Borgerhout
District of Antwerp
District House of Borgerhout [nl]
District House of Borgerhout [nl]
Flag of Borgerhout
Flag
Coat of arms of Borgerhout
Coat of arms
Borgerhout is located in Belgium
Borgerhout
Borgerhout
Location in Belgium
Coordinates: 51°12′42″N 4°26′27″E / 51.2117°N 4.4407°E / 51.2117; 4.4407
Country Belgium
Region Flanders
ProvinceAntwerp
MunicipalityAntwerp
Area
[1]
 • Total3.90 km2 (1.51 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)[1]
 • Total45,769
 • Density12,000/km2 (30,000/sq mi)
Postal code
2140
Area code03

Borgerhout (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈbɔrɣərˌɦʌut] ⓘ) is the smallest district of Antwerp, Belgium. As of 2021, the district houses 45,769 inhabitants on 3,93 km².[1] It was an independent municipality until January 1983. The postal area code for Borgerhout is 2140.

Geography

Borgerhout is divided into two parts by a highway and the historical walls.[2] The part inside those walls is "intra muros," meaning (within the walls). It is built around a big boulevard, the Turnhoutsebaan. The Turnhoutsebaan is the biggest shopping street, offering both food and clothing, in both Belgian and foreigner's stores. "Intra muros" is the young and trendy part of Borgerhout, with a lot of so-called "hipster bars", although in the last few years "extra muros" is getting more popular and trendy, especially around the Te Boelaarpark with a lot of new businesses like bars and restaurants popping up.

Demographics

Borgerhout has an extremely diverse population, with 63% percent of inhabitants having non-Belgian ancestry. Of the nine districts of Antwerp, it has the highest population density.[3]

History

Borgerhout was first mentioned in the year 1214 in an act written by the Duke of Brabant. It was then named 'Borgerholt'.[4]

Etymology

"Borger" likely comes from the old world for citizen or city dweller. Currently, the Dutch word for this is "burger". It might also refer to the word "borgh", meaning a fortress or fortified building. Borghmeester (1254) or borgermeyster (1286) are mentioned in written sources as the word for "mayor", literally "master of the fortress" or "master of the citizens".[5] "Hout" (or previously "holt) means "wood". It is similar to some naming conventions in English, for example "Hollywood". It refers to a time when Borgerhout was still much greener, and had not yet merged with greater Antwerp. It likely also explains the tree on the coat of arms.

People from Borgerhout

Born in Borgerhout

(Former) inhabitants of Borgerhout

https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuskens van Borgerhout==Gallery==

References

  1. ^ a b c "Bevolking per statistische sector - Sector 11002S". Statistics Belgium. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  2. ^ "Kaart van Borgerhout – Kaarten van Antwerpen". 23 October 2021.
  3. ^ "Dashboard".
  4. ^ "Borgerhout".
  5. ^ "Waarom schrijven we burgemeester en niet burgermeester?". 15 November 2018.
  6. ^ "Geschiedenis". www.gza.be. Retrieved 28 August 2016.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Borgerhout.
City and districts of Antwerp
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