throughout Sudan’s history. Visitors can see exhibits on ancient Nubian civilization, Islamic art and architecture, As well as contemporary Sudanese culture. Several beautiful mosques are worth visiting for their stunning architecture and intricate designs. One such mosque is Al-Mahdi Mosque built during Ottoman rule in 1847 AD. In addition to its historical sites, Sannār offers visitors a chance to experience traditional Sudanese culture through its vibrant markets and local festivals.

The weekly market held every Friday attracts vendors from all over Sudan who sell everything from spices to handmade crafts. The annual Sennar Cultural Festival held each November celebrates local music, Dance, Food, And other traditions unique to this region. Visitors can sample traditional dishes like Ful medames (a popular breakfast dish made with fava beans) or watch performances by local musicians playing traditional instruments like ouds or drums. Overall, Sannār offers visitors a glimpse into both ancient and modern-day life in Sudan while also providing opportunities for cultural immersion through its museums, Markets, And festivals.

Its location along the Blue Nile River adds to its charm making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Sudanese history and culture.

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1. Sannar Bridge: A historic bridge built during the Ottoman era that connects Sannar with Khartoum.
2. Tomb of Sheikh Hamed al-Nil: A mausoleum dedicated to a revered Islamic scholar who lived in Sannar during the 18th century.
3. Ruins of Old Dongola: An ancient city located near Sannar that was once a center of Christian Nubian civilization.
4. Al-Bashir National Park: A wildlife reserve located south of Sannar that is home to various species of animals including elephants, giraffes, and antelopes.
5. Blue Nile Falls: Located about 35 kilometers northeast from Sennar town on the Blue Nile river; one can enjoy hiking and sightseeing at this beautiful waterfall site.
6. The Island of Tuti: An island situated at the confluence point between White Nile and Blue Nile rivers; it is known for its scenic beauty and attracts tourists for picnics and boat rides.
7. The Palace Museum (Maktabat al-Qasr): A museum showcasing artifacts from the reigns of various kings who ruled over Sudan over centuries ago; it also includes a library with rare manuscripts on display.

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1. Sannār, Sudan is primarily an agricultural town with major industries and businesses focused on farming and livestock production.
2. The most important crops grown in the area include:
   • Cotton
   • Sorghum
   • Sesame seeds
   • Groundnuts
3. Livestock production is also significant in Sannār, particularly for:
   • Cattle
   • Sheep
4. In addition to agriculture, there are some small-scale manufacturing businesses in Sannār that produce goods such as:
   • Textiles
   • Pottery
5. There are also a few small shops and markets that sell basic goods like foodstuffs and household items.
6. Overall, however, Sannār’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture and livestock production.

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1. The Kingdom of Sannār: In the 16th century, the Kingdom of Sannār was established in what is now central Sudan. It was a powerful Islamic state that controlled trade routes and had a strong army.
2. King Badi III: King Badi III was one of the most famous rulers of the Kingdom of Sannār. He ruled from 1680 to 1727 and expanded his kingdom’s territory by conquering neighboring kingdoms.
3. The Funj Sultanate: After the decline of the Kingdom of Sannār, the Funj Sultanate emerged in central Sudan in the late 16th century. It was also an Islamic state and lasted until it was conquered by Egypt in 1821.
4. The Mahdist War: In 1885, a religious leader named Muhammad Ahmad declared himself to be the Mahdi (the savior) and led a rebellion against British colonial rule in Sudan. This led to years of conflict known as the Mahdist War, which included battles around Sannār.
5. Sheikh Hamad al-Nil: Sheikh Hamad al-Nil was a famous Muslim scholar who lived in Sannār during his early life before moving to Khartoum where he became an important figure in Sudanese politics.
6. The Gezira Scheme: In modern times, one significant event associated with Sannār is The Gezira Scheme – an irrigation project that began in 1925 to transform vast areas into fertile agricultural land for cotton production which has played an important role in Sudan’s economy ever since its inception.

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1. Sannar National Museum: It is a historical museum that displays the rich history and culture of Sannār.
2. Al-Nilin Mosque: It is one of the oldest mosques in Sudan and a significant religious site for Muslims.
3. Blue Nile Bridge: The bridge connects Khartoum to Sennar across the Blue Nile River.
4. The Tomb of Sheikh Hamed Al Nil: This tomb is dedicated to Sheikh Hamed Al Nil, who was a famous Islamic scholar and poet from Sannār.
5. The Palace of Sultan Badi II: This palace was built by Sultan Badi II during his reign in the 18th century and showcases traditional Sudanese architecture.
6. Taka Mountains National Park: Located near Sannār, this park offers stunning views of the Taka Mountains and various wildlife species such as baboons, hyenas, gazelles, etc.
7. The Great Mosque of Sennar: This mosque was built by Sultan Ismail Ibn Sharif in 1650 AD and features unique architectural designs inspired by African styles.

Note that due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions some places may be temporarily closed or have limited access hours/days so it’s always best to check before visiting any place mentioned above or any other place you plan on visiting during your trip to Sudan.

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Traditional Sudanese Dishes

1. Ful medames – a traditional breakfast dish made from fava beans, served with bread and vegetables.
2. Kabab – grilled meat skewers seasoned with spices.
3. Shaiyah – a stew made from lamb or beef cooked with vegetables and spices.
4. Asida – a porridge-like dish made from cornmeal or wheat flour, often served with stews or sauces.

Popular Restaurants in Sannār

1. Al-Mahdi Restaurant
2. Al-Tayeb Restaurant
3. El Nour Restaurant
4. Al-Salam Restaurant

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