Kano

For other uses, see Kano (disambiguation).
Kano
City

Kano, from Dala Hill
Kano

Map of Nigeria showing the location of Kano

Coordinates: 12°00′N 8°31′E / 12.000°N 8.517°ECoordinates: 12°00′N 8°31′E / 12.000°N 8.517°E
Country  Nigeria
State Kano State
Government
 • Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (APC)
Area
 • Metro 499 km2 (193 sq mi)
Population (2006 census)
 • City 2,163,225
 • Metro 2,828,861
  [1]
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+1)

Kano is a city in Nigeria and the capital of Kano State in Northern Nigeria, in the Sahelian geographic region south of the Sahara. According to the 2006 census, Kano is the most populous state in Nigeria, with about 9,383,682 million people. The Kano urban area covers 137 km2 and comprises six local government areas (LGAs) — Kano Municipal, Fagge, Dala, Gwale, Tarauni and Nassarawa — with a population of 2,163,225 at the 2006 Nigerian census. The metropolitan area covers 499 km2 and comprises eight LGAs — the six mentioned above plus Ungogo and Kumbotso — with a population of 2,828,861 at the 2006 Nigerian census.

The principal inhabitants of the city are the Hausa people. As in most parts of northern Nigeria, the Hausa language is widely spoken in Kano. The city is the capital of the Kano Emirate. The current emir, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, was throned on 8 June 2014 after the death of late Alhaji Ado Bayero, the thirtienth emir of kano emirate on Friday, 6 June 2014. The city's Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, the main airport serving northern Nigeria, was named after politician Aminu Kano.

History

1850 steel engraving of Kano

In the 7th century, Dala Hill, a residual hill in Kano, was the site of a hunting and gathering community that engaged in iron work; it is unknown whether these were Hausa people or speakers of Niger–Congo languages.[2] Kano was originally known as Dala, after the hill, and was referred to as such as late as the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th by Bornoan sources.[3]

The Kano Chronicle identifies Barbushe, a priest of a Dala Hill spirit, as the city's first settler. (Elizabeth Isichei notes that the description of Barbushe is similar to those of Sao people.[4]) While small chiefdoms were previously present in the area, according to the Kano Chronicle, Bagauda, a grandson of the mythical hero Bayajidda,[5] became the first king of Kano in 999, reigning until 1063.[6][7] His grandson Gijimasu (1095–1134), the third king, began building city walls at the foot of Dala Hill. His own son, Tsaraki (1136–1194), the fifth king, completed them during his reign.[7]

Gate to the Gidan Rumfa in 2005

In the 12th century Ali Yaji as King of Kano renounced his allegiance to the cult of Tsumburbura, accepted Islam and proclaimed the Sultanate that was to last until its fall in the 19th century. The reign of Yaji ensued an era of expansionism that saw Kano becoming the capital of a pseudo Habe Empire.

In 1463 Muhammad Rumfa (reigned 1463- 1499) ascended the throne. During his reign, political pressure from the rising Songhai Empire forced him to take Auwa, the daughter of Askiyah the Great as his wife. She was to later become the first female Madaki of Kano. Rumfa reformed the city, expanded the Sahelian Gidan Rumfa (Emir's Palace), and played a role in the further Islamization of the city,[8] as he urged prominent residents to convert.[9] The Kano Chronicle attributes a total of twelve "innovations" to Rumfa.[10]

According to the Kano Chronicle, the thirty-seventh Sarkin Kano (King of Kano) was Mohammed Sharef (1703–1731). His successor, Kumbari dan Sharefa (1731–1743), engaged in major battles with Sokoto.

Fulani conquest and rule

See also: Kano Emirate
Kano History Museum constructed in the distinctive Hausa architectural style.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Fulani Islamic leader Usman dan Fodio led a jihad affecting much of central Sudan, leading to the emergence of the Sokoto Caliphate. In 1805 the last sultan of Kano was defeated by the Jobe Clan of the Fulani, and Kano became an Emirate of the Caliphate. Kano was the largest and most prosperous province of the empire.[11] This was one of the last major slave societies, with high percentages of enslaved population long after the Atlantic slave trade had been cut off. Heinrich Barth, a German scholar who spent several years in northern Nigeria in the 1850s, estimated the percentage of slaves in Kano to be at least 50%, most of whom lived in slave villages.[11]

The city suffered famines from 1807–10, in the 1830s, 1847, 1855, 1863, 1873, 1884, and from 1889 until 1890.[12]

From 1893 until 1895, two rival claimants for the throne fought a civil war, or Basasa. With the help of royal slaves, Yusufu was victorious over Tukur and claimed the title of emir.[13]

British colonization and rule

Kano in December 1930. Air photo taken by Swiss pilot and photographer Walter Mittelholzer.

In March, 1903 after a scanty resistance, the Fort of Kano was captured by the British, It quickly replaced Lokoja as the administrative centre of Northern Nigeria. It was replaced as the centre of government by Zungeru and later Kaduna and only regained administrative significance with the creation of Kano State following Nigerian independence.

From 1913 to 1914, as the peanut business was expanding, Kano suffered a major drought, which caused a famine.[14] Other famines during British rule occurred in 1908, 1920, 1927, 1943, 1951, 1956, and 1958.[12]

By 1922, groundnut trader Alhassan Dantata had become the richest businessman in Kano, surpassing fellow merchants Umaru Sharubutu Koki and Maikano Agogo.[15]

In May 1953, an inter-ethnic riot arose due to southern newspapers misreporting on the nature of a disagreement between northern and southern politicians in the House of Representatives.[16] Thousands of Nigerians of southern origin died as a result of the riot.[17]

Post-independence history

Kano neighborhood (1995).

Ado Bayero became emir of Kano in 1963. Kano state was created in 1967 from the then Northern Nigeria by the Federal military government. The first military police commissioner, Audu Bako, is credited with building a solid foundation for the progress of a modern society. Most of the social amenities in the state are credited to him. The first civilian governor was Abubakar Rimi.

In the late 60's, a ground tracking station was established on the hill overlooking Kano to track NASA's Mercury and Gemini spacecraft when they passed over Africa.

In December 1980, radical preacher Mohammed Marwa Maitatsine led riots in Kano. He was killed by security forces, but his followers later started uprisings in other northern cities.[18]

After the introduction of sharia law in Kano State in 2000, many Christians left the city.[19] 100 people were killed in riots over the sharia issue during October 2001.[20][21]

In November 2007, political violence broke out in the city after the People's Democratic Party (PDP) accused the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) of rigging the November 17 local government elections.[22] (The ANPP won in 36 of the state's 44 local Government Areas.)[23] Hundreds of youths took to the streets, over 300 of whom were arrested; at least 25 people were killed. Buildings set on fire include a sharia police station, an Islamic centre, and a council secretariat. 280 federal soldiers were deployed around the city.[24]

In January 2012 a series of bomb attacks in Kano killed up to 162 people. Four police stations, the State Security Service headquarters, passport offices and immigration centres were attacked. Militants of the Boko Haram claimed responsibility.[25] After the bombings, Kano was placed under curfew.[26]

Geography

Kano is 481 meters (or about 1580 feet) above sea level. The city lies to the north of the Jos Plateau, in the Sudanian Savanna region that stretches across the south of the Sahel. The city lies near where the Kano and Challawa rivers flowing from the southwest converge to form the Hadejia River, which eventually flows into Lake Chad to the east.

Climate

The region features savanna vegetation and a hot, semi-arid climate. Kano sees on average about 690 mm (27.2 in) of precipitation per year, the bulk of which falls from June through September. Kano is typically very hot throughout the year, though from December through February, the city is noticeably cooler. Nighttime temperatures are cool during the months of December, January and February, with average low temperatures of 11°-14 °C.

Climate data for Kano
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 30.1
(86.2)		 33.1
(91.6)		 36.9
(98.4)		 38.2
(100.8)		 36.7
(98.1)		 34.0
(93.2)		 31.0
(87.8)		 29.0
(84.2)		 31.0
(87.8)		 34.0
(93.2)		 33.2
(91.8)		 31.1
(88)		 33.19
(91.76)
Daily mean °C (°F) 21.6
(70.9)		 24.1
(75.4)		 28.0
(82.4)		 30.9
(87.6)		 30.4
(86.7)		 28.4
(83.1)		 26.4
(79.5)		 25.0
(77)		 26.0
(78.8)		 26.5
(79.7)		 24.5
(76.1)		 22.1
(71.8)		 26.16
(79.08)
Average low °C (°F) 13.0
(55.4)		 15.0
(59)		 19.0
(66.2)		 23.6
(74.5)		 24.0
(75.2)		 22.8
(73)		 21.8
(71.2)		 20.9
(69.6)		 20.9
(69.6)		 18.9
(66)		 15.8
(60.4)		 13.0
(55.4)		 19.06
(66.29)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 0.0
(0)		 0.3
(0.012)		 1.6
(0.063)		 11.6
(0.457)		 49.6
(1.953)		 118.2
(4.654)		 173.8
(6.843)		 228.0
(8.976)		 103.1
(4.059)		 10.2
(0.402)		 0.0
(0)		 0.0
(0)		 696.4
(27.419)
Avg. rainy days (≥ 1.0 mm) 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.9 3.9 8.0 13.0 14.0 8.3 1.2 0.0 0.0 49.5
Mean monthly sunshine hours 244.9 234.5 238.7 234.0 263.5 261.0 229.4 220.1 240.0 266.6 264.0 260.4 2,957.1
Source: Hong Kong Observatory (sun only)[27]

Demographics

Kano is a Hausa and Fulani dominated city that is largely Muslim. The majority of Kano Muslims are Sunni, though a minority adhere to the Shia branch (see Shia in Nigeria). Christians and followers of other non-Muslim religions form a small part of the population and traditionally lived in the Sabon Gari, or Foreign Quarter.[21]

Transportation

Kano municipal council gate (2009)

Kano is strategically located and owns its leading position as commercial hub in the sub-Saharan Africa. Kano is linked to many African cities by road. Fleets of trucks and buses and other link it with many cities in Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Republic of Benin.

Kabo Air, an airline, has its head office on the grounds of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.[28] Kano is also linked to Europe, the Middle East, and north Africa. Kano Airport is served by Egypt Air, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Middle East Air, and Turkish Airlines.[29] It is connected to Lagos and Abuja by several domestic airlines (IRS Airlines, Arik Air, Aero and others)

After a hiatus of many years, the railway line from Kano to Lagos was rehabilitated by 2013. The train trip to Lagos takes 30 hours and costs the equivalent of US$12, only a quarter of the equivalent bus fare.[30]

In 2014, a new double track, standard gauge line is under construction from Lagos.[31]

Economy

Elaborately dressed horseman returns after paying tribute to the emir of Kano during the Durbar of October 2006

The economic significance of Kano dates back to the pre-colonial Africa when Kano city served as the southernmost point of the famous trans-Sahara trade routes. Kano was well connected with many cities in North Africa and some cities in southern Europe.[32] The products exported from Kano to north Africa include textile materials, leather and grains. Kano was connected with trans-Atlantic trade in 1911 when a railway line reached Kano. Kano is a major centre for the production and export of agricultural products like hides and skins, peanuts, and cotton. Kano houses the Bayero University and a railway station with trains to Lagos routed through Kaduna, while Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport lies nearby. Because Kano is north of the rail junction at Kaduna, it has equal access to the seaports at Lagos and Port Harcourt. The city maintains its economic and business even in the 21st century with it producing the richest black man — Aliko Dangote — whose great great father Alhassan Dantata was the richest during Nigeria's colonial period.

Formerly walled, most of the gates to the Old City survive. The Old City houses the vast Kurmi Market, known for its crafts, while old dye pits — still in use — lie nearby. In the Old City are the Emir's Palace, the Great Mosque, and the Gidan Makama Mosque.

Kano has six districts: the Old City, Bompai, Fagge, Sabon Gari, Syrian Quarter, and Nassarawa.[33] The city also contains the Gidan Makama Museum Kano, housed in a 15th-century building that is a National Monument.

As of November 2007, there were plans to establish an information technology park in the city.[34]

The city is supplied with water by the nearby Challawa Gorge Dam, which is being considered as a source of hydro power.[35]

The airline Kabo Air has its head office in the city.[36]

Durbar Festival

The emir of Kano hosts a Durbar to mark and celebrate the two annual Muslim festivals Eid-ul-Fitr (to mark the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha (to mark the Hajj Holy Pilgrimage). The Durbar culminates in a procession of highly elaborately dressed horsemen who pass through the city to the emir's palace. Once assembled near the palace, groups of horsemen, each group representing a nearby village, take it in turns to charge toward the emir, pulling up just feet in front of the seated dignitaries to offer their respect and allegiance.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Kano Municipal LGA population as per:
    Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette (15 May 2007). "Legal Notice on Publication of the Details of the Breakdown of the National and State Provisional Totals 2006 Census" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-05-19.
  2. ↑ Iliffe, John (2007). Africans: The History of a Continent. Cambridge University Press. p. 75. ISBN 0-521-86438-0.
  3. ↑ Nast, Heidi J (2005). Concubines and Power: Five Hundred Years in a Northern Nigerian Palace. University of Minnesota Press. p. 60. ISBN 0-8166-4154-4.
  4. ↑ Isichei, Elizabeth (1997). A History of African Societies to 1870. Cambridge University Press. p. 234. ISBN 0-521-45599-5.
  5. ↑ Okehie-Offoha, Marcellina; Matthew N. O. Sadiku (December 1995). Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in Nigeria. Africa World Press. p. 40. ISBN 978-0-86543-283-3.
  6. ↑ "Kano". Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Ki-Zerbo, Joseph (1998). UNESCO General History of Africa, Vol. IV, Abridged Edition: Africa from the Twelfth to the Sixteenth Century. University of California Press. p. 107. ISBN 0-520-06699-5.
  8. ↑ "Caravans Across the Desert: Marketplace". AFRICA: One Continent. Many Worlds. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Foundation. Archived from the original on January 2, 2005. Retrieved 2007-05-06.
  9. ↑ "50 Greatest Africans - Sarki Muhammad Rumfa & Emperor Semamun". When We Ruled. Every Generation Media. Retrieved 2007-05-05.
  10. ↑ Nast, p. 61
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Lovejoy, Paul (1983). Transformations in Slavery: A History of Slavery in Africa. Cambridge UK: Cambridge University Press. p. 195. ISBN 0-521-24369-6.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Milich, Lee (1997-07-17). "Food Security in Pre-Colonial Hausaland". College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Retrieved 2007-10-26.
  13. ↑ Stilwell, Sean (2000). "Power, Honour and Shame: The Ideology of Royal Slavery in the Sokoto Caliphate". Africa: Journal of the International African Institute (Edinburgh University Press) 70 (3): 394–421. doi:10.2307/1161067. JSTOR 1161067.
  14. ↑ Christelow, Allan (1987). "Property and Theft in Kano at the Dawn of the Groundnut Boom, 1912-1914". The International Journal of African Historical Studies (Boston University African Studies Center) 20 (2): 225–243. doi:10.2307/219841. JSTOR 219841.
  15. ↑ Dan-Asabe, Abdulkarim Umar (November 2000). "Biography of Select Kano Merchants, 1853-1955" (Scholar search). FAIS Journal of Humanities 1 (2). Archived from the original on October 9, 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-09.
  16. ↑ Ernest E. Uwazie; Isaac Olawale Albert; G. N. Uzoigwe (1999). "The Role of Communication in the Escalation of Ethnic and Religious Conflicts". Inter-Ethnic and Religious Conflict Resolution in Nigeria. Lexington Books. p. 20. ISBN 0-7391-0033-5.
  17. ↑ Uwazie et al., p. 73
  18. ↑ Gambari, Ibrahim (1992). "The Role of Religion in National Life: Reflections on Recent Experiences in Nigeria". In Hunwick, John Owen. Religion and National Integration in Africa: Islam, Christianity and Politics in the Sudan and Nigeria. Northwestern University Press. p. 90. ISBN 0-8101-1037-7.
  19. ↑ "Nigeria's Kano state celebrates Sharia". BBC News. 2000-06-21. Retrieved 2007-11-04.
  20. ↑ Obasanjo Assesses Riot Damage in Kano - 2001-10-16. Voice of America News.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Kano: Nigeria's ancient city-state". BBC online (BBC). 2004-05-20. Retrieved 2007-07-12.
  22. ↑ "Army patrols Kano after clashes". News.BBC.com (BBC News). 2007-11-21. Retrieved 2007-11-21.
  23. ↑ Karofi, Hassan A; Halima Musa (2007-11-21). "ANPP Sweeps Kano LG Polls". Daily Trust online. Retrieved 2007-11-21.
  24. ↑ Shuaibu, Ibrahim (2007-11-21). "Kano Death Toll Rises to 25". Thisday online (Leaders & Company). Archived from the original on 2007-12-01. Retrieved 2007-11-21.
  25. ↑ "Nigeria violence: Scores dead after Kano blasts". BBC News. 2012-01-21. Retrieved 2012-01-22.
  26. ↑ Many Dead Following Bomb Blasts in Kano, Nigeria
  27. ↑ Climatological Information for Kano, Nigeria, Hong Kong Observatory. Retrieved 1 October 2012.
  28. ↑ "Contact Us." Kabo Air. Retrieved on 19 October 2009.
  29. ↑ Barau, Aliyu Salisu (2007) The Great Attractions of Kano. Research and Documentation Directorate, Government House Kano
  30. ↑ "Trains in Nigeria: A slow but steady new chug," The Economist
  31. ↑ http://www.railwaysafrica.com/blog/2014/03/25/zte-communications-nigerias-railway/
  32. ↑ Barau, A.S. (2007) The Great Attractions of Kano.
  33. ↑ "Kano". Encyclopædia Britannica. Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. 2007.
  34. ↑ "Nigerian city of Kano plans IT park". Panapress (Afriquenligne). 2007-11-04. Retrieved 2007-11-04.
  35. ↑ PROF. ABDU SALIHI, FNSE (May 11–12, 2009). "Hydropower Development at Tiga and Challawa Gorge Dams, Kano State, Nigeria". International Network on Small Hydro Power (IN-SHP). Retrieved 2009-10-02.
  36. ↑ "Contact Us." Kabo Air. Retrieved on 27 November 2010. "HEAD OFFICE 67/73 Ashton Rd P.O.Box 1850 Kano State Nigeria"

Further reading

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kano.
Wikisource has the text of the Encyclopaedia Britannica (9th ed.) article Kano.

External links