Zaria city’s walls and gates

Massive population growth and development gradually led to encroachment on the walls. City walls were built to mark city limits and protect its citizens from invaders. The walls are said to have been built between 13th and 14th century and circumnavigate Zaria city roughly 16kilomteres with eight (8) magnificent gates leading into the city. Currently […]

Massive population growth and development gradually led to encroachment on the walls. City walls were built to mark city limits and protect its citizens from invaders. The walls are said to have been built between 13th and 14th century and circumnavigate Zaria city roughly 16kilomteres with eight (8) magnificent gates leading into the city. Currently only seven (7) gates are still in use.
Zaria city wall remains one of the most impressive monuments in Northern Nigeria, and shows the great ancient architectural skills of the people.
Symbolisms of each gate
City gates are not just randomly placed but strategically positioned taken some realities into consideration. Most are placed in view or based on the following: easy access to town by traders and inhabitants; defense purpose against invaders; city expansion, among other reasons.
Zaria city gates were named after individuals due to peculiar event that occurred and few were adopted from an object or thing.
Kofar Doka
Creation of gates was usually associated with war and expansion of the city as a result of increase in population. Kofar Doka happens to be the first gate established; the gate was a region surrounded by trees which therefore made it a convenient place for legislation, deliberation and discharge of duties by city officials. Because of this, the gate was named Kofar Doka and critical decisions were made there.
Kofar Gaya(n)
Gayan, according to historical accounts, was a warrior who was in charge of ponds and all water bodies belonging to the emirate. Gaya stays in Igabi (now a Local Government Area), a village not far from Zaria town and comes daily to the city to discharge his duties. On a particular day the emir curiously asked him which route he usually takes in entering the city and he told him. That was how the gate was named after him and remains so till this very day. The title Gayan is associated with entrusted slaves.
Kofar Jatau
This gate was named after a very great warrior called Jatau, he was believed to be indomitable and had super-natural abilities. His track records precede him and he was said to be the greatest of his time. Jatau was believed to have the ability to fight both on land and in water which surrounds the wall and is still present till date. Residents of Kofar Jatau are predominately people in charge of taking care of all the animals belonging to the emir.
Kofar Kona
Kona was derived from Konawa. Konawa were migrants and Islamic scholars from Egypt. This axis of the city was a flat plain and completely porous. News got to the Emir on how porous that part of the city was and the imminent danger it posed if left unchecked. A special prayer was organized with the Islamic scholars to make the place more secured. This singular act made the Emir to name the gate after the Konawa migrants.  Houses of the Konawa people are still there in Zaria city and the Emir goes there occasionally to offer special prayers.
Kofar Kibo
Generally, during warfare a high, rocky, rugged terrain is usually an added advantage in favor of the inhabitants of such areas. This scenario also presents itself in this gate, a rocky terrain with high walls which makes it easy to spot oncoming invaders from a far distance and most importantly the height made the use of arrow a very effective tool for combat. Hence the gate was named Kofar Kibo ‘Kibiya’ (arrow). Kofar Kibo also doubled as hatchery and weapon storage unit.
Kofar Galadima
Galadimas are generally King Makers and highly respected individuals in any Northern Emirate in Nigeria. Galadima usually has his servants and warriors who follow him about in discharging his duties. At a certain period enemies tried to invade Zaria community but were defeated by Galadima and his subjects. News got to the Emir as regard the victory against the enemy without the city warriors. Based on this remarkable achievement the Emir named the gate Kofar Galadima since the Galadima’s house was around that area.
Kofar Banzauzau (BAI)
This happens to be the least famous amongst all the eight (8) gates due to series of events associated/attributed to the gate. It was stated that all Emirs who rode through that gate never came back. Emirs defeated in wars/conquest rode out of town through that gate. One example is that of Sarki Makau who left through this gate when he was dethroned during jihad of Shehu Musa. Kauri, Lere, Kagarko, Kajuru were all towns created by Makau when he was removed, he created those towns before he finally settled at Abuja. His descendants are still found in Zaria and are named the descendant of Maje Abuja (they hold the title of Wakilin Mai Watsa Labarai and Manadin Zazzau.
Kofar Kuyambana
The gate got its elevated status from the historical event which took place between the British colonialist and the Emir during the British invasion. Kofar Kuyambana was the place where both parties met and reached a consensus that the Emir would willing comply without putting up a fight since his counterpart Katsina Emirate had accepted the British and before reaching consensus both parties displayed their various weapons. Weapons on display by Zaria warriors were bow and arrows, sword, spear etc while their British counterpart flaunted more advanced and sophisticated weapons such as guns and canon. The title Kuyambana, named after a warrior, is still in existence as he is always seen on the right hand of the emir.
In conclusion, due to the significance of the walls and gates, ranging from their historical to aesthetic values, and their ability to generate revenue when harnessed properly, it is important to deploy all necessary mechanisms to make them profitable tourist destinations. This can be achieved through proper documentation, public awareness campaign, restoration work which in-turn means preservation of the rich cultural heritage for future generation. In order to successfully achieve this height, collective effort is necessary from all lovers of culture, corporate and private individuals in collaboration with the government.
The writers are both Heritage officers at National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) Kaduna.