Get Ready For Eid El Kabir in the Ancient City Of Kano

Kano, the capital city of Kano State in North West, Nigeria is located in the south of the Sahara. Kano is Northern Nigeria’s commercial nerve center, and Nigeria’s second-largest city and is the second largest Nigerian city by population.

For our Muslim faithful and for those who love adventure, make a trip to Kano this Eid El Kabir season for a religious holiday break as well as a historical sight-seeing trip.

The northern city is rich in culture and history dating back to centuries. Many of the structures built thousands of years ago still stand today.

As you visit Kano this Eid holiday, be sure to visit the great Kano central mosque for prayers. The great mosque built of clay was built in the 15th century for Muhammad Rumfa. The mosque was moved by Muhammad Zaki to a new site in 1582, restored in the mid-19th century, destroyed in the 1950s, and later rebuilt with British support.

As mentioned earlier, for the adventurous and those who love history, there are some places you should visit in Kano which will amaze you:

The Emir’s Palace

The sheer majesty and traditional and historical architecture of the Palace is worth seeing. Located on the outskirts of Kano, the palace is called Gidan Rumfa or Gidan Sarki . It was constructed in the late 15^th century by Muhammed Rumfa but later retained by Fulanis who took over traditional authority around the 19^th century in Kano.

The palace occupies an area of approximately 33 hectares and its open plan architecture is surrounded by walls up to 15 feet high and is divided into three classifications: open spaces, gardens and living quarters/built up areas. Living quarters and developed areas include the Kofar Kudu or Southern Gate, offices, mosque, Soron ingila (English Hall), royal courtrooms, primary and secondary school and living quarters. However, this palace is only accessible to those invited by the Emir.

Kurmi Market

This market is said to be the largest market in Africa. The Kurmi market is Northern Nigeria ‘s oldest public market and known for selling traditional items like carvings, calabashes, ancient jewelry, brassworks, leather goods, and pottery. The market opened when the famous Emir Muhammadu Rumfa was on the throne during the trans-Saharan slave trade.

Tiga Dam

This is one of the well-known attractions in Kano and has proved to be one of the most popular places to visit in the big city over the years, drawing lots of visitors. Visitors can take a cruise by boat or even try fishing. Rock Castle Hotel which is at the end of the dam, was originally designed to host Queen Elizabeth and her entourage during her 1960 visit to Nigeria.

Gidan Makama Museum

Originally constructed in the 15th century, the Gidan Makama Museum teaches visitors about the long and distinguished history of Kano and gives one an understanding of the rich culture of the city of Kano. The museum is located in a historic building that is listed as a National Monument by the Government of Nigeria. Once you enter the museum, you will find a large collections of arts, crafts and historical interest in the Kano region., the museum consists of 11 galleries, each with its own focal point. The galleries include the Zaure or main entrance hall showing traditional objects, Kano ‘s city walls and maps, statehood history, 19th-century Kano, Civil War, culture, trade, and music. Such galleries are the old Makamas’ rooms and courtyards representing the theme of a Kano aristocrat ‘s typical residence.

If you haven’t witnessed the Koroso dance and drama party, then you haven’t been to the museum. Inside the museum, there’s a certain open room where you can enjoy Koroso dance and drama party.