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'Amina' (also called 'Aminatu') was a Muslim princess of the royal family of the Zazzua area, in what is now the Zaria providence of Nigeria. [1] She was born circa 1533 and is estimated to have died at around 1610. Amina means trustworthy.

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Military career

External links

Military career

When she was 16 years old her mother, Bakwa of Turunku, became queen. During this point in her life, she became involved in the Zazzau military, earning much admiration for her bravery. Her military achievements brought her great wealth and power.
She is credited as the architect of the earthern walls around the city of Zaria, for which the providence is named. These walls are often referred to as Ganuwar Amina. It is a subject of debate as to whether or not Amina was actually queen, but she was responsible for conquering many of the cities in the area surrounding Zazua.
According to those who believe that she did ascend to the throne, in her thirty-four year reign she expanded the domain of Zazua to its largest size. Some sources state that her main focus was not on the annexation of neighboring lands, but on forcing local rulers to accept vassal status and permit Hausa traders safe passage. [2]''

External links

★ Distinguished Women of the Past - Amina Sarauniya Zazzua

★ PBS.org - Global Connections: Roles of Muslim Women
that was amina