Merca

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Merca (Somali Marka) 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 Biyomaal 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 Sheikh 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 during the Somali Civil War.

Coordinates: 1°42.89′N, 44°46.2′E