It is the center of nearby agricultural areas, an important distribution center for agricultural and livestock products in coastal and inland arid areas and a pyramid selling place for imported goods. Industries include large tractor conglomerates and textile, tanning, food, locomotive maintenance, diesel engines, agricultural machinery and tool manufacturing. Carpet weaving and other handicrafts are also flourishing. There is the largest porcelain factory in Africa nearby, and its products are exported at home and abroad. This is a transportation center. The railway connects the ports of Skikeda and annaba in the north, Algiers and Oran in the west, and Bisquerra and Tugur in Nantong. There is an international airport. The city is divided into two parts: the east and the west. There are Roman castles, palaces and mosques in the northwest, and modern European buildings such as government agencies and commercial buildings in the southwest, with straight streets and wide squares. The streets and lanes in the eastern old city are narrow, there are many houses in the ancient Arab town, and commercial activities are divided into blocks. There are cultural and educational facilities such as Constantine University, Sirta Museum and municipal library.