Khenchela, Algeria
Region: Khenchela Province
Geographic Coordinates: 35.416700, 7.133300
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 35.0°C (50°F to 95°F)
Climate: Dry and hot summers, mild winters with occasional rainfall.
Population: 108580
Language: Arabic
Khenchela is a city in the northeast region of Algeria, Located at an elevation of 1, 100 meters above sea level. It is the capital of Khenchela Province and has a population of around 200, 000 people. The city is surrounded by mountains and has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The history of Khenchela dates back to ancient times when it was known as Mascula or Masinissa. The city was once part of the Numidian Kingdom and later became part of the Roman Empire.
Many ruins from this period can still be seen today, Including the Roman bridge over Oued Fedjouz and Timgad archaeological site. One popular attraction in Khenchela is Mount Tahat which stands at an impressive height of 2, 918 meters making it one of Algeria’s highest peaks. Visitors can hike to its summit for breathtaking views across the surrounding landscape. Another must-visit attraction is Tassili N’Ajjer National Park which boasts incredible rock formations shaped by wind erosion over thousands of years.
Khenchela also has several historic landmarks worth exploring such as Djemila Mosque which dates back to the Ottoman era, Ain El Beida Palace built during French colonial rule and Fort de l’Oasis which served as a military base during World War II. The local cuisine in Khenchela includes traditional Algerian dishes such as couscous with meat or vegetables, Tagine (slow-cooked stew), Brik (deep-fried pastry filled with egg and tuna), And shakshuka (spiced tomato sauce with eggs). Visitors can sample these delicious dishes at local restaurants like Restaurant El Manara or La Gazelle d’Or.
Overall, Khenchela offers visitors a unique blend of history, Culture, Nature, And adventure making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Algerian experience. Whether you want to explore ancient ruins, Hike through stunning mountain ranges, Or indulge in delicious local cuisine, Khenchela has something for everyone.
- Djebel Chelia: A mountain range that offers scenic views and hiking opportunities.
- Timgad: An ancient Roman city that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Ain El Fouara: A natural spring and park with picnic areas.
- Ghoufi Canyon: A picturesque canyon with waterfalls and hiking trails.
- Cirta Museum: A museum showcasing the history of the Numidian civilization.
- Kenchela Castle: An ancient castle that dates back to the 12th century.
- Hammam Essalihine: Natural hot springs with therapeutic properties.
- Lake Oubeira National Park: A nature reserve with diverse flora and fauna, including migratory birds.
- Ain Smara Zoo Park: A zoo featuring various animal species from Africa and around the world.
- Beni Aziz Mosque: An old mosque built in 1530 AD located in downtown Khenchela city center.
- Agriculture
- Olives
- Figs
- Grapes
- Mining
- Iron ore
- Other minerals
- Tourism
- Historical sites
- Roman ruins of Timgad
- Ancient city of Lamia
- Natural attractions
- Djebel Bougaa mountain range
- Oued El Abiod river valley
- Roman Occupation: Khenchela played a crucial role as a military outpost during the Roman occupation of Algeria.
- Arab Conquest: The city was conquered by Islamic forces in the 7th century and became part of the Islamic Caliphate.
- French Occupation: Khenchela was occupied by France in 1830 and remained under their rule until Algeria gained independence in 1962.
- Battle of Djebel El Ouahch: During the Algerian War for Independence, Khenchela served as a key site for resistance against French forces, with the Battle of Djebel El Ouahch being one of its most notable events.
- Ahmed Zabana: Ahmed Zabana, an Algerian nationalist who played an essential role in Algeria’s struggle for independence from France, is one of Khenchela’s most notable figures.
- Mohamed Boudiaf: Mohamed Boudiaf spent time in exile in Khenchela during his political career before becoming President of Algeria briefly and being assassinated in 1992.
- Ali La Pointe: Another significant figure associated with Algeria’s fight for independence is Ali La Pointe, who also spent time living in Khenchela as a member of FLN (National Liberation Front).
- Boualem Bessaieh: A famous Algerian writer and intellectual from Khenchela, Boualem Bessaieh has written extensively about identity and cultural issues within Algeria.
- Khemisti Massacre: In March 1961, several members of FLN were killed by French soldiers at Khemisti village near Khenchela which led to widespread protests across Algeria against French brutality towards Algerian nationalists.
- Lalla Setti: Lalla Setti is a popular tourist destination that features ancient Roman ruins and historical landmarks from Algeria’s rich cultural heritage located within or near Khenchela.
- Mouloudia Festival: This festival is celebrated in the month of Rabi al-Awwal to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
- Yennayer Festival: This festival marks the Amazigh New Year and is celebrated on January 12th.
- Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: These two festivals are celebrated by Muslims all over Algeria, including Khenchela.
- International Festival of Traditional Music and Dance: This festival brings together musicians and dancers from different parts of Algeria to showcase their traditional music and dance forms.
- National Day: Celebrated on July 5th, this day commemorates Algeria’s independence from France in 1962.
- Timgad International Jazz Festival: Held annually in August, this festival features jazz musicians from around the world performing against a backdrop of ancient Roman ruins in nearby Timgad.
- Ghardaia Date Palm Festival: Although not technically held in Khenchela, this nearby festival celebrates the date palm harvest with traditional music, dance, and food stalls selling local delicacies made with dates such as maakouda (date fritters) and tajine djelbana (a meat stew with dates).
- Couscous: A traditional dish made of semolina wheat, vegetables, and meat.
- Chakhchoukha: A hearty stew made with broken pieces of bread, lamb or chicken, and a spicy tomato sauce.
- Merguez: Spicy sausage made from beef or lamb.
- Brik: A fried pastry filled with egg and tuna or meat.
- Zlabia: A sweet dessert made from deep-fried dough soaked in honey syrup.
Some popular restaurants in Khenchela are:
- Restaurant El Medina which offers traditional Algerian cuisine such as couscous and tajine.
- Le Bon Coin Restaurant which serves local specialties like chakhchoukha and merguez.
- Restaurant El Amirat which specializes in grilled meats like lamb chops and kebabs.
- Cafe D’Algérie that offers a mix of Algerian and French dishes such as steak frites and bouillabaisse soup.
- La Terrasse de l’Oasis Hotel & Spa Khenchela that offers a range of international cuisines including Italian pizzas, sandwiches etc..
- Tassili National Park: It is located in the southern part of the country and provides various opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
- Djebel Babor Nature Reserve: This reserve is situated near Khenchela and offers hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and scenic views.
- Ain Ouarka Hot Springs: These hot springs are present in the mountains close to Khenchela where visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak in natural mineral water.
- Beni Salah Forest Park: It is located just outside of Khenchela providing picnic areas, hiking trails along with beautiful views of surrounding mountains.
- Bouhmama National Park: This park is about 70 km from Khenchela providing hiking trails through rugged terrain with stunning views of the landscape.
- Timgad Archaeological Site: This ancient Roman city lies approximately 50 km from Khenchela giving visitors an opportunity to explore historic ruins dating back to the 1st century AD.
