Ilorin, Capital city in Kwara State, Nigeria
Ilorin is a large city in Kwara State that spreads along the Awun River with traditional mud-brick houses topped by thatched roofs. Numerous mosques surrounded by mud walls are scattered throughout, creating a distinctive architectural pattern.
The city developed as a regional trade hub and came under British control through the Royal Niger Company in 1897. Incorporation into the British colony of Northern Nigeria in 1900 reshaped administrative structures and strengthened its role in regional commerce.
Yoruba, Fulani, Nupe, Bariba, and Hausa communities shape the city's character and can be seen in the neighborhoods and places of worship. Islamic practices influence daily routines and the design of buildings throughout the settlement.
The city is accessible by air through an international airport, by rail, and by highway connecting to major centers like Lagos and Ibadan across Nigeria. Multiple transportation options make reaching and moving through the region fairly straightforward.
The city contains Nigeria's largest traditional pottery workshops where artisans practice age-old techniques passed down through generations. Sobi Hill holds archaeological evidence from periods when residents sought refuge from regional conflicts on its elevated slopes.
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