Kano: The Heartbeat of Northern Nigeria

• HelloSannu
  [sahn-noo]
• GoodbyeSai anjima
  [sigh ahn-jee-mah]
• YesEh
  [eh]
• NoA'a
  [ah-ah]
• Please/You're welcomeDa zan yi
  [dah zahn yee]
• Thank youNa gode
  [nah goh-deh]
• Excuse me/SorrySamu
  [sah-moo]
• How are you?Yaya dai?
  [yah-yah dah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Lafiya. Kana da lafiya?
  [lah-fee-yah kah-nah dah lah-fee-yah]
• Do you speak English?Kana da harshe da Turanci?
  [kah-nah dah hahr-shay dah too-rahn-chee]
• I don't understandBa na fahimci
  [bah nah fah-heem-chee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIna so ku ga menu, don Allah
  [ee-nah soh koo gah meh-noo, dohn ah-lah]
• I don't eat meatBa na ci nama
  [bah nah chee nah-mah]
• Cheers!Arafa
  [ah-rah-fah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIna so ku kwashe, don Allah
  [ee-nah soh koo kwah-sheh, dohn ah-lah]

• Help!Taimaka!
  [tai-mah-kah]
• Go away!Huta!
  [hoo-tah]
• Call the Police!Kira karin gini!
  [kee-rah kah-reen gee-nee]
• Call a doctor!Kira mai jiki!
  [kee-rah my jee-kee]
• I'm lostNa dubi
  [nah doo-bee]
• I'm illNa yin maganinmu
  [nah yeeng mah-gah-neen-moo]

• I'd like to buy...Ina so na saye...
  [ee-nah soh nah sigh-yeh...]
• I'm just lookingBa ni da gani
  [bah nee dah gah-nee]
• How much is it?Shi ne yadda?
  [shee neh yahd-dah]
• That's too expensiveWai haka wuta
  [wah-ee hah-kah woo-tah]
• Can you lower the price?Za ka iya sake 'yan wasa?
  [zah kah ee-yah sah-kay yahn wah-sah]

• What time is it?Yaya lokaci ne?
  [yah-yah loh-kah-chee neh]
• It's one o'clockLokacin bakwai tarihi
  [loh-kah-cheen bah-kwai tah-ree-hee]
• Half past (10)Nau'in kwanakin tarihi (10)
  [now-een kwah-nah-keen tah-ree-hee (10)]
• MorningSafe
  [sah-fay]
• AfternoonZuwa rana
  [zoo-wah rah-nah]
• EveningYamma
  [yahm-mah]
• YesterdayJibi
  [jee-bee]
• TodayYau
  [yah-oo]
• TomorrowGobe
  [goh-beh]
• 1Daya
  [dah-yah]
• 2Biyu
  [bee-you]
• 3Uku
  [oo-koo]
• 4Huɗu
  [hoo-doo]
• 5Biɗa
  [bee-dah]
• 6Shida
  [shee-dah]
• 7Bakwai
  [bah-kwai]
• 8Takwas
  [tah-kwahs]
• 9Tara
  [tah-rah]
• 10Goma
  [goh-mah]

• Where's a/the...?Ina ne...
  [ee-nah neh]
• What's the address?Yaya adireshin ne?
  [yah-yah ah-dee-ray-sheen neh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Za ka nuna mini (a cikin rubutu)?
  [zah kah noo-nah mee-nee (ah chee-keen roo-boo-too)]
• When's the next (bus)?Yaya lokacin sauran (motar)?
  [yah-yah loh-kah-cheen sah-oo-rahn (moh-tahr)]
• A ticket (to ....)Tikiti (zuwa ....)
  [tee-kee-tee (zoo-wah)]

Kano, one of the oldest cities in West Africa, traces its origins to around 1000 AD. The city was initially established by the Hausa people and became a significant center for trade, culture, and Islamic scholarship. The foundation of Kano is often attributed to Bagauda, a prince of the Hausa people, who established a dynasty that ruled the city for centuries.

The Kano Chronicle is a seminal work documenting the history of the city from its founding up until the 19th century. Written in Arabic, it provides a detailed account of the reigns of various rulers, the city's development, and its interactions with neighboring states. This manuscript serves as a critical source for understanding the early history of Kano and its significance in the region.

During the medieval period, Kano emerged as a major hub in the trans-Saharan trade network. The city's strategic location made it a key stop for caravans traveling between the West African interior and the Mediterranean. Kano's merchants traded in goods such as leather, textiles, and grains, while also importing salt, horses, and other valuable items from North Africa and beyond.

Islam was introduced to Kano in the 14th century and became deeply ingrained in its culture and governance. The city became a center for Islamic learning, attracting scholars from across the region. Numerous mosques and madrasas were established, and Islamic law became the basis for the city's legal system. The influence of Islam is still strongly felt in Kano today.

In the early 19th century, Kano became part of the Sokoto Caliphate following the Fulani Jihad led by Usman dan Fodio. The city's incorporation into this Islamic state brought about significant political and social changes. Kano became one of the caliphate's most important emirates, and its rulers, known as Emirs, played a crucial role in the administration of the region.

In 1903, Kano was conquered by British forces and incorporated into the Northern Nigeria Protectorate. The British colonial period brought about new administrative structures, economic changes, and the introduction of Western education. Despite these changes, traditional institutions, including the Emirate system, continued to play a significant role in local governance.

Following Nigeria's independence in 1960, Kano experienced rapid urbanization and economic growth. The city became an industrial and commercial center, attracting people from across Nigeria and beyond. However, this period also saw challenges such as ethnic and religious tensions, which have occasionally flared into conflict.

Today, Kano remains a vibrant and dynamic city that blends tradition and modernity. It is a major economic hub in northern Nigeria, renowned for its bustling markets, historical landmarks, and rich cultural heritage. The city's ancient walls and gates, the Gidan Makama Museum, and the vibrant Dala Hill are just a few of the many attractions that draw visitors to Kano.

Kano is accessible via Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (KAN), which serves both domestic and international flights. Major airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, and Turkish Airlines operate routes to Kano. From the airport, you can take a taxi to the city center, which is approximately 30 minutes away. Alternatively, you can use ride-hailing services or arrange for hotel pickups.

Kano offers several modes of transportation. Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available and convenient for getting around the city. Public buses and minibuses (known locally as 'danfo') cover most areas, though they can be crowded and less comfortable. For longer distances, you can use intercity buses or rent a car. Be aware of traffic congestion during peak hours.

The official currency in Nigeria is the Nigerian Naira (NGN). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available across the city, but ensure you use those in secure locations. Currency exchange services are also available at the airport and in some hotels.

Kano is generally safe for tourists, but it's essential to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night and be cautious in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing. Areas such as Sabon Gari have higher crime rates and should be visited with caution. Always stay updated on local news and advisories. It's also recommended to register with your embassy upon arrival.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Kano has several hospitals and clinics, including the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, which provides comprehensive medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and police stations are scattered throughout the city for law enforcement needs.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Respect traditional greetings such as 'Salam Alaikum.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Kano like a local, visit the Kurmi Market, one of the oldest markets in Africa, where you can buy traditional crafts and textiles. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and eager to share their culture. Don't miss the Gidan Makama Museum to learn about the history of Kano. For a unique experience, attend a traditional Hausa festival if your visit coincides with one.