Katsina

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Katsina is also an alternative spelling the Pueblo religious practices of kachina.

Katsina is a city, formerly a city-state, in northern Nigeria, and is the capital of Katsina State.

Geography

Katsina is located some 160 miles East of the city of Sokoto, and 84 miles Northwest of Kano, close to the border with Niger at approximately . As of 2007, Katsina's estimated population was 459,022. The city is the centre of an agricultural region producing groundnuts, cotton, hides, millet and guinea corn, and also has mills for producing peanut oil and steel.

History

Surrounded by city walls 13 miles (21 km) in length, Katsina is believed to have been founded circa 1100. In pre-Islamic times Katsina's semi-divine ruler was known as the Sarki, who faced a summary death-sentence if found to be ruling incompetently. From the 17th to the 18th century, Katsina was the commercial heart of Hausaland and became the largest of the seven Hausa city-states. Katsina was conquered by the Fulani during the Fulani War in 1807, becoming subsidiary to nearby Kano. In 1903 the Emir accepted British rule, which lasted until Nigerian independence from Britain in 1960.

The city of Katsina is also home to a famous 18th century mosque featuring the Gobarau Minaret, a 50 foot tower made from mud and palm branches.

References

External links

• Katsina State Government Website
• Katsina page from Umaru Yar'Adua site

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Last updated on Saturday February 23, 2008 at 14:17:27 PST (GMT -0800)
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