Keren Camel Market
Ansabā
Keren Camel Market, located in the city of Keren in Eritrea's Anseba region, is a traditional marketplace renowned for its bustling camel trading activities. This market reflects the historical significance of Keren as a key trading settlement on the route between Massawa and Sudan. The market is dominated by local traders, including the Hedareb tribe, who use camels to transport goods such as grains, cotton cloth, ivory, skins, and ostrich feathers. The market's atmosphere is vibrant and culturally rich, showcasing the ethnic diversity of the region, including the Bilen and Tigre peoples. Keren itself is situated in a wide basin surrounded by granitic mountains, adding to the unique setting of the market. The camel market remains a vital part of the local economy and traditional way of life, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Eritrea's trading heritage and pastoral culture.
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Tip: The best time to visit Keren Camel Market is early in the morning when trading activity is at its peak. Visitors should consider arranging a local guide to better understand the market's cultural context. It is advisable to inquire locally about market days and any special events. Purchasing goods in bundles or negotiating prices is common. No specific ticketing is required, but respectful attire and behavior are recommended to honor local customs.
Interesting facts
- •The market historically included goods like ivory, ostrich feathers, and cotton cloth from Egypt and Sennar.
- •Keren was known as Sanhit historically and was a key point on the Massawa-Sudan trade route.
- •The Hedareb tribe plays a significant role in transporting goods on camels within the market.
- •Keren's elevation is 1,590 meters above sea level, surrounded by granitic mountains.
History
Keren originated as a trading settlement on the Ethiopian frontier, benefiting from its strategic location on the trade route between Massawa and Sudan.
In the 19th century, the market was dominated by traders from Arkiko and the local Hedareb tribe, who transported grain using camels.
The settlement grew from approximately 350 huts and 2,000 inhabitants in the mid-1800s to a significant town under Italian colonial rule by the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The establishment of a railway connecting Asmara and Massawa, extended to Keren by 1920, further stimulated trade and agricultural expansion.
Throughout its history, Keren has been a melting pot of cultures and ethnic groups, reflected in the diversity of goods and traders at the camel market.
