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Borgerhout

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Berchem
District House of Borgerhout [nl]
Flag of Berchem
Coat of arms of Berchem
Location of Borgerhout
Map
Location of Borgerhout in Antwerp
Location of Borgerhout in Antwerp
Berchem is located in Belgium
Berchem
Berchem
Berchem is located in Antwerp Province
Berchem
Berchem
Coordinates: 51°13′00″N 4°26′00″E / 51.21667°N 4.43333°E / 51.21667; 4.43333
Country Belgium
Community Flemish Community
Region Flemish Region
Province Antwerp
ArrondissementAntwerp
MunicipalityAntwerp
Area
 • Total3.93 km2 (1.52 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)[1]
 • Total45,769
 • Density12,000/km2 (30,000/sq mi)
Postal codes
2140
Area codes03
Website[1]

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

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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

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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

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

Etymology

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"Borger" likely comes from the old word 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

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Born in Borgerhout

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(Former) inhabitants of Borgerhout

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

References

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  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.
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