الخطوط الحديدية في السودان في القرن التاسع عشر الميلادي

Abstract EN

The study focus, on the foundation of railways in Sudan during the nineteen century; emphasis given to the main important historical events of railways construction and showing the impact of the ruthless struggle of Mahadist army during this period, and to what extent did economic and military objectives were achieved in Sudan.

The study employed descriptive and historical method, display stages of railways entry to Sudan and declaration of various events which associated .Various study sources were utilized, among others are; published documents concerning Sudanese railways, which regarded as the most important sources of the study, scientific research, periodicals and Arabic and English references .The study reviewed the historical development of railways in Sudan during the nineteen century, the most important findings are; the history cJf Sudanese railways during nineteen century can be divided in to two stages; the first stage started in 1837,when Mohammed Ali Pasha first decided the extension of the railway line to link the most important part of Sudan, although Khedive Ismail was the first one who introduced the railways to Sudan for the achievement of economic objectives, the only one constructed line in this stage between Haifa and Saras in which total revenues exceeds its expenditures; the second stage, started in 1884,which associated with England efforts to recovering Sudan and the elimination of the Mahadist, this stage regarded as a real starting point of railways construction in Sudan.

Also the Sudanese railways which found during this stage regarded as a model of railways constructed for the achievement of pure military objectives.

Thus the lines faced with a lot of defects, as a results the desired economic objectives were not achieved, but this lines remain the main means of transport, which increases the trade exchange between Sudan and Egypt, and it was became the main source of government revenue, in addition Sudanese railways contributed to Sudan unity and the growing of Sudanese national feelings.