Place
Description.
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Huambo
Nestled in the heart of Angola, Huambo, formerly known as Nova Lisboa, is a city that beautifully blends history, culture, and natural beauty. This article takes you on a journey through this remarkable city, the third-most populous in Angola, after Luanda and Lubango. Early History Huambo’s name has its roots in Wambu, one of the 14 ancient Ovimbundu kingdoms of the Angolan plateau. These kingdoms date back to the 15th…
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Ibadan
Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State in Nigeria, is situated on seven hills with an average elevation of 700 feet (200 meters) and is approximately 100 miles (160 km) from the Atlantic coast. As one of the most densely populated cities in the country, Ibadan’s origins remain veiled in mystery, preserved primarily through oral tradition. According to accounts, the initial inhabitants of Ibadan were individuals seeking refuge and were…
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Ilorin
Ilorin, a city in western Nigeria, serves as the traditional emirate and is the capital of Kwara state. Positioned along the Awun River, a minor tributary of the Niger, it was founded in the late 18th century by the Yoruba people. Originally part of the Oyo empire as a vassal state, Ilorin saw a rebellion in 1817 led by Kakanfo Afonja, Oyo’s commander, resulting in the dissolution of the empire’s…
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Jalalabad
Jalalabad is a city in eastern Afghanistan, situated in the Nangarhar Province. It is one of the major cities in the region and serves as the capital of Nangarhar Province. The city is located in the Kabul River valley near the border with Pakistan. The region around Jalalabad is known for its agricultural activities, and the city has played a role in connecting Afghanistan with neighbouring countries through trade routes.…
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Jijel
Jijel, also known as Djidjelli during French colonial times, is a captivating port city in northeastern Algeria, gracing the Mediterranean coastline. It’s the capital of the Jijel Province and holds a rich history dating back to Phoenician times. Jijel’s past whispers through its ancient ruins and monuments. Explore the remnants of Phoenician tombs, delve into the Roman city of Igilgili, or witness the grandeur of the Ottoman-era citadel. Jijel map
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Johannesburg
Johannesburg, often shortened to Joburg or Jozi, is the largest city in South Africa and the provincial capital of Gauteng. Nicknamed “Egoli” or “City of Gold” due to its historical significance in the South African gold rush, Johannesburg is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history and diverse culture. Here are some interesting facts about Johannesburg: Founded in 1886: The city was established following the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand, and…
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Jos
Jos is the capital city of Plateau state, situated on the Jos Plateau at an elevation of 4,250 feet (1,295 meters) in central Nigeria. It is positioned along the Delimi River and in proximity to the source of the Jamaari River, known as the Bunga downstream. Originally, the area was occupied by Geash, a village of the Birom people. The town experienced rapid development after the British discovered substantial tin…
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Kabul
Kabul (; Pashto: کابل, IPA: [kɑˈbəl]; Dari: کابل, IPA: [/kɑːbʊl/]) is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan. Located in the eastern half of the country, it is also a municipality, forming part of the Kabul Province; it is administratively divided into 22 municipal districts. According to late 2022 estimates, the population of Kabul was 13.5 million people. In contemporary times, the city has served as Afghanistan’s political, cultural, and economical centre, and rapid urbanisation has made…
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Kaduna
Kaduna, situated in north-central Nigeria, is the capital city of Kaduna state. It is positioned along the Kaduna River, a significant tributary of the Niger River. In 1913, Sir Frederick (later Lord) Lugard, the inaugural British governor of Northern Nigeria, chose the current site along the Lagos-Kano Railway for the establishment of a town. Construction commenced, and by 1917, Kaduna, meaning “crocodiles” in Hausa, replaced Zungeru as the capital of…
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Kandahar
Kandahar is a city located in the southern part of Afghanistan. It is one of the country’s major cultural and economic centres, as well as the capital of Kandahar Province. The city has a rich history, dating back thousands of years, and has been an important centre for various empires and civilizations. In recent decades, Kandahar has been a significant location in the context of the conflict in Afghanistan. It…