A HISTORY OF BIRNIN ZARIA FROM 1350 – 1902

A HISTORY OF BIRNIN ZARIA FROM 1350 – 1902

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.

A HISTORY OF BIRNIN ZARIA FROM 1350 – 1902