Ngazargamu

Birni Gazargamu
Shown within Nigeria
LocationYobe State, Nigeria
Coordinates13°05′N 12°22′E / 13.083°N 12.367°E / 13.083; 12.367
Part ofKanem-Bornu
History
Founded15th century
Abandoned1808
CulturesKanuri, Shuwa Arab, Babur
Site notes
ConditionAbandoned

Ngazargamu, also called Birni Ngazargamu, Birnin Gazargamu, Gazargamo or N'gazargamu, was the capital of the Kanem–Bornu Empire from its foundation by Ali I Gaji in the 15th century to its destruction in the Fula jihads in the early 19th century.

The city was situated in the fork of the Komadugu Gana River and the Komadugu Yobe, near present-day Geidam, 150 km (93 mi) west of Lake Chad in the Yobe State of modern Nigeria. The ruins of the city are still visible. The surrounding wall is 6.6 km (4.1 mi) long and in parts it is still up to 5 m (16 ft) high.

The city became Bornu's leading center for Islamic education under Idris Alooma.:504

In 1808, Gazargamo was taken by the Fulani Jihad.:259