Kurmi: Inside Kano’s oldest market

For decades, Kurmi Market has remained one of Kano’s greatest pride as a historic commercial city. According to historical records, the market existed long before it was officially commissioned in the 15th century by the then Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Rumfa. It is not only Kano’s oldest market but also regarded as one of the […]

For decades, Kurmi Market has remained one of Kano’s greatest pride as a historic commercial city. According to historical records, the market existed long before it was officially commissioned in the 15th century by the then Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Rumfa. It is not only Kano’s oldest market but also regarded as one of the oldest surviving commercial centres in West Africa, having existed before the colonial era. Interestingly, it still stands today as the centre of Kano’s popular rise as a regional economic power.

It is believed that the ancient market is one place where almost anything sought by individuals can be found. Kurmi Market engages commerce as culture, trade as history and transactions as tradition. Whenever someone searches for an item, the common question often asked is: “Have you tried Kurmi Market?”

Although there are many markets in Kano known for various things, Kurmi stands out as more than just a market but a cultural archive moulded by generational traders, mostly family-owned.

A visit to the market showed that anything can be found there.

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According to Alhaji Muntari Shehu, who claimed to have inherited his stall and business from his grandparents over 75 years ago, oral history passed down from their ancestors indicates that the market existed as Larabar Kanawa. He explained that Emir Muhammadu Rumfa later carved out the present site of the market. This act, he said, led many people to believe that it was founded by the emir.

“We were told that Kurmi Market was deliberately located within the old city walls during the reign of Emir Rumfa to enable the emirate control trade within its jurisdiction, ensure security and effectively collect taxes. In those days, Kano was a major destination for various groups of travellers and merchants from North Africa, the Sahel and the forest regions of what is now southern Nigeria,” he said.

He recalled that traders arrived with salt from the Sahara, kola nuts from the south, grains from nearby settlements, and luxury items from as far as Tripoli and other Arab and African regions. After successful trading, they would in turn purchase Kano’s renowned leather goods, dyed fabrics, and hand-woven textiles as souvenirs back to their destinations.

“We grew up understanding that Kurmi was our ancestors’ main source of livelihood. It served as a bank, warehouse and marketplace for many families. We learned the art of trading here, and today, we are third-generation business owners in the market. We hope our children will take over from us, just as we did from our parents,” he added.

Interestingly, research shows that unlike many open markets, Kurmi was known for its strict organisational structure, a trait maintained for decades, where goods are grouped into sections, trade guilds regulated equality and traditional authorities settled disputes within the market. This structure allowed Kurmi to function efficiently at a time when many other markets faced serious organisational challenges.

Historians note that Kurmi Market reflects the sophistication of pre-colonial African urban economies, challenging the notion that organised commerce only arrived with European contact.

A visit to the market showed that traders still sell traditional fabrics, spices, grains and tailoring materials. Interestingly, many stalls are run by families whose presence spans generations. Kurmi remains a sure destination for Hausa royal attire, horse regalia, Islamic books, both old and modern historical texts, beads and other traditional items. Indeed, Kurmi Market is a place where one can find almost everything.

Similarly, the market still preserves historical monuments, such as the slave dungeon known as Runfar Kasa, which was used to hold slaves during the slave trade era. The market originally housed two of such dungeons, but only one remains today, as the other was demolished and converted to stalls.

However, a Kano-based historian, Malam Idris Gwadabe, believes that Kurmi Market should be preserved as a living heritage site rather than merely a commercial hub. He argued that the market remains a powerful symbol of Kano’s role in trans-Saharan trade and the development of African commerce.

Alhaji Abdullahi Mai-Kano, the traditional leader of the market, popularly known as the Sarkin Kasuwa, has been at the helm of affairs for 27 years. According to him, Kurmi remains the only market where one is certain of finding almost everything. He added that the market also stands as one of Kano’s historical monuments, with some ancient structures still visible within the premises. He explained that history shows that Kurmi was also a social and cultural meeting point where Hausa traders shared space with Tuareg, Kanuri, Arab, Nupe and Yoruba merchants. He noted that Islamic scholars historically passed through the market, spreading knowledge alongside selling goods. To this day, he notes that the market remains a major hub for religious materials, especially Islamic books and literature.

“In ancient times, news of wars, alliances and royal decisions often reached the public through the market because it was a critical centre of activity. Before the coming of the radio, Kurmi was our information centre. If something happened in the palace or outside Kano, you first hear it here,” he said.

He added that although the market had undergone several transformations over the past 27 years, it still faced challenges such as narrow pathways due to urban development, congestion and neglect.

“Kurmi Market is living proof that Kano has always been a city of industry, innovation, commerce and trade. Preserving the market means preserving our identity,” he noted.

Mr Fatai Adewale, a southern trader who deals in the sale of beads, said his late father began bringing him to Kurmi Market when he was 10 years old. Now 51, he has inherited the family business. According to him, his bead supplies come from Kurmi Market and have never had cause to complain of the quality of the product.

“This is a family business I inherited, and we have sustained it for decades. We source our supplies from Kurmi Market and also bring in other items to trade here. The business community is very trustworthy, with a well-organised structure that ensures fairness and justice for all,” he said.

 Whenever someone searches for an item, the common question often asked is: “Have you tried Kurmi Market?”