Happy TravellerWelcome to Kassala, the capital of the state of Kassala in eastern Sudan. This charming market town is situated on the banks of the Gash River and is famous for its fruit gardens. With a population of over 400,000, Kassala is an important trade center due to its location along the main Khartoum-Port Sudan highway. In this article, we will explore the rich history, cultural sites, and notable people of Kassala.
== History ==
Kassala has a long and fascinating history dating back to the Neolithic period. The ancient settlement of Mahal Teglinos flourished here during the Early Gash Group phase (ca. 2800–2500 BC). Egyptian jars dating from this period have been found here. At that time, the inhabitants at Mahal Teglinos were already trading with Egypt, Nubia, and the southern Arabian Peninsula. The settlement continued to flourish during the late Gash Group phase (ca. 1900–1700 BC).
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Kassala was a key node in the west–east trade route, linking the coastal ports of Massawa and Suakin with the Sudan and farther west. The town was conquered by Ottoman soldiers of Egyptian viceroy Muhammad Ali in 1840 during his military offensive into Sudan. In 1885, Kassala was subsequently captured by the Mahdists. In 1894, after the Battle of Kassala, the Italians captured the city from the Mahdists. In 1897, the Kingdom of Italy returned Kassala to the Kingdom of Egypt in order to get international recognition of the Italian colony of Eritrea. In 1899, Kassala fell under the purview of Anglo-Egyptian Sudan until Sudanese independence in 1956. In July 1940, during the East African Campaign, Italian forces advancing from Italian East Africa forced the local British garrison to withdraw from Kassala. The Italians later appointed as mayor of Kassala the future hero of Eritrean independence, Hamid Idris Awate. In mid-January 1941, the Italians withdrew from the city and a British garrison returned.
== Climate ==
Kassala has a hot desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh).
== Current status ==
The Kassala region had a child mortality rate of 62 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2014, slightly higher than the national average of 52 child deaths per 1,000. The Khatmiyya Mosque, built in 1840 by the Ottomans and damaged during the Mahdist War, is the city’s most important cultural site. It is an important site for the Sufi Khatmiyya order.
== Education ==
The city is home to Kassala University, a public university established in 1990 to replace the East University, and an important institution for development in the east of Sudan. Including Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Economic and Administration, Faculty of Computer science and IT and more.
== Notable people ==
– Bushara Abdel-Nadief (Footballer)
– Aisha Musa Ahmad (Singer)
– Hassan Al-Turabi (Politician)
– Muhannad El Tahir (Footballer)
– Nizar Hamid (Footballer)
– Noor Uthman Muhammed Dua Saleh (Singer)
Kassala is a city with a rich history and culture. From its ancient settlements to its modern-day university, Kassala has much to offer visitors. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or simply want to experience the local cuisine, Kassala is a destination worth exploring.