University of Warwick

Sudani Society

Aerial view of Khartoum
أهلاً وسهلاً • السودان في القلب • الخرطوم
✨ Est. 2026 • A home away from home

Celebrating Sudanese culture at Warwick.

We are the Warwick Sudani Society: a welcoming society for Sudanese students and anyone who wants to learn, celebrate and connect with Sudanese culture. Everyone is welcome here — whether you are Sudanese, have Sudanese roots, or are simply curious and want to be part of the community. We want this space to feel like home: warm, beautiful and rooted in Sudanese hospitality.

Warwick Sudani Society

Culture, community and care

Follow our official pages @warwicksudanisoc

We are here to spread Sudanese culture around the University of Warwick and create a space all Sudanese students can call home.

We welcome everyone with open arms: students from every background, friends of Sudan, and anyone who wants to experience our food, music, history, language and warmth.

Who we are

Open to everyone. Rooted in Sudanese warmth.

👥

Community

A welcoming home for Sudanese students at Warwick and anyone who wants to connect with Sudanese culture.

Culture

From jabana and tea socials to food, music, language and history, we celebrate Sudan with pride.

🤍

Support

We raise awareness and share trusted fundraising links supporting people in Sudan.

Explore Sudan

Beauty, heritage and the Nile.

Pyramids of Meroe in Sudan

The Pyramids of Meroe

Sudan is widely known for having more pyramids than any other country in the world. The pyramids of Meroe are one of the most remarkable symbols of Sudan’s ancient history and beauty.

Aerial view of Khartoum

The Nile in Khartoum

A cityscape shaped by the river that carries so many memories of home.

Khartoum city and the Nile

Khartoum cityscape

Views over the capital and the Nile that reflect the beauty and energy of Sudan.

Sudanese attire

Style, identity and tradition.

A section celebrating Sudanese dress, including the elegant thob (tobe) and the traditional jalabiya, alongside the special wedding traditions that make Sudanese culture so distinctive.

Women wearing Sudanese tobe during a coffee ceremony

The Sudanese Thob (Tobe)

The Sudanese thob is a beautiful and iconic garment often worn by women. It is known for its elegance, colour and cultural significance, and is closely associated with Sudanese hospitality and celebration.

A young man in traditional Sudanese jalabiya

The Jalabiya

The jalabiya is a traditional Sudanese garment often worn by men. Its loose, flowing shape makes it practical and distinctive, and it remains a strong symbol of Sudanese heritage and everyday life.

Jirtik tradition

A beautiful Sudanese wedding tradition.

Jirtik is a cherished Sudanese wedding tradition known for its striking red and gold colours, henna, jewellery and symbolic rituals celebrating love, blessing and family.

Sudanese bride and groom during the Jirtik ceremony
الجرتق من أجمل العادات السودانية

What is Jirtik?

The Jirtik ceremony is one of the best-known Sudanese wedding traditions. The bride often wears a rich red thob with gold adornment, while the groom sits beside her in traditional dress. Henna, perfume, jewellery and family blessings all play a special role in the ceremony.

It is a beautiful expression of Sudanese joy, identity and heritage — and a wonderful tradition to share with the Warwick community.

History of Sudan

A rich and complex story across centuries.

Sudan has one of the richest histories in Africa — from ancient kingdoms and pre-independence struggles, to independence, political change, revolution and the difficult realities of war today.

1
Ancient Sudan

Kush, Nubia and the ancient world

Long before modern borders, the region that is now Sudan was home to powerful civilizations such as Kerma, Kush and Nubia. Sudan’s pyramids, temples and archaeological sites reflect a deep history that connects Africa, the Nile Valley and the wider ancient world.

2
1820s–1955

Pre-independence and colonial rule

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Sudan experienced Egyptian-Ottoman conquest, the Mahdist state, and then Anglo-Egyptian rule. During this period, Sudanese political consciousness and anti-colonial movements grew steadily.

3
1956

Independence

Sudan gained independence on 1 January 1956 from joint British and Egyptian rule. Independence marked a moment of enormous hope, but the country soon faced major political tensions and conflict over identity, power and representation.

4
1955–2005

Civil wars and political upheaval

Much of Sudan’s post-independence history was shaped by coups, authoritarian rule and long civil wars, especially between the north and south. These conflicts caused immense suffering and left deep social and political scars.

5
2011

South Sudan’s secession

After decades of conflict, South Sudan became an independent country in 2011. This was a historic turning point for the region and reshaped Sudan politically, economically and socially.

6
2019

Revolution and hope for change

Mass protests led to the removal of Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Many Sudanese saw the revolution as a hopeful moment, with calls for democracy, dignity and civilian government.

7
2023–Today

War and the present day

War broke out in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since then, Sudan has faced a devastating humanitarian crisis, mass displacement and violence affecting millions, while Sudanese people continue to show resilience, solidarity and care for one another.

Britannica • Overview

History of Sudan

A broad introduction to Sudan’s history, from ancient times to the modern state.

Read article ↗
Britannica • Independence

How Sudan gained independence

A concise explainer on Sudan’s path to independence and the end of Anglo-Egyptian rule.

Read article ↗
Reuters • Explainer

What’s behind Sudan’s conflict?

A Reuters explainer that helps readers understand the current war, its background and its wider impact.

Read article ↗
Reuters • Special report

Famine and aid in war-torn Sudan

A deeper report on the humanitarian consequences of the war and the obstacles to getting aid to people who need it.

Read article ↗

Upcoming events

A space for your next society events.

Use this section to upload or replace cards with your latest event flyers, dates and sign-up details.

Date TBC

Sudanese Culture Night

Add your flyer, venue, ticket information and event description here.

Replace with your real event details ↗
Date TBC

Freshers Meet & Greet

A great place to feature welcome socials, committee introductions or collaboration events.

Upload your upcoming event ↗
Date TBC

Fundraiser for Sudan

Use this space for charity events, awareness campaigns or cultural fundraising nights.

Add flyer, time and location ↗

News updates

Verified coverage on Sudan.

A quick news tab with recent reporting and explainers from established outlets. Click any article to read more.

AP • 2 days ago

Sudanese military downs drone launched by paramilitary forces at the main airport

AP reports that a drone aimed at Khartoum International Airport was intercepted, highlighting how the war is still affecting the capital even after periods of relative calm.

Read article ↗
AP • 4 days ago

Paramilitary forces drone strike kills 5 near Sudan capital, rights group says

AP says a drone strike near Khartoum killed civilians, underscoring the continued danger facing people around the capital and nearby areas.

Read article ↗
Reuters • Explainer

Why is Sudan at war, and what is the impact?

A Reuters explainer giving a clearer overview of the conflict, who is fighting, and the humanitarian impact across Sudan.

Read article ↗
AP • 3 weeks ago

Sudan enters a fourth year of war as officials lament an “abandoned crisis”

This AP piece gives a wider overview of the conflict’s fourth year, including displacement, famine pressures and the scale of the humanitarian crisis.

Read article ↗

Arabic words of home

Sudanese warmth, written down the page.

الدار داركم
“This is your home.” A phrase of welcome and belonging.
أهلاً وسهلاً
“Welcome.” The spirit we want every student to feel.
السودان في القلب
“Sudan is in the heart.” A reminder of pride, memory and home.

What we do

Come as you are. Leave with family.

Whether you grew up in Sudan, have Sudanese roots, or simply want to learn more, our events are built around friendship, warmth and cultural pride.

📅Jabana, tea and coffee socials
🎶Sudanese culture nights
🤲Fundraising events for Sudan
🏡Freshers meetups and community check-ins

Support Sudan

Verified ways to help.

These links go to established humanitarian organisations with active Sudan appeals. Please donate through the official websites only.

Children

UNICEF UK — Sudan Appeal

Emergency support for children and families, including healthcare, protection and relief.

Donate / learn more
Emergency aid

British Red Cross — Sudan Disaster Fund

Food, water, medical help and vital emergency relief for people affected by the Sudan crisis.

Donate / learn more
Families

Save the Children UK — Sudan Crisis

Life-saving essentials for children and families, including food, clean water and support.

Donate / learn more
Relief

Islamic Relief UK — Sudan Appeal

Food, water, shelter and emergency support for communities affected by conflict.

Donate / learn more
Hunger

Action Against Hunger UK — Sudan Appeal

Nutrition, healthcare and clean water support for vulnerable communities in Sudan.

Donate / learn more
Aerial view of Khartoum

Join Warwick Sudani Society

Find your people. Celebrate your culture. Build your home at Warwick.

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, or join our WhatsApp group chat to keep up with socials, cultural nights, fundraising events and collaborations across campus.