21/05/2025
The Great Wall of Zaria in Kaduna, Nigeria
Zaria or Zazzau in Northern Nigeria was the home of the legendary Amina, a warrior Queen who ruled in the 16th Century.
Like any other ancient ruler of great influence and power, Queen Amina had many enemies as did her people. Worthy of note is the fact that Zazzau was a collection point for slaves to be delivered to neignhouring northern markets of Kano and Katsina. There, they were given to traders in exchange for salt. The traders then carried the slaves off to the north of the Sahara.
The ancient walls of Zaria/ Zazzau -a city in Northern Nigeria, were put up as protection for its people and also to mark the city boundaries. The old walls had a combined length of 15 miles with eight 8 magnificent gates that led to the city. And although, only a portion of it was built by Queen Amina, they are referred to as Amina’s Walls till this day.
In constructing the walls, builders focused not just on its durability and strength but also on its aesthetics. Rumour has it that bodies of slaves are buried within the Zaria/Zazzau wall but there is no serious proof of this.
