By Dr Shamsuddeen Sani
In my opinion, as a student of knowledge, there might be three reasons why I think everyone interested in Kano should read the 5-volume book Kano Ƙwaryar Ƙira Matattarar Alheri by the late Muhammadu Uba Adamu. May Allah bless his soul, amin.
1. Uncovers hidden narratives: the book offers a treasure trove of untold stories and forgotten or rarely told narratives of Kano history. The author masterfully explored the archives and conducted meticulous research allowing us to have a glimpse of the subtle Kano historical junctures, bringing to light stories of critical contributions, struggles, and resilience.
It is this very academic inclination to the Kano historiography that helps us challenge traditional historical narratives and gain a more inclusive understanding of our community’s past. By infusing creativity and academic rigour into the study of local history, the books unlock their transformative potential, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and an appreciation for the complexities of our community’s past and present.
2. The volume examines the microcosms of Kano’s ancient history: the author skilfully delves into the intricacies of our community’s past, helping us discern the impact of broader historical events, such as religious and economic shifts, social movements, or political changes. This very nuanced perspective enables us to grasp how global temporal processes shaped local realities, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of our interconnected world.
3. Analysis of spatial dynamics: in these volumes, it is discernible how the author uses the Kano history to analyse the spatial dynamics of our community’s development. Each volume uses an important geographical pivot point to relay historical milestones. This analysis provides insights into the social, economic, and cultural factors that have shaped the physical environment and spatial organization of our locality and our overall architectural heritage.
Dr Shamsuddeen Sani wrote from Kano, Nigeria.
