Ramblings from another corner of the world...: Friday Prayers at the Emir's Palace

So this past Friday, I went to prayers at the Emir's Palace. Usually the place is wide open with plenty of space.

Front of the palace

However, on Friday, the place is jammed with upwards of 30,000 people all praying. On Friday, all the men from the surrounding villages come to pray and pay their respects to the Emir. It was one of the more remarkable sites that I've seen before. Everyone was dressed in their finest robes and turbans. When the prayers began, it was just a sea of colors bowing and praying in unison. I don't think I've ever witnessed so many people be so silent and respectful before, the only thing that remotely comes close is the unveiling of the HIV/AIDS quilt in its entirety in Washington DC. I wanted to take photos, but it would have been extremely disrespectful.

After the prayers, the Emir of Zaria walks from the mosque to his palace flanked by his loyal subjects, musicians, and guards. It was chaos and fascinating at the same time.

The Emir is the one under the parasol.

My friend recognized one of his friends who works in the Palace's public relations department. He grabbed me, and I was swept inside the palace to witness a titling ceremony. The Emir granted a loyal subject a title for all of his good deeds (aka donating $$$). As a shouter sings his praises, musicians are playing.

Youtube video coming soon...

I even was taken in front of the Emir. I wasn't too sure what to do so I ended up doing what everyone else does, bow (when in Rome...). Good thing I didn't go up and try to shake his hand, there were plenty of big bodyguards willing to give anyone who gets too close a stick/gun massage.

After Friday prayers, the grounds turn into 30,000 strong marketplace where everything from clothing to ice cream to snake oil is being sold.