However, after the successful Islamic conquest of Algeria, the area was long abandoned as a formal settlement, even much later, during Ottoman rule.

Guelma was re-established as a formal settlement during the French invasion and colonisation of Algeria, after seven centuries of abandonment.

The Army discovered (and temporarily occupied) the ruins of Calama from 10 to 15 November 1836 under the command of general Bertrand Clausel.

The city had a high percentage of European settlers during these times, supported by the French colonial policy.

After the Independence of Algeria, both the European settlers and the indigenous Jews left, and the synagogue and the church were converted into mosques.

Guelma is situated at the heart of a major agricultural region, 290 m above sea level and surrounded by mountains (Maouna, Dbegh, Houara).

It occupies a strategic geographic position as a crossroads in north-eastern Algeria, linking the coast of Wilaya of Annaba, El Taref and Skikda to inland areas such as Wilaya of Constantine, Oum El Bouagui and Souk-Ahras.

The city's industries include the manufacture of cycles and mopeds, sugar refinement, ceramics, canning, and semolina milling.