Khartoum North

Khartoum North is a major city in the Khartoum State of Sudan.

It is also known as Khartoum Bahri or simply Bahri. This city is the third-largest city proper in Sudan. It follows the larger cities of Omdurman and Khartoum. The city is a vital part of a large urban area. This three-city group includes Khartoum and Omdurman. In 2008, this combined area had 4,272,728 people. Today, the population of Khartoum North is 1,012,211.

The geography of the city is defined by its rivers. It sits on the north bank of the Blue Nile. It also sits on the east bank of the River Nile. These two rivers meet near the city at a confluence. This location makes the area very important for water and transport. Several bridges connect the city to its neighbors. The Mac Nimir Bridge and Cooper Bridge cross the Blue Nile. The Blue Nile Road and Railway Bridge also provides a link.

The Shambat Bridge once connected the city to Omdurman. However, that bridge was destroyed in 2023.

Khartoum North has a deep and changing history. It was originally the largest settlement near the river confluence. This changed in the 1820s when Egyptians built Khartoum. They used it as a military garrison and administrative center. Later, Omdurman became the Mahdist replacement. The British also refounded Khartoum after 1898. Despite this, Bahri began to grow again in 1899. This growth happened because of the Sudan Military Railroad. The railroad's southern terminus was located in Khartoum North. The city became a central hub for railroad yards and stations.

Industrial growth shaped the city throughout the 20th century. A bridge over the Blue Nile was completed in 1910. This allowed the railroad line to extend to Sennar. The city also experienced a major international event in 1998. On August 20, a cruise missile destroyed the Al-Shifa pharmaceutical factory. The United States accused the factory of making VX, a nerve agent. This event was linked to al-Qaeda. Since 2000, the city has also seen new chemical plants. These plants supply many household products to the rest of Sudan.

The economy of Khartoum North is very diverse. It serves as the industrial center for the entire region. The city contains many dockyards and marine workshops. It also has rail workshops and sawmills. Various industries operate within the city limits. These include tanning, brewing, and textile weaving. Other businesses focus on brickmaking and food processing. The city is a major trading hub for many goods. It trades in livestock, fruit, grains, and cotton. A wealthy suburb has also developed near the Blue Nile in the east.

Many different neighborhoods make up the city. These areas include Alamlaak, Kober, and Kafouri. Other places are Al Haj Yousif, Al Sababi, and Al Dnagla. The city also contains the Bahri Industrial Area. There are many other districts like Hilat Hamad and Alshabia. Education is a significant part of city life. Students can attend the University of Bahri. Other institutions include Mashreq University and Alzaiem Alazhari University. People can also visit the Alsafia Cinema for entertainment.

Recent years have brought significant conflict to the area. The city was part of the Sudanese civil war starting in 2023. During the early stages, the Rapid Support Forces captured the city. This changed in February 2025. The Sudanese Armed Forces retook the city. This was part of the 2024–2025 Bahri offensive. These events show how the city remains a central point in the country's history. Its location and industry make it a key part of Sudan's landscape.