Guelma

Guelma

Guelma is a city in north-eastern Algeria and serves as the capital of both Guelma Province and Guelma District. Located about 52 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast at latitude 36.46214 and longitude 7.42608, the municipality supports a population of 120,004 residents.

Ancient Foundations

Human occupation in the region dates back to the Paleolithic period, evidenced by the Roknia Remains and its more than 3,000 dolmens. Originally inhabited by a Libyan-Berber population, the settlement was established as a town by the Phoenicians under the name Malaca. The Romans subsequently occupied the area, renaming it Calama within the province of Numidia. Following periods under Vandal and Byzantine control—during which defensive city walls were constructed—the area experienced a long abandonment as a formal settlement through the Islamic conquest and Ottoman rule until its re-establishment in 1836 during the French colonial annexation.

Present-Day Economy

Situated at the heart of a fertile agricultural region nourished by the Seybouse River and a large irrigation dam, the city functions as a strategic geographic crossroads linking coastal and inland areas. The local economy integrates industrial production with traditional craftsmanship. Industrial operations encompass the manufacture of cycles and mopeds, sugar refinement, ceramics, canning, and semolina milling. Alongside these manufacturing sectors, traditional industries such as knitting and pottery remain active within the community. Transactions and economic life operate using the DZD currency under the Africa/Algiers timezone.