Kano is one of the most populated cities in West Africa (majority are Hausa). The city is over 1,000 years old - it had its first king in 999AD.

 

Historically, the city was walled and many of structures within the old city are still intact including Kurmi market and the 500 year old dye pits which are still in use. Also, the Kano Museum is housed in a building that was constructed in 1468 (Pictures on the page show the dye pit and the museum).

Leather works is a significant source of income for many of the artisans and the quality is simply exceptional. In fact, according to the Columbia University Encyclopedia, 6th edition, “The city (Kano) has long been known for its leatherwork; its tanned goatskins were sent (from about 15th cent.) to N Africa and were known in Europe as Morocco leather. One of the seven Hausa city-states, Kano's written history dates back to A.D. 999, when the city was already several hundred years old”.

 

Like many other urban African cities however, poverty is never far away. I was struck by the large number of abandoned kids "Almajaris" roaming the streets. This is a problem that I'm sure many of you are interested in and I welcome your thoughts on the issue.

 

All in all, Kano was a great place to visit. I saw stunning pieces of handcrafted goods, and the visit reinforced my desire to make a difference.

Lara