Zaria City Wall Kaduna State

Zaria, formerly known as Zazzau (Zazzau Kingdom), has a rich history dating back centuries ago. The city is one of the original seven well known city Hausa states and like its counterparts in Kano, Katsina, and others, is surrounded by walls, which are now mostly in ruins.

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.These walls circumnavigate Zaria City and are between 14 and 16 kilometres long with eight beautiful and magnificent gates leading into the city. The walls were built with mud and with the sole aim of providing security to the growing invading forces, which were frequent in the area during pre-colonial period.



The story of the Zaria City walls is actually a little obscure, but what is locally believed and accepted is the fact that the original Zaria City walls were named after Amina, the older daughter of Bakwa Turunku who was the 22nd ruler of Zaria.

The Zaria City walls remain one of the most impressive monuments among the cities of Northern Nigeria and a good tourist attraction.