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Kano the nucleus of the north is seen as the centre of Hausa traditions in terms of its cultural relations and the volume of trade that goes on there, which has made Kano a central business district across the sub-Saharan countries.
Considered the largest ethnic group in West Africa with a population of about 20 million Hausa is the most widely spoken language in West Africa. Spoken by about 22 million people to be precise. Another 17 million people speak Hausa as a second language.
The language is so unique that it can also be written in Arabic, using the systematic Arabic letters, which is referred to as Ajami. About one-fourth of Hausa words come from Arabic. Most Hausas can read and write Arabic, as well as speak either French or English.
The Kano kingdom is an ancient settlement of Dala Hill, with small chiefdoms according to Kano Chronicle.
The Kano Emirate a traditional state in Northern Nigeria with headquarters in the city of Kano was formed in 1805 during the Fulani jihad, when the old Hausa Kingdom of Kano became subject to the Sokoto Caliphate.
The Hausa society has a strong division of labour according to age and sex. The main activity in cities is trade; in rural areas, it is agriculture. Most Hausa men have more than one occupation.
In the cities, they may have formal job with the government on one hand and also engage in trade on the other hand. In rural areas, they farm and also engage in trade or crafts.
Some of them are full-time traders who own shops or market stalls. Most Hausa women are known to earn money by processing, cooking, and selling food. They also sell cloth scraps, pots, medicines, vegetable oils, and other small items.
Since women are generally secluded according to Islamic law, their children or house-helps go to market their products on their behalf.
In relationships Hausas tend to be quiet and reserved. There are some rules that govern interaction with one’s relatives. For example, it is considered a sign of respect not to say the name of one’s spouse or parents. By contrast, relaxed, playful interactions are the norm with certain relatives, such as younger siblings, grandparents, and cousins.
Relatives cooperate in activities such as farming and trade in rural areas, and business activities in urban areas. Relatives tend to live near each other in order to socialize and support each other.
Families arrange marriages for their children. Marriages between relatives, such as cousins, are preferred. Under Islamic law, a man may marry up to four wives.
Following Islamic custom, most married Hausa women live in seclusion. They stay indoors and only go out for ceremonies or to seek medical treatment.
The marriage ceremony may take as long as several days. Celebrations begin with the bride among her family and friends as she prepares for marriage. Male representatives of the bride’s and the groom’s families sign the marriage contract according to Islamic law, usually at the mosque.
The most common food among them includes grains like Sorghum, Millet, rice and maize. They are grounded into flour for a variety of food. Breakfast often consists of porridge called koko. Sometimes it includes cakes made of fried beans Kosai or wheat flour Funkaso. Lunch and dinner usually include a heavy meal of Tuwo.
It is served with avariety of soup or stew-Miya. In this context, most Kanawas (Kano citizens) enjoy Miyar Kuka, while others go for their delicious vegetable soup, known as Miyar Taushe
Most soups are made with ground or chopped tomatoes, onions, and peppers. To this are added spices and other vegetables such as spinach, pumpkin, and okra. Small amounts of meat are eaten. Beans, peanuts, and milk also serve as protein.
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