Philatelic Souvenirs of Kano
Kano was one of the southern terminals for trans-Saharan caravans and Hausa
traders exchanged weapons, armour and horses for gold, cloth and kola nuts.
This detail from the design of the 1 1/2 penny "Groundnuts" definitive design of 1953 as seen
on this Nigerian aerogramme appears to depict the Central Mosque and the old city of Kano.
Once an important terminal for trans-Saharan camel caravans, Kano remains an important entry point for the country. Now Nigeria's second largest metropolitan area (by population), this city on the southern edge of the Sahara was on the route of the Imperial Airways Service to Lagos. When I arrived in Nigeria in August 1979, Kano was my port of entry. Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (featured on the 10/- value of the 1961 definitive issue) was where I disembarked from my SABENA flight for a few days of orientation before catching a domestic flight to Ibadan.
10/- value of the 1961 definitive
My first letters home from Nigeria were postmarked Kano. Postal rates had recently increased so an additional 10 kobo stamp had to be added to the 10 kobo international aerogramme for correspondence to Canada.
Additional 10 kobo Yankari Game Reserve Definitive on 10 kobo aerogramme
Highlights of my brief stay in Kano included a tour of the old city including the dye pits and a visit to the Central Mosque which is depicted on the 1959 commemorative recognizing internal self-government in Northern Nigeria.
1959 Commemorative honouring Internal Self-Government
in Northern Nigeria depicting the Central Mosque.
The minarets of the Mosque offered a spectacular view of the Emir's Palace and the blend of traditional and modern architecture and roadways .
View from the Minaret.
View from the Minaret.
View from the Minaret.
Ancient wall of Kano on May 23, 1990 issue
Bibliography
Ashiwaju, Dr. Garba ed. Cities of the Savannah. Lagos: The Nigeria Magazine, n.d. Print.
Atmore, Anthony and Gillian Stacey. Black Kingdoms Black Peoples - The West African Heritage. Akure, Nigeria: Fagbamige Publishers, 1979. Print.
"Kano." Wikipedia. 16 Jul. 2011. Wikimeida Foundation, Inc. Web. 26 Jul. 2011
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kano.
Kloetzel, James E. ed.
"Nigeria." Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue. Sidney, Ohio: Scott Publishing, 2008. Print.
