Keren, Eritrea
| Keren ከረን |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 Keren
|
|
| Coordinates: 15°47′N 38°27′E / 15.783°N 38.45°E | |
| Country |  Eritrea |
| Region | Anseba |
| District | Keren |
| Population (2005) | |
| • Total | 86,483 |
Keren (formerly Cheren) is the second largest city in Eritrea. It is situated about 91 kilometers northwest of Asmara, at an elevation of 1,390 meters from sea-level. It sprawls on a wide basin surrounded by granitic mountains on all sides. The town serves as the capital of the Anseba region, and is home to the Bilen ethnic group.
Contents |
[edit] History
The city grew around the Eritrean Railway to Asmara, now dismantled because of the war (although there are plans to rebuild it). It is an important commercial centre and was the scene of regular battles in both World War II and the Eritrean War of Independence. Keren was the site of a key battle between Italian and British troops in February - March 1941.
[edit] Demographics
As of 2005, the population of Keren has been estimated to be 86,483. The city inhabitants belong to various mainly Afro-Asiatic-speaking ethnic groups, but the Bilen and the Tigre are dominant.
[edit] Climate
Keren's climate is semi-desert hot during summer and cold during winter. The rainy season extends from mid-June to mid-September. From October to February, the town experiences the cool winter season. It heats up from March to June, though the nights are pleasant.
[edit] Attractions
Attractions in the city include the Tigu nineteenth century Egyptian fort, the St Maryam Deari chapel, lying in a baobab tree, the 1930s former railway station, the old mosque, Sayed Bakri Mausoleum, British Army and Italian Army cemeteries and local markets. The nearby sixth century Debre Sina monastery is known for its cave dwellings.
[edit] Districts
The town's outlying districts include:
[edit] Further reading
- Hill, Justin (2002), Ciao Asmara, A classic account of contemporary Africa. Little, Brown, ISBN 978-0349115269. VSO volunteer's story of Eritrea. Hill lived in Keren for two years
- The Globalist Feature, including an extract from Justin Hill's book, Ciao Asmara.
Coordinates: 15°47′N 38°27′E / 15.783°N 38.45°E
 |
This Eritrea location article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
