Entrance to the Emir's Palace 'Gidan Rumfa'. Gidan Rumfa meaning 'Rumfa's House' is home to the Emir of Kano, it was built in the 15th century by Muhammed Rumfa, the then Emir of Kano. Gidan Rumfa is a rectaglar structure with its longest sides facing East and West, providing an insight into the over 500 years old Hausa architectural design. The Emir's palace is a settlement within a settlement, covering an area of about 33 acres.