Guelma, Algeria

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Guelma, Algeria

Region: Guelma

---

Geographic Coordinates: 36.461900, 7.425800

Population: 120004

Language: Arabic

---

Guelma is a city located in the north-eastern part of Algeria. It is the capital of Guelma Province and has a population of approximately 130, 000 people. The city is situated on the banks of the Seybouse River, Which provides water for irrigation and drinking purposes. The history of Guelma dates back to ancient times when it was known as Calama. The city was an important Roman settlement and played a significant role in North African trade routes. Many Roman ruins can still be found in and around Guelma, Including an amphitheater, Thermal baths, And a mausoleum.

Guelma has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The city’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, With crops such as grapes, Olives, Wheat, And citrus fruits being grown in the surrounding countryside. There are also several factories in Guelma that produce textiles, Ceramics, Furniture, And food products. One of the most popular attractions in Guelma is its annual International Festival of Timgad Music (FIT). This festival celebrates traditional Algerian music from various regions across the country. It attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy live performances by local musicians.

Another notable attraction in Guelma is its National Museum of Antiquities which showcases artifacts from ancient Roman times as well as prehistoric Algerian civilizations such as Numidia and Mauretania. The city also has several parks including Parc Lalla Setti which features beautiful gardens with fountains and sculptures. Additionally there are many cafes throughout Gulem where visitors can enjoy Algerian coffee or tea while taking in views of the bustling streets.

In conclusion, Gulem offers an interesting mix between ancient history , Culture , Modern day life & nature making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking to explore Algeria’s rich history .

---

---

1. Timgad: An ancient Roman city dating back to the 1st century AD.
2. Guelma Museum: A museum showcasing the history and culture of the region.
3. Ain Beida: A beautiful oasis located near Guelma.
4. Hammam Debagh Hot Springs: A natural hot spring with therapeutic properties.
5. El Meridj Mosque: One of the oldest mosques in Algeria, built during the Ottoman Empire.
6. Djebel Thameur National Park: A national park with stunning landscapes and wildlife.
7. Souk El Fellah Market: A traditional market where you can find local crafts and souvenirs.
8. Ain M’lila Lake: A picturesque lake surrounded by mountains and forests.
9. Stade 8 Mai 1945 Stadium: The main sports stadium in Guelma, hosting football matches and other events throughout the year.
10. Monument aux Morts de la Guerre d’Algérie et des Combats du Maroc et de la Tunisie: This monument is dedicated to soldiers who died during wars fought by France in North Africa between 1952-1962.

---

1. Guelma, Algeria is renowned for its agriculture and mining sectors.
2. The primary crops cultivated in the area consist of wheat, barley, citrus fruits, olives, and grapes.
3. The mining industry in Guelma involves the extraction of iron ore and phosphate.
4. Other notable industries in the region encompass textile manufacturing, food processing, and construction materials production.
5. Furthermore, due to its historical sites like Roman ruins and Ottoman-era architecture, the city has a thriving tourism industry.

---

1. The Battle of Guelma in 1836 was a significant event during the French colonization of Algeria, where the French army emerged victorious against Algerian resistance fighters.
2. Emir Abdelkader was a prominent Algerian leader who fought against French colonization in the 19th century. He was imprisoned for several years in Guelma after being captured by the French.
3. The Guelma Massacre occurred in 1945 when French colonial authorities opened fire on peaceful Algerian nationalists, resulting in dozens of deaths.
4. Ahmed Ben Bella played a crucial role in Algeria’s fight for independence from France as a revolutionary and politician. He too was held captive in Guelma before managing to escape.
5. The Battle of Djebel El Ouahch took place near Guelma during the Algerian War and involved major combat between French and Algerian forces.
6. Hocine Aït Ahmed also contributed significantly to Algeria’s independence movement but suffered imprisonment at the hands of colonial authorities at Guelma as well.
7. In 1856, North Africa experienced one of its deadliest earthquakes that destroyed much of Guelma and claimed thousands of lives.
8. Mohamed Boudiaf served briefly as president following Algeria’s independence from France but met his demise while giving a speech at a cultural center located within Guelma after being assassinated in 1992.

---

1. Guelma Archaeological Museum
2. Roman Theatre of Guelma
3. Martyrs Memorial of Guelma
4. El Kala National Park (located near Guelma)
5. Sidi Rached Mausoleum and Mosque
6. Palace of Ahmed Bey in Ain Beida (located near Guelma)
7. Ain M’lila Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions (located near Guelma)
8. Cirta Museum in Constantine (located a few hours’ drive from Guelma)

---

---

1. Guelma, located in northeastern Algeria, has a rich history of sports, particularly football (soccer).
2. Notable football clubs in the area include:
• USM Guelma, founded in 1934 and one of the oldest football clubs in Algeria.
• CRB Ain Beida, another popular club based nearby but with strong support from fans in Guelma.
• JSM Skikda, a well-known Algerian football club that has many fans and supporters from the city.
3. Basketball and handball are also popular sports played by residents of Guelma.

---

---

1. Mouloud Ennabaoui: This is a religious festival that celebrates the birth of the Prophet Mohammed. It is celebrated throughout Algeria, including in Guelma.
2. International Festival of Arab Music and Song: This festival features traditional Arabic music and dance performances from around the world.
3. Guelma International Film Festival: This annual film festival showcases films from Algeria and around the world, with screenings, workshops, and discussions.
4. Guelma Flower Festival: This festival celebrates springtime with colorful displays of flowers throughout the city.
5. National Day of Remembrance for Martyrs: On March 18th each year, Algerians remember those who died in their struggle for independence from France.
6. Ramadan: The holy month of Ramadan is observed by Muslims throughout Algeria, including in Guelma.
7. Eid al-Fitr: The end of Ramadan is marked by this three-day celebration featuring feasting and gift-giving.
8. Independence Day: On July 5th each year, Algerians celebrate their independence from France with parades and fireworks displays.
9. Hirak Movement Protests Anniversary: A political movement that began in February 2019 to demand political reform in Algeria against corruption; it’s an anniversary celebrated on February 22nd each year since then to commemorate its beginning.
10. Yennayer (Amazigh New Year): Celebrated on January 12th every year as a national holiday to celebrate Amazigh (Berber) New Year’s Day.

---

• Couscous: This is a traditional Algerian dish made from semolina grains and served with vegetables, meat or fish.
• Harira: A hearty soup made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, onions and spices.
• Brik: A crispy pastry filled with egg and tuna or meat.
• Merguez: Spicy lamb sausages that are grilled and served with bread.
• Makroudh: A sweet pastry filled with dates that is fried until crispy.

Some popular restaurants in Guelma include:

• Restaurant La Palmeraie
• Restaurant El Djazairia
• Restaurant Les Jardins de l’Orient
• Restaurant Le Petit Prince
• Restaurant La Gazelle Bleue

---



Parks and Recreation

1. Parc National de Guelma – a national park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
2. Jardin Public – a public garden with walking paths, fountains, and playgrounds for children.
3. Stade 19 Mai 1956 – a sports stadium that hosts football (soccer) matches and other athletic events.
4. Salle des Fêtes de Guelma – an event hall that hosts concerts, cultural performances, and community gatherings.
5. Centre Culturel et Sportif de Guelma – a cultural center with art exhibits, workshops, and sports facilities such as swimming pools and tennis courts.
6. Cinéma le Colisée – a movie theater that screens the latest films from Algeria and around the world.
7. Plateau de Tassili N’Ajjer – a scenic plateau with hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
8. Musée Archéologique de Guelma – an archaeological museum showcasing artifacts from ancient Roman settlements in the region.

---



Enjoy The Journey.

---