Addis Mercato, Open-air marketplace in Addis Ketema district, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Addis Mercato is a large open-air marketplace in Addis Ababa with separate sections for fresh produce, textiles, spices, electronics, and household goods. Thousands of stalls fill the space in a dense network of lanes and selling areas.
The market was relocated from its original location near St. George Church during the Italian occupation in the 1930s. It then established itself in the western part of the city and expanded to its current size.
Ethiopian coffee traders display their premium beans in dedicated sections, showing how this commerce shapes daily life in the city. The market reveals the importance of coffee beyond just a beverage in local society.
The market works best in early morning hours when fresh products arrive and traders begin their day. It is wise to come with plenty of time to explore the different sections and avoid getting lost.
Within the market, specialized areas house metal recyclers who transform discarded materials into new products. This craft tradition reveals how resources are creatively reused in the city.
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