town, northwestern Sudan, 120 miles (195 km) northeast of Nyala. A historical caravan centre, it is located at an elevation of about 2,400 feet (700 metres). The town serves as an agricultural marketing centre for the cereals and fruits grown in the surrounding area. It is linked by road with Al-Junaynah and Umm Kaddādah. In the late 18th century Sultan ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-Rashed of the Fur Sultanate of Dārfūr established his capital at Al-Fāshir, and the town grew up around the sultan's palace. Pop. (2001 est.) 178,500.