Great Wall of Zaria (Zazzau), Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Zaria is one of the oldest kingdom in Kaduna State, Nigeria. It was formally known as Zazzau Kingdom.
Zaria is one of the seven well known city of the Hausa Speaking State in Nigeria.
The city is surrounded by wall which was built by the Ancient Queen Amina of Zazzau.
The ancient wall was built to protect its citizens from invaders and mark the city limit and boundaries. The walls were built in 14th century covering about 16 kilometers in lent. It has about eight magnificent gates which lead into the city.
The Zaria wall shows a great ancient architectural skills of the ancient people of Zazzau (Zaria) and it is one of the most famous wall in Northern Nigeria.
Kofan Gayan
The creation and naming of the eight gates were based on named of individuals and their position at the point event of creating the gates. This names were given in Hausa languag , this gates are:
Kofan Doka (The first gate), which leads into the main city. It is a convenient location for legislation, deliberation and discharge of duties by the head of the city. “Emir” (The King).Kofar Gayan: Named after a warrior in charge of ponds and water bodies which belong to the Zazzau. Kofar Jatau: named after a very great warrior “Jatau”. Who was indomitable during his time and also has supernatural ability. Kofar Kona: This was named after the Egyptian migrant and Islamic scholars. Kofar Kibo: At this gate lies a high mountain which the Zazzau emirate used to spot invaders who are trying to invade the city. It was named after the mountain “Kibon”. Kofar Galadima: This was named after Galadima; a respected and member of the emirate who helped the emir to defeat enemies that were invading the land. Kofar Banzauzau: This gate was attributed to series of events. All emirs who were defeated during war or conquest usually follow this road out of the city and never returned to the Zazzau Kingdom. This gate was named after this incidence. Kofar Kuyambana: At the gate was the meeting point between the British Colonial Masters and the Emir of Zazzau. At this point, the two parties reach to a consensus that the Emir should surrender to the British Masters, which he did.
Its wonderful to note that this great wall is still in existence and have served as a tourist attraction in the heart of Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
