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Local Information
The conference will be held in the University Mentouri of Constantine, about 15 minutes from Constantine airport.
The City
The people of Constantine speak the Arabic, the second language is French.
Constantine or Qusantînah (Arabic: قسنطينة ) is the capital of Constantine Province (ولاية قسنطينة) in north-east Algeria, slightly inland, at about 80 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast, 20 kilometers from the forest, and 300 kilometers from the Sahara.
Regarded as the capital of eastern Algeria, it has a population of over 500,000 (750,000 with the agglomeration) making it the third largest city in the country after Algiers and Oran. Situated in north eastern Algeria, Constantine is the centre of its region. Constantine is placed on a plateau at 640 metres above sea level. The city is framed by a deep ravine, the Rhumel, and has a dramatic appearance. The city is very picturesque with a number of bridges and a viaduct crossing the ravine. The economical base is the manufacturing of leather, wool and linen. There are museums and important historical sites around the city.
History
Constantine which is overloaded of history, is one of the oldest cities of North Africa and even of the world. The city was originally settled by Numidian people, and was known as Sarim Batim. Later its name was Cirta, from the Phoenician word for "city". Constantine was the capital city of Numidia, a berber empire that emerged in the 3rd century BC.
In 311, during the civil war between emperor Maxentius and usurper Domitius Alexander (former governor of Africa), the city was destroyed. Rebuilt in 313, it was subsequently named after emperor Constantine the Great, who had defeated Maxentius. Conquered by the Vandals in 432, Constantine returned to the Byzantine exarchate of North Africa from 534 to 697. It was conquered by the Arabs in the 7th century, receiving the name of Qusantina.
Since 1529 it was intermittently part of Ottoman Empire, ruled by a Turkish bey (governor) subordinate to the dey of Algiers. Salah Bey, who ruled the city in 1770-1792, greatly embellished it and built much of the Muslim architecture still visible today.
In 1826, the last Bey, Ahmed Bey ben Mohamed Chérif became the new head of state and led a fierce resistance against French occupation forces. By 13 October 1837, the territory was reconquered by France, and in 1848 it was incorporated into the colony of Algiers (Algeria).
Main Sights
The city is framed by a deep ravine and has a dramatic appearance. The city is very picturesque with a number of bridges and a viaduct crossing the ravine.
- Gustave Mercier Museum (displays of ancient and modern art)
- Ben-Badis Mosque
- the Casbah
- Emir Abdel Kader University & Mosque
- Soumma Mausoleum, at Khroub
- the Palace of Ahmed Bey
- ruins of the Antonian Roman aqueduct
In the nearby are the Roman city of Tiddis and the megalithic monuments and burial grounds at Djebel Mazala Salluste
Panorama
The panorama of Constantine city is very marked with the impressive site of the Rhumel throats, which goes along the town on its north side. These throats are crossed with several bridges:
- the bridge of Diable
- the bridge of Sidi-Rached, long viaduct of 27 arcs
- the bridge of Perregaux
- the bridge of EL-Kantara
- the bridge of Sidi-M'cid (168 meters in length and 175 meters above the torrent)
- the bridge of falls
Constantine is also known for its universities: Mentouri, designed by the brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, and the Islamic University of El Amir Abdelkader.
The University Mentouri of Constantine is located at the north of the plateau of Ain El Bey. Its futuristic architecture is the work of the well known Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer who is the designer of Brasilia City. Their administrative headquarters are situated in the central campus along the street of the Mohamed Boudiaf Aeroport.. Mentouri University is actually considered as one of the biggest African and Arabic universities (62295 students). It offers almost all the graduation and post graduation options. Furthermore, the Mentouri University is the head office of the higher education establishment regional conference of the East of Algeria.
Constantine is also proud to shield the University Emir Abdelkader of Islamic Sciences. It is the first modern Algerian Islamic university. Its big mosque, its imposing architecture and its beautiful decoration made a strong impression on its visitor.
