Kurmi Market- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Kurmi Market, established in the 15th century by King Muhammad Rumfa, is one of the oldest markets in West Africa and played a central role in Kano's rise as a hub for trans-Saharan trade. Originally a key center for goods such as textiles, leather, and pottery, it attracted merchants from regions as far as Tripoli and Western Sudan. The market was once a major site for the slave trade and evolved significantly during colonial rule, with a redesigned structure completed in 1909 featuring clay stalls, a mosque, and a courthouse. Although its regional prominence has declined, Kurmi Market remains active today, serving primarily local consumers within Kano.