Merca (Somali Marka, older spellings include Merka or Marca) is a port city in southern Somalia on the Indian Ocean. It is the main city in the Lower Shabele region and is located approximately 70 km (45 miles) southwest of the capital Mogadishu.
The town was established in the 7th century by the Bimal Clan. The first Somalis arrived in the city in the 6th century and gained control of the city and the trade in the region till the 21st century. This Port City was a military base by the late Sh. Hassan Barsame against European invaders inflicting devastating defeats to the European colonialists.
In the late 20th century, the town became known as a beach resort, although it has been severely damaged by the Somali Civil War. As historians tell, Ahmed Bin Ibrahim Al-ghazi has visited Marka before his death by European Mercenaries. He was a close relative to Sh Hassan Barsame. it is said he searched for military assistance both hardware and men and is believed more of his army from there in Marka.
Coordinates: 1°43′N 44°53′E
Categories: Somalia geography stubs | Cities in Somalia
