GAREWA: A Hausa Kingdom in Katsinar Laka – A Historical Review
By Khalid Alhawsawi, Kaduna
The Garewa Kingdom is one of the prominent Hausa states in Hausaland. Garewa (also known as Katsinar Laka) was a region historically referred to as “the land of Garewa” in Hausaland. Garewa was a kingdom with numerous cities under its authority. Among its notable cities, Birnin Kogo (modern-day Faskari) is believed to have been the capital of Garewa at one point.
The people who founded Garewa were Hausa farmers, hunters, and traders.
Over time, with the advent of Islam, the people of Garewa, like other Hausa states, embraced the religion. Some cities in Garewa became prominent in promoting Islam, excelling among other Hausa states in serving the religion. They established Islamic schools and centers of learning, attracting scholars to the region.
The cities of Garewa became renowned for their knowledge of the Qur’an, Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), and Islamic sciences, including mathematics and astrology, similar to other prominent Hausa states.
This land of Garewa had numerous towns, many of which became major centers of Islamic learning, commerce, and natural resources. One notable city, Birnin ‘Yan Doto, was demolished under the instruction of Dan Fodio’s son and the Fulani forces because the scholars in the city opposed the shedding of worshippers’ blood in the name of jihad. Other significant cities included Birnin Kirku and Birnin Kuyambana.
Garewa was inhabited by Hausa people who had lived there for a long time, speaking a dialect called “Hausa Garewanchi.” This dialect retained many words from the pure and ancient Hausa language, enriched by the traditional culture of the Hausa people.
Major Cities of the Garewa Kingdom:
Birnin Kogo (Faskari)
Birnin Kirku
Birnin Dagazau
Birnin ‘Yan Doto
Birnin Samri
Birnin Gozaki
Birnin Kuyambana
Birnin Kwatarkwashi
Birnin Tsahe
Birnin Kaita
Birnin Matunji
Kwaren Ganuwa
Bawa Ganga
Birnin Kwadago
Birnin Daraga
Birnin Kuyambana (repeated in some records)
Damaga
Dangulbi
Magami mai Tsarko
Bagega
Raga
Kurmin Kakumi
Bena
Wasagu
Sangeku
Kuceri
Katanga
Birnin Mada
Birnin Kammu
Many of these cities still exist today, while others have either been renamed, relocated, or disappeared.
Newly Established Cities in Garewa:
Among the newer towns in Garewa are Gusau, Wonaka, Abarma, Janyau, and several others.
However, Birnin ‘Yan Doto, Maska, and Birnin Kogo remain among the most significant and ancient cities of Garewa in Hausaland.
Prominent Figures from Garewa:
The Garewa Kingdom produced notable Hausa individuals, such as:
Muhammadu Korau, who founded the Katsina Kingdom.
Muhammadu Kanta, who established the Kebbi Kingdom.