Siege of Khartoum currency facts for kids
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Siege of Khartoum currency, an emergency paper money, was issued by governor-general of the Sudan, British Major-General Charles George Gordon during the Siege of Khartoum. Denominated in piastre (and a £E50 note), the first issue notes were dated 25 April 1884 and produced as late as November 1884.
Background
Charles George Gordon
Gordon began his military career with the Royal Engineers (1852) and fought in the Crimean War and in China, playing a significant role in stopping the Taiping Rebellion (1863–1864). He was appointed Governor of Equatoria (1872–1876), and then Governor-general of the Sudan (1877–1880). Gordon was re-appointed to the post of Governor-general in January 1884 and arrived at Khartoum on 18 February 1884, less than one month prior to the siege.
Siege of Khartoum
Muhammad Ahmad bin Abd Allah, self-proclaimed Mahdi, engaged in the 18-year long Mahdist War (1881–1899) against the British Empire (Khedivate of Egypt), the Ethiopian Empire, the Congo Free State, and the Kingdom of Italy. In a series of telegrams in early March, 1884, Gordon informed the British government that the Mahdi were closing the roads, cutting off supplies and severing telegraph communications. As the fighting drew closer to the city walls, and the blockade tightened, the siege of the city of Khartoum (13 March 1884 – 26 January 1885) began. Reinforcements were denied, prompting Gordon to send a telegram (on about 8 April 1884) stating
As far as I can understand, the situation is this: you state your intention of not sending any relief up here or to Berber, and you refuse me Zebehr. I consider myself free to act according to circumstances. I shall hold on here as long as I can, and if I can suppress the rebellion I shall do so.
See also
- Siege money — Siege money has been issued by other governors in other sieges
