Preliminary Survey and Subject Analysis of Arabic and Ajami Manuscripts in Birnin Zazzau, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was undertaken to identify the locations, owners, and to analyze the contents of Arabic and Ajami manuscripts in Birnin Zazzau (Zaria City). The study used a mixed research method, qualitative and quantitative, with a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised of all the individuals that have Arabic and Ajami manuscripts in their collections. The data were collected using the snowballing sampling technique. The study identified the locations and owners of Arabic and Ajami manuscripts, with the total number of 2,841 copies of Arabic and Ajami manuscripts in the hands of the designated owners/custodians. The subject analysis was made to the resources through which over 14 subjects and related subjects were found. The study recommends, among others, that effort should be made by universities, historical research centres, documentations centre, archives, and museum to look for the locations and owners of Arabic and Ajami manuscripts across the country for proper management of the Arabic and Ajami manuscripts.