Zazzau

Zazzau, also known as Zaria, was a Hausa city-state in what is now northern Nigeria. It was one of the original seven Hausa Bakwai states, reputed to have been founded by the sons of Bayajidda and Queen Daurama. Zazzau was a prominent center of trade, particularly in enslaved people, kola nuts, and agricultural products. Its strategic location allowed it to control trade routes between the Sahara and the southern regions.

Zazzau's political structure revolved around a monarch (Sarki) who held considerable power, assisted by a council of nobles and officials. The state was known for its strong military and its skilled cavalry, which were crucial for maintaining control over its territory and conducting raids on neighboring populations.

In the 19th century, Zazzau fell under the control of the Sokoto Caliphate during the Fulani Jihad led by Usman dan Fodio. The Hausa rulers were replaced with Fulani emirs loyal to the Caliphate, and Zazzau became an emirate within the larger Sokoto political entity. The emirate system largely persisted into the colonial era and continues to exist in a ceremonial role in present-day Nigeria.

The city of Zaria, the capital of the former state, remains an important urban center in Kaduna State, Nigeria, hosting Ahmadu Bello University, one of the largest universities in Nigeria. The legacy of Zazzau is significant in Hausa history and culture, representing a period of both prosperity and conflict.