Keren, the center of administration of zoba Ansseba, is one of the major Eritrean cities. The city is known as “Keren Tsaeda” (white keren) for its comfortable, warm climate and its variety of fruits. History recounts that the name Keren is derived from a Bilen language “krguku”. The elders of keren also tell that the name was adapted from “Keren” to signify that the city is surrounded by big mountains.
Though Keren was established as a small town during the Turkish occupation, it started to show improvement during the Italian colonialism. Especially in the beginning of 20th century, modern master plan was prepared and Keren emerged as a modern city with adequate infrastructure. The first buildings of Keren include Saint Michael Church which was built during the Egyptian colonization in1875, a big mosque which was built during the Turkish, military camps and administration center during the Turkish, Egyptian, Italian, British and Ethiopian colonization. However, the art deco of the city was constructed between 1910 and 1940s.
The building known as commissariat Keren which is currently the administration office of the city, the residence of housing commission and neighboring villas, Italian elementary school, Keren hospital, Riva palace, Gira fiyori, Saint Antonio Cathedral and Keren Hotel are the beauties and main historical buildings of the city. Italians built keren to be a center of agricultural activities and refreshments with infrastructures that could accommodate residences for about 10 thousand households. However, due to improvements and population growth, at present Keren has a population of 84 thousand living in about 32 thousand sq km. Keren is composed of seven administrative regions and popular villages namely Jufa, Hashela, Bambi, Ona and Megarih. Though in small numbers, almost all members of the nine Eritrean ethnic groups reside in keren .The dominant groups are Bilen, Tigre and Tigrinya. Bilen, Tigre and Tigrinya followed by Arabic are widely spoken languages. There are a number of schools that teach in the above-mentioned languages.
The fact that big mountains surround Keren made it strategic and focus of attention of the colonial powers. Especially during the British administration Keren became the center of administration for three provinces namely Senhit, Sahel and Barka. History recounts that the World War two battles in East Africa ended after a heavy and bloody war at a place called Tinkulihas situated at the entrance of southwest Keren. Historical remains of the fortress built by the allied forces are still present at the west side of the city towards the Aqurdet gate. The Italians’ cemetery is also found at the western side of the city along the road to Dearit neighboring the martyr’s cemetery situated at a place called Ona where 750 innocent Eritreans were massacred in 1970 during the Haile Silase reign.
Dearit situated 2.5 km to the north east of the city entertains annual religious festival at the end of May. This festival is center of popular cultural activities and contributes to the tourism industry. The elementary and junior schools of Keren were built in 1940s during British reign, the present day keren high school which history recounts as the first middle school in Eritrea was built in September 1948.
During Ethiopian colonization, especially during the Derg era, all the army that was operating in Eritrea was been administered from Keren. Keren was also a center of the front for liberation in Sahel and western operations of Gash Barka and Setit. Remains that witness this are still present in that area.
The mountains that surround Keren are mount EtAbir to the southwest, mount Ziban to the south, Mount Senkil to the southeast, Mount Lalimba to the northwest and mount Bambi to the northeast. Keren borders Elabered sub zone to the east, Hamelmalo to the south and southeast, Hagaz sub zone to the southwest. The fact that Keren serves as a bridge between high lands and low lands made it a trade route and transportation activities. The movements to and fro Tessenei, Barentu, Agurdet, Karura, Nakfa, Afabet and Asmara cross the Keren line.
Keren is known as “Keren Tsaeda “(white Keren) for the white sandy soil and the white cloths that the people wear during winter. Some people also say that “Keren Tsaeda” is an expression for its moderate climate, agricultural products and its people’s hospitality. It is usual and inspiring to walk along the streets of Keren as soon as rain stops. Due to the sandy nature of its soil you do not usually see muddy areas even at the places where asphalt has not been laid.
There are streams that originate from the high mountains of Keren. Except the stream that flows towards Tinkulihas almost all the other streams join Anseba River. Anseba River, which is at a distance of eight km from the city, is the main source of water. The fertile agricultural land, which is found at the right and left sides of Anseba and Deari rivers, made Keren unique. The city is full of fruits and vegetables all year round. Fruits like orange, grapefruit, papaya, guava, mango, lemon, grapes and vegetables like lettuce, adri, kosta, okra, molukya are agricultural products of Keren that are also exported to other cities. Especially from 1950 to the middle of 1970s best quality fruits from Awrtela, Makalas and Deri area were exported to Europe. Keren was graced with rich water supply. Almost all the houses were decorated with different trees and flowers. Recently, to find water one has to drill 10m downs because the Deari River that used to supply the city all year round is drying off due to drought and climatic changes.
After Eritrea obtained its indipendence, Keren is going through a rapid reconstruction programs and projects forward to a prosperous future. Schools, hospitals, hotels and roads are being built everwhere. New master plan that includes residence around Megarih and Walaku, hotels, highways, pharmechor factory, telecommunication building, commercial bank, distribution of mobile and landlines, public transportation has being built.
Translated by Azmera Okbamichael
