# Constantine

> city in Algeria

**Wikidata**: [Q187346](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q187346)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine,_Algeria)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/constantine

## Summary

Constantine is a major city in northeastern Algeria, situated at an elevation of 694 meters above sea level with coordinates 36.365°N, 6.6147222222222°E. Founded on the site of the ancient Numidian city of Cirta, modern Constantine serves as the capital of Constantine Province and is one of Algeria's largest cities, with a population of approximately 465,000 as of 2012. The city was named after Roman Emperor Constantine the Great and was the capital of the former French Department of Constantine from 1848 until Algeria's independence in 1962.

## Key Facts

- **Country**: Algeria (since July 5, 1962)
- **Previous Country**: France (through French Algeria, 1830-1962)
- **Administrative Status**: Capital of Constantine Province (since 1962), former capital of Constantine Department (1848-1962), located in Daïra of Constantine
- **Population**: 465,138 (2012 estimate), 448,374 (2008 census), 462,187 (1998 census), 443,727 (1987 census), 345,566 (1977 census), 245,621 (1966 census)
- **Area**: 2,288 square kilometers
- **Elevation**: 694 meters above sea level
- **Coordinates**: 36.365°N, 6.6147222222222°E
- **Timezone**: UTC+01:00
- **Postal Code**: 25000
- **Demonym**: Constantinois (masculine singular), Constantinoise (feminine singular)
- **Native Name**: قسنطينة (Qusanṭīnah)
- **Named After**: Constantine the Great (Roman Emperor 306-337 CE)
- **Preceded By**: Cirta (ancient city of Numidia)
- **UN/LOCODE**: DZCZL
- **Geonames ID**: 2501152

## FAQs

**What is Constantine known for historically?**
Constantine was built on the site of Cirta, a major ancient city of Numidia. The modern city was named after Roman Emperor Constantine the Great and became a significant French colonial center from 1830 until Algerian independence in 1962. Key historical events include the Siege of Constantine and the Battle of Constantine.

**What are the main universities in Constantine?**
Constantine is home to three major universities: University of Constantine 1 (founded 1968), University of Constantine 2 (founded 2011), and Emir Abdelkader University (founded 1984), which specializes in Islamic sciences.

**What sports teams are based in Constantine?**
The city hosts several football clubs including CS Constantine (founded 1939) and MO Constantine. Home matches are played at Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui, which opened in 1973, and Ramadan Ben-Abdelmalek Stadium (opened 1927).

**What notable bridges exist in Constantine?**
Constantine is known for its dramatic bridges spanning the Rhummel River gorge, including Pont El Kantara, Pont Sidi M'Cid, Pont Mellah Slimane, the Salah Bey Viaduct (opened 2014), and the Sidi Rached Viaduct (opened 1912).

**What transportation infrastructure does Constantine have?**
The city features a gondola lift system (opened 2008), a tramway network (opened July 4, 2013), and serves as a regional transportation hub in northeastern Algeria.

**Is Constantine twinned with other cities?**
Yes, Constantine has twinning agreements with Sousse (Tunisia), Grenoble (France), Istanbul (Turkey), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), and Isfahan (Iran).

## Why It Matters

Constantine holds significant importance as one of Algeria's principal cities and a cultural heart of the country's northeast. The city's strategic location on a plateau surrounded by the Rhummel River gorge has made it a natural fortress and administrative center for millennia, from ancient Numidia through Roman times and French colonialism to modern Algeria.

As the capital of Constantine Province, the city serves as the administrative, economic, and educational hub for a region of over 400,000 residents. Its universities, including three major institutions, make it a center for higher education in eastern Algeria. The city's industrial base includes the Complexe Moteurs Tracteurs, an agricultural machinery manufacturer established in 1997.

Constantine's historical significance extends beyond Algeria's borders as a former French colonial administrative center. The city's French colonial architecture, combined with its ancient Roman and Numidian heritage, creates a unique cultural landscape that attracts scholars and tourists alike. The preservation of historic structures like Ahmed Bey Palace (1835) and numerous mosques including Sidi Lakhdar Mosque (founded 1743) demonstrates the city's commitment to maintaining its diverse historical legacy.

## Notable For

- **Historical Continuity**: Built on the site of ancient Cirta, a major Numidian city, with continuous habitation spanning over two millennia
- **Geographic Distinction**: Known as the "City of Bridges" due to seven major bridges spanning the Rhummel River gorge
- **Colonial Heritage**: Former capital of the French Department of Constantine (1848-1962)
- **Transportation Firsts**: Home to Algeria's first modern gondola lift system (2008) and tramway (2013)
- **Academic Center**: Hosts three major universities serving eastern Algeria
- **Sports Tradition**: Home to historic football clubs including MO Constantine (founded 1939), one of Algeria's oldest
- **Architectural Landmarks**: Features the Sidi Rached Viaduct (1912), a masterpiece of French colonial engineering
- **Cultural Heritage**: Houses the Emir Abdelkader Mosque (1994) and Sidi Lakhdar Mosque (1743)

## Body

### History and Origins

The site of Constantine has been inhabited since antiquity, originally as Cirta, the capital of the Numidian kingdom. Cirta was a major city of Numidia, located in what is now northern Algeria. Following the Roman conquest, Cirta continued to be an important regional center. The modern city was renamed Constantine in honor of Constantine the Great, the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, who ruled from 306 to 337 CE.

The city came under French control in 1830 during the French colonization of Algeria. The Siege of Constantine in 1836 was a pivotal military operation that established French control over the region. Following conquest, Constantine became the capital of the French Department of Constantine in 1848, a status it retained until Algerian independence in 1962. During the colonial period, the city developed as a major administrative, commercial, and cultural center in French Algeria.

### Geography and Climate

Constantine is situated in northeastern Algeria, at coordinates 36.365°N, 6.6147222222222°E. The city sits at an elevation of 694 meters above sea level on a plateau surrounded by the deep gorge of the Rhummel River. This dramatic geography has earned Constantine the nickname "City of Bridges" as multiple viaducts span the ravine to connect different parts of the city.

The municipality covers an area of 2,288 square kilometers, making it one of the larger Algerian cities by land area. The city shares borders with Zighoud Youcef commune. The timezone is UTC+01:00, consistent with standard Algerian time.

### Administration and Government

Constantine serves as the capital of Constantine Province (Wilaya), a status it has held since Algerian independence in 1962. The city is also the seat of the Daïra of Constantine, a district-level administrative division. Prior to independence, Constantine was the capital of the Constantine Department during French colonial rule from 1848 to 1962.

The city's municipal government operates from the Wilaya building, and the official website is http://www.wilaya-constantine.dz/. The postal code for Constantine is 25000.

### Demographics

As of the 2012 estimate, Constantine had a population of approximately 465,138 residents. The city's population has grown significantly over the decades: 448,374 (2008 census), 462,187 (1998 census), 443,727 (1987 census), 345,566 (1977 census), and 245,621 (1966 census). This growth reflects urbanization trends in Algeria and Constantine's role as a regional center.

The demonym for residents is "Constantinois" for males and "Constantinoise" for females. The native name of the city is قسنطينة (Qusanṭīnah).

### Economy and Industry

The city's economy is diverse, spanning administration, education, manufacturing, and services. Notable industrial enterprises include Complexe Moteurs Tracteurs, an Algerian manufacturer of agricultural machinery founded in 1997 and headquartered in Constantine. The city also serves as a commercial hub for the surrounding agricultural region.

### Transportation

Constantine has developed significant transportation infrastructure in the 21st century. The Constantine gondola lift system opened in 2008, providing aerial transportation across the city. The Constantine tramway began operations on July 4, 2013, providing地面 public transit. These systems address the unique geographic challenges posed by the city's gorge-crossed terrain.

The city is connected to other Algerian cities by road and is served by Mohamed Boudiaf International Airport located outside the city center.

### Education

Constantine is a major educational center in eastern Algeria, hosting three universities:

- **University of Constantine 1** (formerly Frères Mentouri Constantine 1): Founded in 1968, it is one of Algeria's oldest universities
- **University of Constantine 2** (Abdelhamid Mehri Constantine 2): Founded on November 28, 2011
- **Emir Abdelkader University**: Founded in 1984, specializing in Islamic sciences

### Sports and Recreation

Sports play an important role in Constantine's civic life. The city is home to several football clubs:

- **CS Constantine** (Club Sportif de Constantine): An Algerian football club
- **MO Constantine** (Mouloudia de Constantine): Founded on December 15, 1939, making it one of Algeria's oldest football clubs

Home venues include Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui (opened July 5, 1973) and Ramadan Ben-Abdelmalek Stadium (opened 1927). Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui is owned by the city.

### Culture and Landmarks

Constantine boasts numerous historic and cultural landmarks:

**Mosques**:
- Sidi Lakhdar Mosque: Located in Constantine City, founded in 1743
- Emir Abdelkader Mosque: Opened in 1994
- Hassan Bey Mosque

**Bridges and Viaducts**:
- Pont El Kantara
- Pont Sidi M'Cid
- Pont Mellah Slimane
- Salah Bey Viaduct: Opened July 26, 2014
- Sidi Rached Viaduct: Opened in 1912

**Other Notable Buildings**:
- Ahmed Bey Palace: Historic Algerian palace founded in 1835
- The city is known for its French colonial architecture blended with traditional Algerian and Roman influences

### International Relations

Constantine maintains twinning relationships with several cities worldwide:
- Sousse, Tunisia
- Grenoble, France
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Isfahan, Iran

### Military History

During World War II, Constantine hosted the Twelfth Air Force of the United States Air Force, which was based in the city along with other locations in North Africa. The Twelfth Air Force was activated on August 20, 1942, and operated from various bases including locations in Algeria and Tunisia during the North African Campaign.

### Natural Features

The Rhummel River flows through Constantine, carving the deep gorge that defines the city's geography. The river valley creates the dramatic landscape that necessitated the construction of multiple bridges and viaducts.

### Identification Codes

Constantine is identified by numerous international codes:
- UN/LOCODE: DZCZL
- Geonames ID: 2501152
- OpenStreetMap Node ID: 27564946
- WOEID: 1253867
- Various library and archive identifiers including GND ID 4090536-6 and Library of Congress authority ID n87127972

## References

1. archINFORM
2. [أنشئت في إطار توأمة مع مدينة تونسية. An-Nasr. 2015](https://www.annasronline.com/index.php/60-2015-02-07-11-20-03/113246-2019-01-19-12-10-01)
3. [اتفاقيات التوأمة والتعاون](https://www.interieur.gov.dz/index.php/ar/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B2%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D9%88-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9/%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9/%D9%85%D9%87%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%88-%D8%B5%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%88%D8%B2%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AE%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9/237-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9.html#faqnoanchor)
4. [خطاب السيد برنارد إميي في قسنطينة. Embassy of France, Algiers. 2014](https://dz.ambafrance.org/%D8%AE%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF)
5. [Discours de M. Bernard Emié à Constantine. Embassy of France, Algiers. 2014](https://dz.ambafrance.org/Discours-de-M-Bernard-Emie-a)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Czech National Authority Database
8. [Constantine (Province Capital, Constantine, Algeria) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map and Location](http://citypopulation.de/en/algeria/constantine/2501__constantine/)
9. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
10. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
11. BBC Things
12. Quora
13. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
14. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/kostantine)
15. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)
16. Virtual International Authority File
17. museum-digital