Bakwa Turunku

Bakwa Turunku (fl. 1500s) was the twenty-second ruler of Zazzau. Little is known with certainty about Bakwa's life, and traditions differ regarding their origins and gender. Some accounts describe Bakwa as the daughter of Sarkin Zazzau Nohir, while others suggest they were a stranger who rose to power in Turunku. Described as a ruler "whose main interest was merriment," Bakwa's reign was noted for its peace. They are credited with establishing the city of Zaria, which they named after their daughter. Bakwa's eldest daughter was Amina, who later became the kingdom's most celebrated figure. Historian Sa'ad Abubakar believes Bakwa was a woman, who likely reigned as the first sarauniya (queen) of Zazzau. According to a local tradition, the name "Bakwa Turunku" may mean "the stranger belonging to the Toronke people" (from Toro in Tekrur). Another maintains that they were the daughter of Nohir, the twentieth ruler of Zazzau.

Around 1535, Sarkin Zazzau Nohir died and was succeeded by his brother Kawanissa, who reigned for a year before his death. After an interregnum, Bakwa became sarki, either by election or by seizing the office. Due to the limited water supply in Turunku, Bakwa established a new capital, Zaria, named after their second daughter. Bakwa's reign was generally peaceful. Bakwa's place of burial remains an object of pilgrimage.