The Kano City is the capital of the state of Kano and the second biggest city in Nigeria following Lagos. Kano is situated in the northern part of Nigeria and its principal residents are the Hausa people. Just like in most areas of Northern Nigeria, Hausa language is largely verbalized in Kano.
Demographics
The city is principally Muslim. Most of the Kano Muslims are Sunni, although a minority remains with the Shia branch. Christians and adherents of other non Muslim religions make a small area of the populace.
Economy
Kano has been the core for the export and production of groundnuts and the economic hub of Northern Nigeria. Once walled, majority of the gates toward the Old City endure. The Old City is where you will find the large Kurmi Market, which is popular for its craftworks. Also found in the Old City of Kano are the Great Mosque, the Gidan Makama Mosque, and the Emir’s Palace.
Durbar Festival
A leader of Kano holds a Durbar Festival in order to mark and commemorate the two yearly Muslim fiestas, Eid ul-Fitr which marks the ending of the Holy Month of Ramadan, and the Eid al-Adha which marks the start of the Hajj Holy Pilgrimage. The festival ends in a parade of highly and ornately clothed horsemen who go through Kano city to Emir’s palace. When gathered close to the palace, the crowds of horsemen take turns to go towards Emir Palace, stopping just a few feet facing the seated public figures to show their allegiance and respect.