Ancient Kano City Walls: Defensive Fortifications of Kano, Nigeria
Site at a Glance
- Country
- Nigeria
- Primary era
- Medieval
- Eras represented
- Medieval, Early Modern
- Civilizations
- Hausa States
- Site type
- Military
- Remains
- Wall
History
The Ancient Kano City Walls are defensive fortifications in Kano, Nigeria, built by the Hausa Kingdom of Kano to protect the city’s inhabitants. Their foundations were laid during the reign of Sarki Gijimasu, the kingdom’s third ruler, whose reign is dated to 1095–1134. Sarki is a Hausa title for a king. The walls were completed in the mid-14th century under Zamnagawa and enlarged in the 16th century.
After British forces captured Kano, colonial administrator Frederick Lugard commented on the walls in a report written in 1903. He said he had encountered nothing comparable in Africa.
Remains
The wall complex extends from Dala Hill, identified as the starting point of construction, past Kurmi Market to the Emir’s Palace. Its original height is estimated at 9.1 to 15.2 metres, and its base was about 12 metres thick. The walls had 15 gates, including Sabuwar Kofa, one of the city’s entrances.