Gates of Hausa kingdoms

Last updated March 07, 2024

Gates of Hausa kingdoms are gates (Hausa: kofa) or walls (ganuwa) that formerly enclosed Hausa kingdoms.^[1] In ancient times, each kingdom was enclosed with a wall that contained various gates. During battles, the gates were closed as a war strategy. Each gate has a name and a gatekeeper (Sarkin Kofa, lit. "King of the Gate"). In the past, especially at night, the gatekeeper was in charge of a single gate at all time. All of the gates are assigned to a single person today.^{[ citation needed ]}

Architectural concept

In Hausa Kingdoms, gates were built from mud, dried grass, timber, metals, stones and other traditional building materials suitable for the building. The gates are designed based on Hausa culture and depict Hausa traditional architecture using burn bricks and traditional colors of the Hausa region. On average, the gates reach a height of about five meters with a length of about ten meters. They are illustrated with patterns, marks, symbols and Hausa design, such as a tambarin arewa, a logo frequently used in Hausa buildings which serves as an emblem or flag to Hausa people. When the structure of the gate is completed, the entire gate is painted in a traditional style while some gates are left brownish with the natural color of mud, like the Gate of Marusa in Katsina.

Overview

In ancient times, every gate was allocated to one person. It is his duty at all times to protect and maintain it by providing administrative records of every movement of people passing through the gate along with foreign record affairs for self-defense. Every gate has a key for opening and closing; the keys are allocated to Sarkin Kofa. Usually, there is a fixed time for closing and opening of every gate but today the gates are open without the need for keys. Traditionally, during wartime, orders only came from either the emir of the kingdom or his war counselor, the Sarkin yaki'. Out of wartime, orders and control of the gate are left to the Sarkin Kofa. It is an order that entry into the city may only be done through those gates. When the gates are closed at night, they do not reopen until dawn. The post of Sarkin Kofa is inherited generationally in the Hausa Kingdom, from a Sarkin Kofa to his children. The gates also serve as a tourist attraction nowadays in Hausalands.^[2]^[3]

Gates

Bauchi Emirate

In Bauchi Emirate there are nine gates.^[4]^[5]

Gate of Inkil: Called the gate of Eid. It was constructed for the people of Inkil town to allow them to enter the city and perform Eid prayers.^[4]
Gate of Dumi: This gate was named after a student of Malam Yakubu called Abdul Dumi, who became the Wambai of Bauchi and an adviser to the emir in the palace.^[4]
Gate of Jahun
Gate of Nasarawo: This gate was named after a prominent malam called Malam Nasarawo, who lived outside the gate. The emir at that time went through the gate to visit Nasarawo for prayers.^[4]
Gate of Hunti: This gate was built in memory of a Wuntawan warlord (descended from a tribe of Fula people) called Muhmmadu Kusu.^[4] As time passed, the word Wuntuwa turned into Hunti.
Gate of Ran: Ran is a place were the people of Bauchi once made peace.^[4] They followed the gate to meet in Ran; after peace was made, the gate earned the name of the place.
Gate of Tirwun: Turwun is a town where Sarki Yakubu hailed from, so he erected this gate to honor his town and his people.^[4]
Gate of Wambai: When the city of Bauchi was expanded, the emir of that time built another house for his chief adviser known as "Wambai". The house was built in the expanded area together with a gate for coming in and out of the palace to ease his movement. The gate was named after him.^[4]
Gate of Wase: It was the gate of Madaki (of Bauchi) Hasan, who established the town of Wase (today Wase is a Local Government Area in Plateau State). Madaki Hasan is the best discipline of Yakubu, the first Emir of Bauchi.

Kano Emirate

The kingdom Kano has 15 gates. Some of its wall has eroded due to poor maintenance.^[6]^[7]^[1]^[2]^[8]^[3]^[9]

Gate of Kansakali: Built between 1095 and 1135, the Gate of Kansakali was the first city gate to be constructed.
Gate of Nasarawa
Gate of Gidan Rumfa: This is the main entrance of Kano palace built by the emir.
Sabuwar Kofa Gate: Constructed after Kano fell to the British in 1903.
Gate of Dan Agundi
Gate of Naisa
Gate of Gadankaya
Gate of Dukawiya
Gate of Kabuga
Gate of Waika
Gate of Ruwa
Gate of Dawanau
Gate of Wambai
Gate of Mazuga
Gate of Mata

Gate of Nasarawa
Gate of Ruwa
Gate of Rumfa or Fada
Gate of Mata
Gate of Dawanau
Gate of Sabuwa
Gate of Gadan Kaya
Gate of Nai'sa
Gate of Wambai
Gate of Famfo
Gate of Mata 1498
Gate of Dan Agundi

Katsina Emirate

The palace was surrounded by a rampart wall called "Ganuwar Gidan Sarki", which is now gone. The main gate that leads to the palace is called "Kofar Soro", meaning Gate of Soro, while the gate at the backyard of the palace is called Gate of Bai, which is now gone. In the city of Katsina, there are almost 7 gates at every corner of the kingdom.^[10] The gates were constructed to enable movement in and out, there are some gates that are no longer in existence, these gates are; The Gate of Turmi, Gate of Keke, Gate of Angulu, Gate of Gazobi and Gate of Waziri.^[11]

Gate of Agulu: This gate has two openings. the word "Agulu" is a name given to the slave of the emir. He is in charge of the Gate and the person in charge of executing people under the death penalty.^[12]
Gate of Keke: This gate was made after the arrival of the colonial Europeans of the British Empire. It is behind the palace of the emir of Katsina. The Europeans used to enter this gate when coming to the palace from their quarters on bicycles; the gate was named after the bicycles, or "Keke" in Hausa.^[13]
Gate of Kwaura: The gate was named after a prominent warrior of Rimi who was given the ruling title of "Kwauran Katsina", which was transferred to the gate.^[14]
Gate of Kwaya: This Gate derives its name from an emir of Habe called Sarkin Kwaya who ruled a small town called Kwaya, which is south of Katsina. The duty of this ruler is to provide grain to the emir of Katsina like guinea corn, millet, and maize for the emir's estate. It was said that it is through this gate Wali Jodoma was expelled from Katsina by the emir, so he went passed through the gate, turned around and cursed it, saying "Nothing good will be done on this Gate unless 500 years have passed". People built houses near every gate in Katsina except the Gate of Kwaya. The gate is now one of the major gates into Katsina from various cities. Shararar Fayif and Sabuwar Unguwa are close to this gate.^{[ citation needed ]}
Gate of Durbi: This gate, according to the first source, derived its name from the emirate of Durbi of Kusheyi. The gate derived the name when the Durbawa began ruling the emirate of Katsina. When they migrated to Katsina from their town, the emirate of Durbi changed its name to Durbi-Katsina. The ruler of the emirate of Durbi was called the "Hakimin Katsina". Durbi has been in Mani since Durbi Saddiku's rule from around 1810–1835. There were also other Durbi emirs, such as Durbi Fandiku who ruled from 1836 to 1860, Durbi Gidado (1860-1883), and Durbi Dikko (1891-1906). The Durbawa entered through the gate when they arrived at Katsina. The gate was then called the Gate of Durbi, meaning the Gate of emirs from Durbi. This gate is closed to towns like Filin Samji and Rimin Badawa.^[15]
The Gate of Guga: This gate has three original names: it was called the Gate of Yammawa because it is located east of Katsina; the Gate of Tsaro, which means "gate of security" because soldiers were posted at the gate to prevent sudden attacks; it was mainly known as the Gate of Guga, the word "Guga" coming from a wife of Sarkin Gobir known as Bawa Jan Gwarzo. She ran away from her husband to Katsina through this gate, to warn the king of Katsina known as Muhammadu Jan Hazo (ruled from 1740 to 1751) for her husband's preparations to attack Katsina. After defeating the Gobir kingdom, the emir renamed this Gate to honor her loyalty.^[16]
Gate of Sauri: This is a gate in the northwest sector of Katsina, which is close to Unguwar Rafukka, Nasarawa, Makera, and Yammawa. The gate of Sauri has two sources about its origin: according to the first source, Kofar Sauri derives its name from Sarkin Samari, who stays close to the gate. At first, the name "Samari" was given to the gate before it mutated into "Samri", then "Sauri". According to the second source, its name came from the regime of Sarki Ummarun Dallaje (1807-1835) when a warlord called Danbaskore lead a counterattack against the city of Katsina. when he discovered all the gates were closed, the emir of the Sauri town "Sarkin Sauri" (now Kaita), who was an ally to the Katsina, intercepted Danboskore and defeated him. When he emerged victorious, he erected a gate in the wall of Katsina, which was named the Gate of Sauri in remembrance of the legend of Sarkin Sauri.^[17]
Gate of Marusa: This gate is considered to be one of the oldest gates in the history of Katsina. It was said to have been built in the 15th century. It was built together with the wall of Katsina, and derives its name from a ruler of Habe called Marusa Usman who ruled Dutsi. He was said to be a warrior who entered and exited Katsina through this gate from Dutsi. Another source says it was from a man who specialized in catching slaves.^[18]
Gate of Yan daka: It was said to be built around 15th century. The gate Yan Daka derives its name from a ruler in Dustin Ma, who was given the post ruling of "Yanɗakan Katsina" in the Katsina emirate. His house was close to the gate.^[19]

Zazzau Emirate

The city of Zaria has seven gates that were originally erected after the wall of the city was constructed. The gates included the following except the gates of Jatau and the gate of Galadima. The current Sarkin Kofa of Zazzau is Alhaji Mansur Dambo Mai-Sa’a.^{[ citation needed ]}

Gate of Gayan: This gate was created for the people of Gadar Gayan, to have easy access when entering the city. The word Gayan is derived from a river named Gayan and a town named after the river called Gadar Gayan.^[20]
Gate of Kuyan Bana: This gate was the second to be erected. It derives its name from a warlord of Queen Amina known as Mayaki Kuyan Bana. He is well known for his legendary victories in many battles.^{[ citation needed ]} He established the small town then called Kuyan Bana, south of Kwatarkwashi. He built his home in Kuyan Bana and the Queen made him the guardian of the gate.^[20]
Gate of Kona: This gate was the third gate to be constructed. The gate derives its name from two Islamic clerics that came to the city of Zaria known as konawa. When they arrived they spent their time outside the city of Zaria without coming to the town, when the gates were erected in their direction, people began calling the gate with the gate of Konawa, when they spent years near the gate.^[20]
Gate of Kibo: The gate was originally named Kofar Tukur Tukur. The people of Gobir, Zamfara, Yawuri, and Kabi used to enter the city of Zaria from this gate. The gate derived its name from a stone located in a town of Tukur Tukur. Tukur Tukur is an old town outside Zaria; during the reign of Sarkin Zazzau Sambo, a battle took place close to Tukur Tukur alongside the gate. The gate changed its name to the arrow, "Kibo", afterward.^[20]
Gate of Doka: The Gate of Doka was the fifth to be constructed in Zaria. It was originally called the gate of Kano. It is said that it derived its name from a tree that was close to the gate known as "Bishiyan Doka", while another source states the gate derived its name from the gatekeeper known as "Doka".^[20]
Gate of Bai: The place where the gate is erected is at the back of the house of the emir of Zazzau. The word "bai" means behind in Hausa, which means the Gate behind the emir's house. The people of Bauchi usually enter the city through this gate.^[20]
Gate of Jatau: This gate was named Jatau after a prominent king of Habe known as Isiyaku Jatau, who ruled Zazzau from 1782 to 1802.^[20]
Gate of Galadima: This gate derives its name from Galadiman Zazzau known as Daudu, who was known by the beggars. The gate was close to his house. Some sources say it was Galadima Dokaje.^[20]^[21]
Gate of Fada: Fada means palace. This gate is the main gate entrance to the palace of Sarkin Zazzau.^[21]

Maintenance

The gates were formerly the responsibility of traditional rulers known as emirs who assigned maintenance duties to the Sarkin Kofa. In 1959, the Federal Government of Nigeria declared the gates to be national monuments and the responsibility transferred to the Federal Government. Some gates are falling into disrepair due to lack of maintenance.^[6]^[7]^[9]

Related Research Articles

Kaduna State is a state in the northwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The state capital is its namesake, the city of Kaduna which happened to be the 8th largest city in the country as at 2006. Created in 1967 as North-Central State, which also encompassed the modern Katsina State, Kaduna State achieved its current borders in 1987. Kaduna State is the fourth largest and third most populous state in the country, Kaduna State is nicknamed the Centre of Learning, owing to the presence of numerous educational institutions of importance within the state such as Ahmadu Bello University.

Amina was a Hausa historical figure in the city-state Zazzau, in what is now in the north-west region of Nigeria. She might have ruled in the mid-sixteenth century. A controversial figure whose existence has been questioned by some historians, her real biography has been somewhat obscured by subsequent legends and folk tales.

Zaria is a metropolitan city in Nigeria which lies within four local government areas in Kaduna State; it is the capital city to the Zazzau Emirate Council, and one of the original seven Hausa city-states and a major city in the state. The local government areas that made up of the city of Zaria includes: Zaria Local Government, Sabon Gari Local Government, Giwa Local Government and Soba Local Government areas in Kaduna state, Nigeria.

Suleja is a city in Niger State, Nigeria, pop. (2016) local government area, 260,240, just north of Abuja, capital of the Suleja Emirate. It is sometimes confused with the nearby city of Abuja, due to its proximity, and the fact that it was originally called Abuja before the Nigerian government adopted the name from the then Emir Sulayman Bal for its new federal capital in 1976.

The Zazzau, also known as the Zaria Emirate, is a traditional state with headquarters in the city of Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The current emir of Zazzau is H.E Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli CFR, who succeeded the former emir, late Alhaji Shehu Idris.

Faskari is a town and Local Government Area (LGA) in Katsina State, northern Nigeria. The population of the LGA was 125,181 as of 2003. The current Sarki (Emir) is Eng. Aminu Tukur Saidu, and the Executive Chairman is Honourable Bala Faskari, an APC member.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Durbar festival</span>

The Durbar festival is an ancient traditional annual Hausa; cultural, religious and equestrian festival, celebrated as a core part of the Arewa Hausa culture. Durbar has existed for centuries and is as an essential part of Hausa kingdom and Hausa tradition. Durbar is a paramount part of Hausa cultural rites, tradition and history and the Hausa's are renowned in history as ancient horsemen and warriors of the Sahara and the Sahel.

The Fulajihads sometimes called the Fulani revolution were a series of jihads that occurred across West Africa during the 18th and 19th centuries, led largely by the Muslim Fula people. The jihads and the jihad states came to an end with European colonization.

Danja is a Local Government Area in Katsina State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is located in the town of Danja.

Lere is a Local Government Area and town in southern Kaduna State of Nigeria. Lere town is located geographically at the latitude 10 degrees 39 North and longitude 8 degrees 57 East. It is the headquarters of the Lere Emirate. The town and its environs has an estimated population of about 93,290 (2016). Lere Local Government has an area of 2,634 km² and a population of 339,740 at the 2006 census. Its headquarters are in the town of Saminaka. The postal code of the area is 811.

The Emir of Zazzau, known as Sarkin Zazzau in Hausa is the traditional ruler based in Zaria, which was also known as Zazzau in the past. Although in centuries past, the emirs ruled as absolute monarchs, in the 20th and 21st centuries Nigerian traditional rulers hold little constitutional power, but wield considerable behind-the-scenes influence on the government. The emir's residence is in the historic palace in the town of Zaria.

For the Arab Hutaymi tribe, see Sulluba

Muhammad Dan Yaji, known as Muhammad Alwali II was the last sultan of the Sultanate of Kano. His reign coincided with a period of upheavals in Sudanic History that saw a series of religious Jihads waged by the Fula People. In 1807, after a protracted struggle with Fula clans, Muhammad Alwali was ambushed and assassinated at Burum-Burum in modern Kano. His death marked the end of the Kutumbawa line of Hausa aristocrats in Kano and the fall of the 800 year old Bagauda Dynasty.

Abdur Rahman Atiku sometimes known as Abdu or Abd al-Rahman bin Atiku was the Sultan of Sokoto from 1891 to 1902. In earlier vacancies, he had been a contender from the house of Atiku, but the house had been passed over three times since the death of Ahmadu Rufai in 1873. Abubakar Na Rabah, Mu'azu, and Umaru bin Ali subsequent Sultans after Rufai were from the house of Muhammed Bello.

The history of Katsina stretches over a millennium. It is part of the Hausa Bakwai states, believed to be founded by the descendants of Bayajidda according to legend. Throughout its history, Katsina has been governed by various dynasties, including the Wangarawa and the Dallazawa, and was a vassal to neighboring empires such as Songhai and Bornu.

The Dambazawa are a Fulani clan residing mainly in Kano State, Nigeria. They were among the key promoters, planners and executors of the Fulani Jihad in Kano, which took place between 1804 and 1807 under the leadership of Shehu Usuman dan Fodiyo. The clan was said to be the top financier of the jihad because it was said to be extremely wealthy at the time of the jihad. Other Fulani Clans that participated in the Jihad included: the Jobawa, the Yolawa, the Sullubawa, the Danejawa and others, as well as a contingent of the native Hausa people led by Malam Usuman bahaushe. Together they formed a formidable force and toppled the 158 year Kutumbawa dynasty led by its last ruler Muhammad Alwali dan Yaji dan Dadi bakutumbe who ruled between 1781 and 1806.

Ja'afari Dan Isiyaku was the sixteenth Emir of Zazzau, he reigned from 1937 to 1959. As Emir of Zazzau he was administrative head of Zaria Emirate Native Authority which consisted of seventeen districts and he was responsible for the maintenance of law and order within the emirate.

Muhammad Dan Nazaki (1623–1648), known as El Kutumbi or Muhammad Alwali I was the twenty-ninth ruler of Kano and the patriarch of the eponymous Kutumbawa, the last faction of Hausa aristocrats in Kano. Like the Gaudawa and Rumfawa line of rulers, his house is not primarily differentiated based on lineage but rather significant political and social reforms ushered during their era. While the Rumfawa preferred a more centralized system of government, the reign of Kutumbi and his descendants saw the devolution of power through various new government offices. They also imposed new forms of taxation, most notably on the cattle of the Fula. El Kutumbi's reign was also characterized by successful conquests against Gombe, Bauchi and Kano's principal rival, Katsina. He died of battle wounds after a second expedition against the latter. The Kano Chronicle described him as one of Kano's greatest kings.

Babban Gwani, also known as Mallam Mikhaila, was an influential 19th-century Hausa architect and builder who flourished during the reign of the 61st ruler of Zazzau, Nigeria, Abd al-Karim ɗan Abbas. He was the Sarkin Maigini of his time, appointed by Shehu Usman dan Fodio. This position was passed down to his direct male descendants.

Dutse Emirate is a historical emirate council in Jigawa State, Nigeria. It traces its origins back to legends of early hunters and has been influenced by various rulers and events. The emirate's history includes connections to the Sarkin Kano, periods of Fulani ascendancy, and adaptation to colonial-era changes. The current emir of Dutse is Hameem Nuhu Sanusi.

References

1 2 "Kano City Wall Kano State :: Nigeria Information & Guide". www.nigeriagalleria.com. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
1 2 "Kano city wall, gate: Tourists' delight any day » Tourism » Tribune Online". Tribune Online. 30 August 2017. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
1 2 "Kano tourist attractions make national monument list". Vanguard News. 29 January 2015. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "TARIHIN KOFOFIN BAUCHI GUDA TARA". Dakin Karanta Tarihin Kasar Hausa. 29 January 2019. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
↑ "Rariya". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
1 2 "Monuments The ancient walls of Kano city are gone". www.pulse.ng. 4 October 2017. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
1 2 Muhammad, Ibraheem Hamza (9 August 2018). "Rise and ruins of ancient, modern city gates". Daily Trust. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
↑ "Allafrica.com".
1 2 "Nigeria's ancient Kano wall disappears along with history". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
↑ Blueprint (3 January 2017). "Significance of Katsina Ancient City wall and gates". Blueprint. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
↑ "Kofofin Katsina". rumbunilimi.com.ng. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
↑ "Katsina Kofar Agulu". rumbunilimi.com.ng. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
↑ "Katsina Kofar Keke". rumbunilimi.com.ng. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
↑ "Katsina Kofar Kaura". rumbunilimi.com.ng. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
↑ "Kofar Durbi Katsina". rumbunilimi.com.ng. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
↑ "Katsina Kofar Guga". rumbunilimi.com.ng. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
↑ "Katsina Kofar Sauri". rumbunilimi.com.ng. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
↑ "Katsina Kofar Marusa". rumbunilimi.com.ng. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
↑ "Katsina Kofar Daka". rumbunilimi.com.ng. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Abdullahi, Balarabe (16 August 2019). "Tarihin Kofofin Birnin Zazzau A Takaice". Leadership Hausa Newspapers (in Hausa). Retrieved 27 April 2020.
1 2 "TARIHIN KOFOFIN ZAZZAU (ZARIA) KASHI NA DAYA". Dakin Karanta Tarihin Kasar Hausa. 25 December 2018. Retrieved 28 April 2020.