Gidan Rumfa
History
Gidan Rumfa was originally built in the late 15th century on the outskirts of the town of Kano. The new building extended the reach of the town and also led to the establishment of the Kurmi market.
Architecture
The palace covers a space of about 33 acres and its open plan design is surrounded by walls up to 15 feet high. The structure is rectangular in shape and its landscape ecology can be divided into three classifications: open spaces, gardens and living quarters/built up areas. Structures within the living quarters and built up areas include the Kofar Kudu or Southern gate, offices, mosque, Soron ingila (English hall), royal courtrooms, a primary and secondary school and living quarters. The iconic Kofar Kudu gate was built by the Emir Abdullahi Maje Karofi in the second half of the 19th century.
Today
Gidan Rumfa houses the Emir and his wives, children and aides. The population resident in the Emir's private quarters numbers up to 200, while more than a thousand individuals live within the structure. The space surrounding the structure is dominated by gardens.
References
- ^ Tanko 2014, p. 93.
- ^ "Emir's Place at Kano". ArchNet. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Archived from the original on 2006-02-10. Retrieved 2007-05-06.
- ^ "Gidan Rumfa" (PDF). kanoemirate.org. 2019.
- ^ Tanko 2014, p. 92.
- ^ Tanko 2014, p. 95.
Sources
- Tanko, Momale (2014). Kano: Environment, Society and Development. London: Adonis & Abbey Publishers Ltd.