Keren - Culture

The town of Keren is the provincial capital of Senhit Province and one of the major agricultural centers of Eritrea, particularly for fruits and vegetables. To the west the region is known for its banana plantations. In addition its dairy herds supply fresh milk, butter and the cheese factory produces provolone and other cheeses.

There is a town market, where silver items may be purchased, and a wood market, where camels gather on the dry river bed. On Mondays there is a livestock market in a walled compound on the hillside along the road leading south from town. Cattle, sheep and goats, camels and donkeys are bought and sold.

Keren is a beautiful town and is often visited by those wanting a change of scene from Asmara or Massawa. The name Keren means highland. The sun rises over one set of peaks in the east and sets over another set in the west. Depending on where you stay, rising for the dawn does not present a problem as the muezzin is likely to act as your early morning call.

There is a distinctly Muslim feel to the town. Keren has 60,000 residents, the majority of then are Muslim. There are also many examples of Italian and Ethiopian colonial heritage. Overlooked by a seemingly impregnable fortress (Tigu), which still bristles with Ethiopian army cannon, the town itself boasts stylish public buildings and a Romanesque Catholic church. At one time the town boasted not one but two railway stations. The speed of life is best exemplified by the fact that camels still outnumber cars.