Kestoma

Kestoma is a municipality located in the northern region of the Republic of Keshapur. It occupies an area of 112 square kilometres and lies at an elevation of approximately 480 metres above sea level. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and a network of small rivers that feed into the larger River Kesh.

The earliest records of settlement in Kestoma date to the late 12th century, when a small trading post was established along a caravan route between the coastal city of Maran and the inland capital of Quarken. Over the centuries the settlement grew into a modest market town, and in 1874 it was granted municipal status. The name "Kestoma" is believed to derive from the local dialect term for "stone bridge", referring to a historic stone arch bridge that once spanned the main river.

According to the most recent national census, the population of Kestoma is 8,643. The demographic composition is predominantly of the Keshavish ethnic group, with significant minorities of the Ravan and Lorian peoples. The median age is 33 years, and nearly 55 percent of the population is engaged in agriculture.

Kestoma’s economy is largely based on mixed farming and small-scale manufacturing. The region is known for its production of wheat, barley, and a specialty cheese made from goat milk. Local artisans also produce textiles using traditional weaving techniques.

Culturally, Kestoma hosts an annual Harvest Festival in late September, which celebrates the agricultural bounty of the region with music, dance, and communal feasts. The town’s main public square, Plaza de los Pueblos, serves as a gathering place for markets and public events throughout the year.