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Top 10 Interesting Facts about Emir’s Palace, Kano City

main entrance of Kano palace built by the old Emi by Albalah Jamiu/Wikimedia Commons

The Emir Palace sometimes called the Gidan Rumfa in the local language, is the palace of the Emir of Kano.

the Laterite palace has been rebuilt several times to its modern glory while still retaining its original significance.

Even without an audience, the visit to the outside of the Palace and its square is already worth a visit, for the beautiful view it offers of the Hausa and Fulani cultures of northern Nigeria.

Covering an area of 14 hectares, the Gidan Rumfa is the oldest and largest traditional palace in Nigeria.

The whole palace is surrounded by a wall of 6 to 9 meters high from the outside the height of which never exceeds more than 4.5 meters from the inside.

1. The remarkable Emir Palace also known as Gidan Rumfa is located in the heart of Kano City

The amazing Emir鈥檚 Palace is in Northern Nigeria located in the heart of ancient Kano city.

In the Hausa language, the palace is known as Gidan Rumfa or Gidan Sarki after Sultan Muhammad Rumfa, under whom the palace was constructed.

The current Emir is committed to scholarship and has had two very large libraries built within the palace, which contains a large number of books on Islamic and economic studies.

2. The famous Palace has Hausa architecture with beautiful decorations 

The Gidan Makama was built in the Habe Period. The construction of the building reflects its ancient tradition and unspoiled architectural character.

The building has buttressed walls, with some walls having exaggerated height for indoor privacy and also to express the power of the owner.

Other features include the parapet and zankwaye pinnacles made in different shapes and sizes.

The Zankwaye pinnacles are very common in Hausa architecture and come in different shapes and sizes, imparting character and beauty to a traditional building.

The openings in the building are small and few to keep out dust, heat, and glare. The museum is decorated with colorful motifs by skilled artisans

The walls are made of adobe mud, a thermal regulator that helps to control extremes of temperature between day and night.

3. The famous Dubar Festival is timed to mark the end of Ramadan 

In modern Nigeria, the durbar is timed to mark the end of Ramadan. It is a celebration of the day that Abraham is said to have offered his son as a sacrifice, and God sent a ram would do.

This is called Kano Durbar by some, this is the most popular festival amongst the various festival celebrated in Kano, hosted by the Emir of Kano.

On the big day, there is a procession of ornately dressed horsemen, Emirs dressed in ceremonial robes, muscle-bound wrestlers, and lute players in headdresses.

The day begins with prayers outside each town, followed by processions of horsemen to the public square in front of the Emir鈥檚 palace.

4. The awesome Kano city is the oldest city in West Africa and known for its traditional art and crafts

Gate of Kano City which was rebuilt in 2014 by Unknown Arthur/

Kano is the oldest city in west Africa, and today is the capital of Kano State. It is a teeming and vibrant city with a variety of interesting things to see.

Kano is a huge commercial city founded on the trade of the ancient Sahara routes, and it鈥檚 in the center of a major agricultural region.

Kano has several districts, including the old city, which is walled and contains many clay houses, giving Kano a medieval atmosphere.

Kano is popular for its traditional arts and crafts, including weaving and indigo cloth dyeing, and it has long been known for its leatherwork.

5. The remarkable Gidan Rumfa is open to the public on weekdays from 8 am to 4 pm

Ancient Kano City Walls, Kano State by Auskid

Visiting Gidan Rumfa during Ramadan isn鈥檛 recommended unless you will be participating in prayer.

Regular visiting hours are restricted due to religious gatherings. The palace is open to visitors from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

A pass from the Emirate council is required to enter the palace for a guided tour and can be obtained ahead of time.

Tourists are generally able to walk the grounds without formal permission from the council. Today, its living quarters are home to the current Emir Aminu Ado Bayero II.

6. The interesting Emir Palace is a religious place thus all visitors should wear modest

prayers by Levi Meir Clancy/

Women are recommended to wear a hijab or scarf covering their head and either a long skirt and sleeves or a traditional kaftan.

Men are recommended to wear long sleeves and pants or a traditional kaftan. There are sections of the Gidan Rumfa that are gender-segregated, and some that do not permit women to enter.

7. His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II 14^th Emir of Kano was turbaned in June 2014

The 14th Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammad Sanusi II was turbaned in June of 2014. Prior to ascending the throne, he was the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

He was also at a time the Chief Risk Officer and Group CEO of First Bank of Nigeria Plc which was then Nigeria鈥檚 largest bank.

He is credited with reforming the financial sector of Nigeria and is currently working on attracting investments in energy and manufacturing.

In his capacity as chairman of the Kano state Investment Advisory Committee, he holds degrees in economics and Islamic law.

He is focused on peace, public health, girl-child education advocacy, job creation, and reforms of Muslim family law.

8. The fascinating Palace has three gates and it鈥檚 divided into three sections to cater to the Emir鈥檚 family

main entrance of Kano palace was built by the old Emi by Albalah Jamiu/Wikimedia Commons

The palace has 3 gates namely Kofar Kwaru, Kofar Fatalawa, and Kofar Kudu. The palace is divided into 3 sections.

At the south are the administrative buildings with rooms, the central part houses members of the Emir’s family, and at the northern parts are the stables and the servants’ rooms.

The palace has been an important historical monument and pride to all indigenous of Kano. It is almost opposite the Kano Museum and prides itself on decorating in typical African motifs.

It reveals the interpolation of both traditional architecture and modern architecture though in tune with the culture of the Kano people.

9. A place to stay at kano City the amazing Bristol Palace Hotel 

Bristol Palace Hotel has a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a shared lounge in Kano.

Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has garden views, and guests can enjoy access to a garden and to a terrace.

The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, room service, and currency exchange for guests.

All guest rooms at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box, and a private bathroom with a bidet.

10. The interesting Gusto Restaurant has a new Asian Fusion with a Sushi Bar 

Gusto is a new Asian fusion restaurant located in Victoria Island, Lagos. They offer mouthwatering Asian and Mediterranean cuisine curated to satisfy every taste, from Asian fusion.

The indoor and outdoor space is designed to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. Gusto has a special section called the 鈥�SUSHI BAR鈥� where you can s