Maiduguri 1907-1982. Brief notes on an exhibition of photos and maps at the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the capital of BORNO STATE.

From the estate of Hans-Joachim Koloss. - Slightly light-margined and rubbed. - From the text: It is 75 years ago that Shehu Bukar Garbai moved his court from Kukawa to Kalwa , a cluster of small hamlets between Maiduguri and Mafoni. The latter would have been in the area of what today is known as G.R.A. But why an exhibition? Just to celebrate because of the anniversary or could it be that an exhibition of this sort stimulates discussion and raises questions about factors and conditions of urban development and life. What does development of towns mean? Why did people in history frequently abandon towns and build new ones? Does that happen today? What amount of labour was necessary to build an earthen rampart of 6km lenght still standing 7m high and l5m wide at the foot? Who were the people who actually built the towns ? Which technologies did they apply? These questions won't be answered in this exhibition which only can attempt to create historical awareness which will lead to a better understanding of conteporary developments. Towns still change - perhaps even more dramatically without conquest or destruction in hostile encounters.