A HISTORY OF BIRNIN ZARIA FROM 1350 – 1902
A HISTORY OF BIRNIN ZARIA FROM 1350 – 1902
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Date
2007-04
Authors
SULEIMAN, USMAN
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Abstract
This study is on Birnin Zaria in the period between 1350 and 1902. Birnin Zaria is the core
of the Zaria metropolis, which is one of the most important urban centres of contemporary Nigeria
with a history of urbanization going back to many centuries. The city is also the capital not only of
an Emirate, but also of a distinct community of Hausa speaking known as the Zazzagawa or Zage
zagi, whose formation goes back over centuries and whose settlements and distribution covers
many parts of Nigeria, Western, Northern and Central Africa.
The study traced the emergence of Birni Zaria to the processes of urbanization, integration
and community formation taking place several centuries ago on the Zaria plains. The study also
reconstructed how Birni Zaria was formed in very concrete and specific terms of its geography, its
ecology, its walls, its gates, its architecture, its quarters, its Palaces, its Mosques, its Markets and
other major economic centres.
The Jihad in Birni Zaria in the 19th century constituted a major theme in the history of the
Birni. The inherent contradictions existing within the Birni that gave birth to the Jihad was
examined in details. The Jihad brought certain changes of political, social and economic
importance, was also examined.
The appearance of British at the tail end of the 19th century threatened the existence of the
Emirate administration in the Birni. Through diplomatic and military manoeuvres, the British
firmly established themselves in Zaria. The British saw the conquest of Zaria as necessary in their
bid to establishing control over Kano and Sokoto. Zaria was militarily weak at this time and
therefore passively responded to the British attempt at colonial conquest. Zaria was taken over by
the British in 1902. This finally brought an end to the almost hundred years of the Emirate
administration in Zaria and ushered in the beginning of European control of the Birni.
Description
Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
Keywords
HISTORY,, BIRNIN ZARIA