Batna is the main city ofBatna Province, Algeria. With a population of 290,645 it is the fifth largest city in Algeria. It is also one of the principal cities of the Chaoui area and is considered the capital of the Aures.
History
The first solid foundations of the city were erected by a French garrison in 1844, with a strategic mission to create a permanently guarded access point for the main Sahara road. Batna's geographical location offers a natural break through the Atlas Mountains. The Romans did not detect this passage in their early invasion phase. The ancient cities of Timgad and Lambese, built around the first century CE, are living examples of the importance that the Romans gave to commercial control over the region.
Signature and proclamation of the Algerian revolution Batna
The inhabitants of the city revolted against the French authorities at the beginning of colonization. Thereafter they organized the Algerian revolution against French colonialism. The first Batneens adhered to Messali Hadj, as did the Ulemas Ben Badis and the Movement for the Triumph of Democratic Freedoms, and together they organized the great historic summit of 22, June 25, 1954. The Algerian revolution started at Batna under the chairmanship of Batnéen Mustapha Benboulaïd. Batna was the first military region of L 'Algeria 1954 1962. On the night of November 1, 1954, the barracks of the city of Batna was attacked by the mujahedeen. Batna was the command headquarters of the Algerian revolution until independence.
Bombing
On September 6, 2007, Batna saw a massive Al-Qaedasuicide bombing. The bombing, which took place shortly before the visit of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, resulted in approximately 15–20 deaths and 107 injuries as the bomber detonated his device among a crowd waiting to see the President, who was at the end of a three-day tour of eastern Algeria. The bombings were condemned by the UN Security Council.
Historical population
Year
Population
1901
6,900
1926
10,300
1931
13,600
1936
15,500
1948
21,700
1954
26,400
1966
54,900
1974
115,100
1977
102,800
1987
181,600
1998
246,800
Climate
Located in the Aurès Mountains, at above sea level, Batna has a cold semi-arid climate with Mediterranean influences and an average annual precipitation of. Summers are moderately hot and dry and winters are chilly and wetter, with the possibility of snowfall.
Entertainment
Many entertainment resorts are spread across the town. Regarding sports activities the most important destinations are the 1st November Stadium, and Seffouhi Stadium, which is used mainly for soccer clubs and festivals, in addition to the Scholar Stadium. For cultural activities there is the Théâtre régional de Batna, and also a municipal Cultural House, which is located behind the Prefecture and covers many cultural and educational activities, in addition to the Islamic Cultural Center in the heart of the city and the Youth House in Cite Ennaser. For children, an attraction park is located in Kechida, which is approximately a ten-minute drive from the downtown area.
Dining and nightlife
With regard to night life, due to some religious and cultural limitations, there are almost no night clubs in the city. However, the existing nightlife is concentrated in the heart of the city, around Les allées Benboulaïd and "STAND" areas, especially during summer break. Downtown Batna has plenty of cafés, traditional restaurants or GARGOUTTIER, Pizzerias, French and oriental bakeries, and a limited number of luxury restaurants. Many festivities take place in allées Ben Boulaïd area, mainly in the season of International Timgad Festival. The most attractive exciting places surrounding the city are, Lambese, Timgad, Ghoufi, Chelaalaa, and Belezma National Park.
