The Emirates of Zazzau in Zaria

the Magajin Garin of Zazzau in his audience room

Northern states in Nigeria are composed of a number of Emirates. The Emirs are the rulers of the people. Many of them of Fulani origin while the population is mostly from Hausa origin.
In the particular case of Zaria, Fulani warriors conquered the Emirate at the beginning of the 19th century (1805) and since then Emirs are been chosen from the royal family. There is therefore a blood tie between them.
Among the famous Emirates is the one of Zaria with Alhaji Shehu Idriss being the Emir of Zazzau, Kano with the Emir Muhamadu Sanusi II who was previously minister of finance in the government of Jonathan Goodluck, under the name of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. He was asked to go upon revealing the existing a hole of several billion dollars in the State coffers. Then there are Sokoto, Katsina, etc...

the old town in Zaria

Zaria is a town famous for its Usman Danfodio University with several tenth of thousand students, for its old town made of brick mud and surrounded by a mud wall. The palace of the Emir enjoys a particular in the town with a large square in front and it main entrance gate decorated with fancy colourful traditional designs.

the entrance gate of the Emir's palace

The town has also another important of royal linage, the Magajin Garin of Zazzau. Royal blood princes can be recognised by their turban dominated by two distinct piece of clothes, similar to rabbit ears.
Besides the city has several craftsmen working leather among other things. Its main production is around agriculture.

local leather production

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The Ogiamien family in Benin City: about wood and history

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Nigeria, the land of plenty

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