What is the Oldest City in Hausaland?
Hausaland is one of the most historically rich regions in Africa. It is the traditional homeland of the Hausa people — one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa. Spread mainly across northern Nigeria and southern Niger, Hausaland is known for its strong trade networks, Islamic scholarship, ancient kingdoms, and rich cultural heritage.
But among the many Hausa cities like Kano, Katsina, Daura, Zaria (Zazzau), Gobir, Rano, and Biram, one question often arises:
👉 What is the oldest city in Hausaland?
Let’s explore this deeply.
1. Understanding Hausaland and Its Historical Roots
Before determining what is the oldest city in Hausaland, it’s important to understand what Hausaland itself means.
Hausaland, known in Hausa as Kasar Hausa, refers to the cluster of ancient city-states historically inhabited by the Hausa people. These city-states were autonomous kingdoms that shared a common language (Hausa) and culture but were politically independent.
Historians often divide them into two main groups:
A. The Hausa Bakwai (The Seven True Hausa States)
These were regarded as the “pure” Hausa states founded by the descendants of Bayajidda — a legendary hero said to have come from Baghdad (Iraq) or Arabia.
The Hausa Bakwai are:
- Daura
- Kano
- Katsina
- Zazzau (Zaria)
- Rano
- Gobir
- Biram (Hadejia area)
B. The Banza Bakwai (The Seven Imitation Hausa States)
These states were considered “related” Hausa states that adopted Hausa culture but were not descendants of Bayajidda. They include:
- Nupe
- Yoruba (Ilorin area)
- Gwari
- Kebbi
- Zamfara
- Kwararafa
- Yauri
The Hausa Bakwai are therefore central to the question: What is the oldest city in Hausaland?
2. The Legend of Bayajidda and the Birth of Daura
According to Hausa oral tradition, the origin of the Hausa states begins with Bayajidda, the heroic traveler who came to Daura.
The Story in Summary
Bayajidda arrived in Daura, a town then ruled by Queen Daurama. At that time, the people of Daura suffered because they could not draw water from their only well due to a giant snake known as Sarki. Bayajidda bravely killed the snake, and as a reward, Queen Daurama married him.
Their son, Bawo, later fathered seven children — each of whom founded one of the Hausa Bakwai states.
This myth is deeply symbolic and gives Daura a special position in Hausa history.
Thus, according to both oral tradition and historical record, Daura is considered the oldest city in Hausaland.
3. Why Daura is Regarded as the Oldest City in Hausaland
A. Historical Significance
Daura is described as the cradle of Hausa civilization. It was the first established Hausa kingdom, from which other Hausa states evolved.
Historians, including those who studied precolonial northern Nigeria, agree that Daura was a political, spiritual, and cultural origin for the Hausa.
The Bayajidda legend places Daura at the center of Hausa identity and lineage.
B. Archaeological Evidence
Daura is one of the few Hausa towns with archaeological remains dating back to over 1000 years. Excavations in the region show ancient habitation, trade routes, and early Islamic influences.
C. Cultural Importance
Daura is also home to the Daura Emirate, one of the oldest existing traditional institutions in Nigeria. It continues to be recognized as the symbolic home of all Hausa people.
Even modern Hausa rulers acknowledge Daura as “Asalin Hausawa” — the origin of the Hausa people.
4. Other Ancient Hausa Cities and Their Age
While Daura is recognized as the oldest, it’s worth exploring other important Hausa cities that developed soon after.
A. Kano
Kano is arguably the most powerful and economically developed Hausa city-state.
It rose to prominence as a trade and industrial hub from around the 10th century.
Kano’s Dala Hill is believed to have been inhabited before the 9th century, with early settlers known as the Abagayawa.
By the 11th century, Kano had become a key center for trans-Saharan trade — dealing in leather, dye, grain, and gold.
Today, Kano remains the largest city in Hausaland and one of the most influential.
B. Katsina
Katsina was another early Hausa state known for Islamic learning and trade.
By the 13th century, it was one of the first Hausa cities to embrace Islam.
Katsina was famous for the Gobarau Minaret, built in the 15th century — a symbol of early scholarship in West Africa.
C. Zazzau (Zaria)
Zaria was also among the earliest Hausa city-states, known for agriculture and military strength.
Its location in present-day Kaduna State made it a strong link between northern and southern trade routes.
Queen Amina of Zazzau (Amina of Zaria) in the 16th century expanded Zazzau’s territory and made it one of the largest Hausa kingdoms.
D. Gobir
Gobir, located around the present-day Sokoto area, was another ancient Hausa state.
It later played a key role in the Fulani Jihad of 1804, which gave rise to the Sokoto Caliphate.
5. Comparing the Hausa City-States
| City-State | Founded (Approx.) | Famous For | Present-Day State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daura | 9th century | Origin of Hausa civilization | Katsina State |
| Kano | 10th century | Trade, dyeing, and craftsmanship | Kano State |
| Katsina | 12th century | Islamic scholarship | Katsina State |
| Zazzau (Zaria) | 13th century | Military and agriculture | Kaduna State |
| Gobir | 13th century | Military and politics | Sokoto area |
| Rano | 13th century | Trade and textile production | Kano State |
| Biram | 14th century | Agriculture and farming | Jigawa State |
From this comparison, Daura still holds the title of the oldest Hausa city.
6. Daura in Modern Times
Even today, Daura holds a unique status in Nigeria. It remains:
- A center of Hausa tradition and identity
- A religious hub, especially for Islamic scholars
- A symbolic origin for Hausa-speaking communities across Nigeria and Niger
Daura has also gained modern recognition as the home town of several notable figures, including Nigeria’s former president Muhammadu Buhari.
Despite modernization, Daura maintains traditional values, festivals, and language purity — keeping the Hausa heritage alive.
7. Cultural Practices and Taboos in Ancient Hausaland
While discussing the oldest city, it’s also interesting to look into what are the taboos in Hausa culture? since many originated from these ancient cities like Daura.
A. Religious Taboos
- Disrespecting elders or scholars is a serious taboo.
- Swearing falsely by Allah (rantse karya) is forbidden.
- Eating pork or dog meat is seen as defilement.
B. Social and Moral Taboos
- A woman must not publicly insult or disobey her husband.
- It is forbidden to curse your parents (zagin iyaye).
- Premarital pregnancy is highly condemned.
C. Traditional Taboos
- Stepping over someone lying down is seen as a sign of disrespect.
- Whistling at night is believed to attract evil spirits.
- Killing certain animals like snakes in sacred areas was forbidden.
These taboos, though cultural, reflect the deep moral and religious discipline embedded in ancient Hausa life.
8. What Makes Daura Spiritually Unique
Daura’s spiritual role is tied to its origin myth and the Queen Daurama legend.
The town has sacred places such as:
- Kusugu Well, where Bayajidda killed the serpent.
- Palace of Daura Emirate, symbolizing royal continuity.
- Traditional festivals such as the Durbar and Bayajidda Day, which celebrate Hausa unity.
9. Conclusion — What is the Oldest City in Hausaland?
After exploring all historical evidence, legends, and archaeological findings, the answer to What is the oldest city in Hausaland? is clear:
👉 Daura, located in Katsina State, Nigeria, is the oldest city in Hausaland.
It is regarded as the birthplace of the Hausa civilization, the cradle of Hausa language and culture, and the spiritual home of all Hausa people.
From Daura, the Hausa people spread across northern Nigeria and into Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Sudan — carrying with them a legacy of trade, Islam, learning, and unity that continues today.