Merkato adopted from Italian word means giant market. It was established as a marketplace during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia. It used to be known by the name Merkato Indigino (market of the indigenous). It was erected with the plan to have a market far from the center of the city, Arada Ghiorgis, now known as Piazza. Previously it used to be dominated by Arab tradesmen until local merchants took over the market back in the 1960s giving it entirely a local flavor.

The market is always filled with shoppers, carrying bags full of items, seemingly oblivious to the crowd. The environment is abuzz with the sound of buyers and sellers negotiating prices. Music’s across the street, blaring various native themed music, adds to the adventure of the place. Donkeys and other livestock run around freely, ISUZU trucks load and unload countless bundles of supplies, and shoppers explore the streets looking for the best deals. It’s a place where people talk at the same time and understand each other.