Keren, Eritrea

"Cheren" redirects here. For the character in Pokémon Black and White, see List of Pokémon characters#Rival.

Keren ከረን
View of Keren
Keren Location in Eritrea
Coordinates: 15°47′N 38°27′E / 15.783°N 38.45°E / 15.783; 38.45
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. The town serves as the capital of the Anseba region, and is home to the Bilen ethnic group.

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.

Demographics

As of 2005, the population of Keren has been estimated to be 86,483. The city inhabitants belong to various different mainly Afro-Asiatic-speaking ethnic groups, but the Bilen and the Tigre are dominant.

Climate

Its climate is semi-desert hot during summer and cold during winter. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

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.

Districts

The town's outlying districts include:

• Elabered
• Geleb
• Hagaz (Hagat)
• Halhal
• Melabso

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 / 15.783; 38.45