This is fun. Independent Nigerian political power mostly resides with the Christian south. Not as much in the British colonial period. So why not remember a long ago Hausa city state that was converted to Muslim by the many Arab traders. Less likely much remembered as the Hausa were conquered by the Fulani 200 years ago. The minaret on the the stamp survived and survives. Just as much of what the British built will long out last their rule. The hidden point. So slip on your smoking jacket, fill your pipe, take your first sip of your, er never mind, this is a Muslim story, and sit back in your most comfortable chair. Welcome to todays offering from The Philatelist.
The stamp does it’s best to make the 50 foot tall Gobarau Minaret look impressive. Notice the image is very close in because the city walls of the once thriving city state of Katsina are long gone. It does show the large period influence of the resident Arab traders in the conversion of the city to Muslim. Also in the architecture, as period Africans did not have two story buildings.
Todays stamp is issue A8, a six pence stamp issued by the colony of Nigeria on February 1st, 1936. It was a twelve stamp issue in various denominations, most showing industry in the colony. According to the Scott catalog, the stamp is worth 60 cents used.
The Hausa city state of Katsina lies in the far north of Nigeria near the Niger border. Though there is no period written history, it is believed to have been founded about 1100. Before the Muslims, it was ruled by a leader known as a Sarki. He was thought to be semi devine, but subject to instant death if the Gods believed him misruling. Like Timbuktu, the city had a reputation for great wealth and as an educational center.
The first Sarki that was a Muslim convert, Mohammadu Korau is believed to have supervised the construction of the Mosque and Minaret around 1400 AD. Others claim the complex is three hundred years newer, but remember we are in a period of no written language of the Hausa tribe.
In 1808 the Fulani tribe started a jihad against the Hausa with the goal of establishing a large Caliphate. The war was successful and the large Sokoto Caliphate formed, named after it’s new capital. After the conquering of Katsina, the Mosque on the stamp was replaced and began to be used as a school.
The Sokoto Caliphate affiliated with the British in 1903. Katsina is a city now of 400,000, with most of the residents have Fulani heritage.
Come again soon for another story that can be learned from stamp collecting.