Kano, the capital of Kano State, is the economic and cultural heart of Northern Nigeria. As the second-largest city in the country, with a population of approximately 4.1 million (as of 2021), it plays a vital role in commerce, trade, and industry. Strategically located in the Sahel region, just south of the Sahara Desert, Kano has historically been a key center for trans-Saharan trade, connecting West Africa to North Africa and beyond. The city's rich heritage is reflected in its bustling markets, ancient city walls, and historic landmarks, such as the Emir’s Palace and the iconic Kano Central Mosque. Today, Kano remains a thriving metropolis, blending tradition with modern development, making it a dynamic destination for business, culture, and tourism.
Kano State is located in North-Western Nigeria. Created on May 27, 1967, from part of the Northern Region, it shares borders with Katsina State to the northwest, Jigawa State to the northeast, and Bauchi and Kaduna States to the south. The state capital is Kano.
Kano State is the second-largest industrial center in Nigeria and the largest in Northern Nigeria, boasting industries in textiles, tanning, footwear, cosmetics, plastics, enamelware, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, and furniture. Other industries include agricultural implements, soft drinks, food and beverages, dairy products, vegetable oil, and animal feeds.
The Hausa Kingdom of Kano was established around Dalla Hill, an ancient settlement. While small chiefdoms existed earlier, according to the Kano Chronicle, Bagauda, a grandson of the legendary Bayajidda, became the first king of Kano in 999 AD, ruling until 1063.
In 1463, Muhammad Rumfa ascended the throne and ruled until 1499. During his reign, he reformed the city, expanded the Gidan Rumfa (Emir's Palace), and furthered the spread of Islam by encouraging conversion among prominent residents. Kano remained independent until the Fulani conquest in 1805.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Usman dan Fodio led a jihad that reshaped much of Northern Nigeria, leading to the formation of the Sokoto Caliphate. Kano became one of the most prosperous provinces within the empire. Despite the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade, Kano remained one of the last major slave societies, with an enslaved population exceeding 50%, according to Heinrich Barth, a German explorer who visited in the 1850s.
The Kano Chronicle records that the Kingdom of Kano was established as one of the Seven True Hausa States (Hausa Bakwai) by Bagauda in 999 AD. He was said to be a grandson of Abuyazidu (Bayajidda), the legendary ancestor of the Hausa people.
During the reign of King Gajemasu (1095-1134), the kingdom’s capital was relocated from Sheme to its present location. In the 1340s, Islam was introduced to Kano by Malinke scholars from the Mali Empire. Yaji, who ruled from 1349 to 1385, is believed to have been Kano’s first Muslim king. However, following Kano’s defeat to Zaria around 1400, King Kanajeji briefly abandoned Islam.
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