The Gobarau Minaret, Katsina State

The Gobarau Minaret (var. Gobirau, Goborau) is a 15-metre (50 ft) minaret located in the center of the city of Katsina, Northern Nigeria. As an early example of Muslim architecture in a city known as a theological center, the tower has become a symbol of the city.

Gobarau is said to be the first multi-storey building in West Africa, with its construction believed to have been completed during the reign of Sarkin Katsina (King) Muhammadu Korau (1398-1408 AD) -- the first Muslim King of Katsina. Other sources date the structure from the 16th to 18th centuries, with a major reconstruction taking place in the early 20th century.

Originally built as the central Mosque of Katsina town, it was later used also as a school. By the beginning of the 16th century, Katsina had become a very important commercial and academic center in Hausaland, and Gobarau mosque had grown into a famed institution of higher Islamic education. Gobarau continued to be Katsina's Central mosque until the beginning of the 19th century AD, when Sarkin Katsina Ummarun Dallaji (1805-1835) built a new mosque, which was later demolished by Muhammadu Dikko (1906–1944), who built the famous Masallacin Dutsi, which is still used up to this day.


The mosque and its tower were renovated by Sarkin Katsina Muhammadu Kabir Usman (1981–2008).

Gobarau Minaret is the oldest storey building in Katsina state and first of it's kind it is said to be built by one man, it is used as a tower at that time. I.e time of war , though when you climb to the top of the tour, you will see the whole Katsina State.The tour is said to be 650 years old.


Today Gobarau is a tourist attraction site, along with the Kusugu well in Daura.

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