Debarwa

Debarwa ( ) is a market town in central Eritrea. It is situated about 25 kilometers south of the capital Asmara, and has a population of about 25,000 inhabitants. It is the capital of the Debarwa district (Tsilima) in the Debub ("Southern") administrative region (one of five in Eritrea).

==History== Debarwa was one of the most important settlements in the region during the medieval era. An Ethiopian monk, Brother Antonio, told the Venetian scholar Alessandro Zorzi that it was the "chief city" and residence of a nobleman known as the Bahr Negash. Portuguese traveler Francisco Álvares, who visited the town describes that it was the site of the ruler's "principal palaces". Alvares describes the town as "very good," perched on a high rock above the Mereb River, with the Bahr Negash's house resembling a fortress. Guarded by over 300 mounted men, it was a hub of daily petitions, attracting many visitors and young women drawn to the wealthy courtiers. The town had over 300 households and a bustling Thursday market with 300–400 traders, mainly bartering, while women managed goods and trade. Two linked churches, St. Michael for men and Peter and Paul for women, also served the community.