Keren: A Hidden Gem in Eritrea

• Helloሰላም
  [sälam]
• Goodbyeሰላም
  [sälam]
• Yesእወ
  [ew]
• Noኣይ
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomeንጽሕፈሉ/ሰላም
  [nəṣḥəffälu/sälam]
• Thank youኣመሰጋእቲ
  [amsegäti]
• Excuse me/Sorryኣብዚሒ/ቦልኦኽ
  [abzhi/bolokh]
• How are you?እንተይ ምንእርከ?
  [əntay män'ärkä?]
• Fine. And you?ንኺስ መስለኒ ነን. ነብር?
  [nəḫs msleni nän. näbr?]
• Do you speak English?እንተይ እንግዲሞም ተብሎ?
  [əntay əngädimo təblō?]
• I don't understandእንተይ ኣለኹ
  [əntay aläḫ]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseናይ ምዝገብ መጠን እዩ
  [nay məzgäb mätän ayu]
• I don't eat meatኣስይ ዝምልን ኣስናይ
  [asɨ zimlin asnay]
• Cheers!ምንሕራን፡፡
  [mənḥran]
• I would like to pay, pleaseናይ ምጽንተይ እዩ
  [nay məṣəntay ayu]

• Help!እምል!
  [eml!]
• Go away!ተኽእሎ!
  [təḫəlo!]
• Call the Police!ሓሊፎም ክትደው!
  [ḥalifom kətdew!]
• Call a doctor!ሓሊፍ ክትደው!
  [ḥalif kətdew!]
• I'm lostእምል እንደይ
  [eml əndäy]
• I'm illእምል ሓሳይ
  [eml ḥasay]

• I'd like to buy...ናይ ከብታኒ እዩ...
  [nay kəbtani ayu...]
• I'm just lookingእዩ ምቕብር እዩ
  [ayu mäḳɨbər ayu]
• How much is it?ኣብዚ ዕረፍቲ?
  [abzɨ ʕärəfti?]
• That's too expensiveኣበይ ናብ ዝነበር
  [aby näb zənäbär]
• Can you lower the price?ተኽእሎም ቅርሲ?
  [təḫəlom qərsi?]

• What time is it?ተለፎ ነብር?
  [talfo näbr?]
• It's one o'clockኣነ ምኽንያት
  [anä məknyat]
• Half past (10)ክሰን ናይ (10)
  [ksən nay (10)]
• Morningኣማዊ
  [amawi]
• Afternoonኣምሓራ
  [amḥara]
• Eveningሓርማዝ
  [ḥaramaz]
• Yesterdayትኽዋን
  [təkwan]
• Todayዕለት
  [əlit]
• Tomorrowናብሓን
  [näbhan]
• 1ኣነ
  [anä]
• 2ርብሽ
  [rəbš]
• 3ሕምብር
  [ḥəmbər]
• 4ጸብጻት
  [ṣəbst]
• 5ምስራቅ
  [msrak]
• 6ሓድሽ
  [ḥadš]
• 7ስምንታዊ
  [sməntawi]
• 8ስምንታዊ ምስር
  [sməntawi msr]
• 9ስምንታዊ ሕምብር
  [sməntawi ḥəmbər]
• 10ስምንታዊ ጸብጻት
  [sməntawi ṣəbst]

• Where's a/the...?ኣብዚ ነዚ...?
  [abzɨ näzi...?]
• What's the address?ናይ ኣዴማ ነዚ?
  [nay adəma näzi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?ተኽእሎም ንኽእል እዩ?
  [təḫəlom nəḵəl ayu?]
• When's the next (bus)?ሓበሬታ ኣብዚ ነዚ (ቡስ)?
  [ḥabəräta abzɨ näzi (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)ትኪታሕ (እዩ ....)
  [tiktah (ayu ....)]

Keren, known in ancient times as Senafe, has a rich history that dates back to ancient civilizations. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited by early pastoral communities. The city has long been a crossroads of cultures, benefiting from its strategic location along trade routes connecting the Red Sea coast with the highlands of Eritrea and beyond.

During the 16th century, Keren came under the influence of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans established a garrison in the area to control the trade routes and safeguard their interests in the Red Sea region. This period saw the introduction of new architectural styles and cultural practices, some of which have left a lasting impact on the city's heritage.

In the late 19th century, Keren became part of the Italian colony of Eritrea. The city experienced significant development under Italian rule, with the construction of infrastructure such as roads, railways, and public buildings. The Italians also built the imposing Fort Keren, which still stands today as a reminder of this era.

One of the most significant historical events in Keren's history is the Battle of Keren, which took place from February to March 1941 during World War II. Allied forces, including troops from the British Empire, fought against the Italian army for control of the strategic city. The battle was fiercely contested and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. Ultimately, the Allies emerged victorious, marking a turning point in the East African Campaign.

Following Eritrea's independence from Ethiopia in 1993, Keren has continued to develop and grow. The city serves as a vital agricultural hub, known for its fertile lands and vibrant markets. Keren's diverse population reflects Eritrea's rich cultural tapestry, with various ethnic groups coexisting harmoniously. The city's historical sites, such as the Mariam Dearit Shrine and the British and Italian war cemeteries, attract visitors interested in learning about its storied past.

Keren is located in the Anseba region of Eritrea. The nearest international airport is Asmara International Airport, which is approximately 90 kilometers away. From Asmara, you can take a minibus or a private taxi to Keren. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road, offering scenic views of the Eritrean highlands.

Within Keren, the primary modes of transportation are minibuses and taxis. Minibuses are a cost-effective way to navigate the city and are frequently used by locals. Taxis are also readily available and can be hired for a day to explore the surrounding areas. Walking is a viable option for shorter distances, as many attractions are within close proximity to each other.

The official currency in Eritrea is the Eritrean Nakfa (ERN). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is advisable to carry enough cash for your transactions. ATMs are limited, so ensure you withdraw sufficient cash in Asmara before traveling to Keren. Always exchange currency at authorized exchange points or banks.

Keren is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 113 for police assistance and 116 for medical emergencies. Keren has a local police station and medical facilities to handle emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in Keren where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering mosques and dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A polite nod or a small bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Keren like a local, visit the bustling local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Eritrean goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the vibrant Monday Market, where you can see a wide array of goods, from livestock to handicrafts. For a unique experience, visit the Italian War Cemetery and the Mariam Dearit Shrine, both of which hold historical significance.