Sukur, Cultural landscape in Madagali, Nigeria.
Sukur is a settlement with terraced hillsides and granite structures spread across Madagali in Adamawa State. The site features a central palace complex and residential areas positioned at different elevations throughout the landscape.
The Dur dynasty established the settlement during the 17th century as a major iron-producing center for northeastern Nigeria. The architectural layout and terraced design developed over this period of trade and craftsmanship.
The Hidi palace displays circular granite structures, with specific zones for ceremonies, livestock keeping, and gatherings. The spatial arrangement reflects the community's social organization and daily rhythms.
The location sits in hilly terrain, so visitors should wear sturdy footwear and allow time to explore the slopes. The dry season offers the best conditions for walking through the settlement and viewing the structures.
Local craftspeople operate ancient iron-smelting furnaces scattered throughout the settlement, maintaining techniques inherited from their ancestors. Watching these furnaces in operation reveals production methods that have remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years.
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