Let me say few words about a city I love dearly. It might be a sheer incidence that I was born in Keren and spent my formative age savoring and enjoying each and every moment of my childhood.

However, my love to the city is deliberate and thorough . How can't I! I am who I am because of the nature and nurture of that lovely city. A city of fragrance and flowers. A city that prides itself of its beauty and character. When I say that, I can boldly declare that I am speaking for many Kerenaites. Sure enough, that is one of the attributes I cultivated growing up in Keren – to speak my mind when I have to. Specially when it comes to express my adoration to Keren the land of my ancestors, I pray to almighty God not to dry my ink.

Keren is microcosm of Eritrea. Its crossroads role in the present as well as in the past is undisputed. When we look at Keren as the Eritrean cultural capital we should consider the city as a mosaic of Eritrea. Something representing all aspects and regions, a place where there are dialects, traditions, songs, poetry from all over. That is why it has special aura; in a nutshell Keren is the cultural center.

Alas, what a unique character those people in Keren possess, They took in stride what fate threw in their way, be it bitter or sweet. They took it standing. On top of that, they managed to find humor to laugh at the bad times, and significance to immortalize the good times. Keren a true land of humor and laughter.

Oh ye, whoever sets a foot in Keren has something to tell; that city - leaves unforgettable memory and lasting impression - in heart as well in brain. That alone is a testimony of its titanic gravity.

Let me conclude by saying these about the city I ardor: Keren is a city where Eid and Mariam Dearit are celebrated collectively, a city where religions co-existed, a city where disputes were resolved under shade of trees. Yes indeed, Keren is a model of harmony and tolerance. A fortress of brotherhood and sisterhood. Long live your sweet memory.