Taqali

The Taqali state was centered upon the Taqali Massif, the highest part of the Nuba Hills in the Kordofan region (of what is now central Sudan).[3] Its early history is unclear. Oral traditions state that it was founded in the early sixteenth century when the Kingdom of Sennar was established. However, some scholars believe the state did not exist until the late eighteenth century (between 1750 and 1780) and that the early rulers (noted on the list of monarchs) are semi-mythological.[4]

Historian Janet J. Ewald argued that the first true ruler of Taqali was Muhammad Wad Jayli.[4] Ewald proposed that Wad Jayli, along with his son, Ismail of Qaqali, founded the state. Ewald contends the state of Taqali was formed during a period of disorder in the Kordofan when the Kingdom of Sennar was in decline and Darfur was growing in power. Muhammad Wad Jayli began uniting the region and was succeeded as Makk by his brother Umar. Umar was overthrown c. 1783 by Ajaid, the queen mother, and Muhammad's son, Ismail. The state was further expanded by Ismail who took control of the "99 hills" of the region. His son Abakr peacefully succeeded him in 1800.

Despite its relatively small size and powerful neighbors, the Taqali state remained independent. The state was centered on the Taqali Massif and spread to encompassed all of the Nuba Mountains. These highlands were well-suited to agriculture while the surrounding Kordofan plain was dry and inhospitable, which made it difficult to support an invading army. The rocky terrain also served as a natural fortification. The neighboring Kingdom of Sennar posed the greatest threat and was appeased by annual payments from Taqali.[5] Sennar adhered to this arrangement until the Egyptian invasion of Sennar in 1821. The Egyptians then launched three failed invasions against Taqali. An agreement was reached with Egypt that Taqali would remain de facto independent but would pay a nominal tax and be officially incorporated into Egyptian Sudan. Egypt and other outside powers attempted to influence the leadership of Taqali, which was plagued by succession conflicts from 1840 to 1880.

In 1883 the Mahdist Sudanese (who were in the midst of the Mahdist War with Egypt) decided to invade Taqali. Their campaign advanced further than any previous attempt. In July 1884 the ruler of Taqali, Makk Adam, was captured by the Mahdists and eventually died in captivity. Insurrections continued in Taqali, and Hamdan Abu Anja, a nearby Sudanese ruler, was dispatched to quell the rebellion. This resulted in more pillaging and destruction in Taqali.[6] The state was then conquered by the forces of the self-proclaimed Mahdi, Muhammad Ahmad, in the late 19th century. In conjunction with other campaigns and revolts in Egyptian Sudan, this resulted in the formation of Mahdist State.

In 1889 the Mahdists were defeated by the British, who formed Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. The Makk of Taqali was restored to power but remained closely controlled by the British. The Makks of Taqali proved to be useful allies and the British gradually gave them more territory to control and administer. This continued through to the independence of Sudan in 1956. The administrative power of the state ended with the 1969 coup. Though having no political power, the Makk of Taqali remains a ceremonial leader to the people of the region.[5]