Time Zone |
Africa/Asmara |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+3 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Asia/Damascus |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+3 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+3 |
Keren, Eritrea's second largest city, is located about 90 kilometers northwest of the capital, Asmara, near the border with Sudan, and is an important commercial, transportation and cultural center for the country. Strategically located in the heart of the Horn of Africa, the city was historically a key military stronghold during the Italian colonial period and the British Mandate. Known for its multicultural fusion, where the Tigrayan and Biracial peoples live in harmony, the local market retains its traditional handicrafts trade and spice trade. Surrounded by World War II historical sites and old churches, it attracts history buffs. As a node connecting the agricultural zone with the city, Keren produces agricultural products such as cotton and grains, and has a vibrant economy that continues to be active, making it an important window into Eritrea's native flavor.
Hama is an important city in western Syria, located on the banks of the Orontes River and is the capital of Hama Province. Dating back to the Bronze Age, the historic city was known in ancient times as "Hamat" and was once a trading hub on the Silk Road. Famous for its spectacular Norias waterwheels, these 2,000-year-old wooden waterwheels are a symbol of Hama and were declared a World Heritage Site in 2011. Historically, Hama was a fusion of Assyrian, Roman and Arab civilizations, and boasts monuments such as the Great Mosque. An agricultural center that produces cotton, olives, and grains, Hama is rebuilding itself to its former vitality after the 2011 Syrian crisis, which saw intense conflict and damage to the city's facilities.