Constantine: The Oldest City in Algeria
Known by various names such as the Capital of Eastern Algeria and the City of Bridges, Constantine is one of Algeria’s historic cities and serves as the administrative center of Constantine Province. This city boasts a rich history that dates back approximately 2,500 years and is uniquely situated on a hard limestone rock. It encompasses an area of 231.63 km2.
Population of Constantine
Constantine ranks among the largest cities in Algeria in terms of population, with an estimated 442,862 residents. This equates to a population density of about 1,912 people per square kilometer, based on statistics from 2008.
Historical and Archaeological Landmarks in Constantine
The city is home to a plethora of historical, archaeological, and tourist attractions that date back to ancient times, including:
- Caves such as the Bear Cave located on the northern rock of the city and the Aroui Cave, which measures approximately six meters in length.
- Roman arches.
- Ancient cemeteries like the Megalithic Cemetery of Bounouara situated on the slopes of Mount Mezala in the southwestern region.
- Tombs, including the Bel Khroub Tomb and the Massinissa Tomb, both constructed in terraces featuring three rows of stones carved in Greek-Punic style, as well as the Julius Tomb located on Mount Chouaia.
- The Baths of the Caesar located on the slopes of Oued El Rimal.
- Ahmad Bey Palace, one of the city’s most renowned artistic treasures, showcasing Islamic architectural influences.
- The archaeological site of Bab Serta located in the Boumzo Market, discovered in 1935, which is believed to have been a temple built in 363 AD.
- The residence of Saleh Bey, situated in the northwestern part of the city, which once served as a private countryside home, constructed in the 18th century.
- Mosques such as the Great Mosque built during the Zirid period, the Souk Al-Ghazl Mosque commissioned by Bey Hassan in 1730, the Sidi Al-Akhdar Mosque established in 1743, the Sidi Al-Kattani Mosque, Prince Abdelkader Mosque, and Al-Baydawi Mosque.
- Gates including Bab El-Rwah, Bab El-Jabiya, Bab El-Hanasha, Bab El-Qantara, Bab El-Jadeed, Bab El-Wad, and Bab Serta.
- Bridges such as the Sidi Mesid Bridge, Bab El-Qantara Bridge, Sidi Rached Bridge, Malah Suleiman Bridge, Chlalet Bridge, Mjazen El Ghanem Bridge, and Shaitan Bridge.
General Information about Constantine
- The city was designated as the Capital of Arab Culture in 2015.
- Notable figures from Constantine include Numidian King Massinissa, Bey Ahmad, Bey Salah, Sidi Nemdil, scholar Abdul Hamid Ben Badis, writer Malek Haddad, thinker Malek Bennabi, heroine Hassiba Boulmerka, politician Abdul Hamid Mehri, and artist Mohamed Tahar Farghani.