Borgerhout facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Berchem
District of Antwerp
District House of Borgerhout [nl]
Flag Coat of arms
Location of Borgerhout
Location of Borgerhout in Antwerp
Berchem Location in Belgium Show map of Belgium Berchem Location in Antwerp Province Show map of Antwerp Province
Country	Belgium
Community	Flemish Community
Region	Flemish Region
Province	Antwerp
Arrondissement	Antwerp
Municipality	Antwerp
Area
• Total	3.93 km2 (1.52 sq mi)
Population  (2021)
• Total	45,769
• Density	11,646/km2 (30,160/sq mi)
Postal codes	2140
Area codes	03
Website	[1]

Borgerhout is a small district located in Antwerp, Belgium. As of 2021, about 45,769 people live here. It covers an area of 3.93 square kilometers. Borgerhout used to be its own town until January 1983. Its postal code is 2140.

What is Borgerhout Like?

Borgerhout is split into two main parts. A highway and old walls divide them.

Inside the Walls: "Intra Muros"

The part "intra muros" means within the walls. This area is built around a large street called the Turnhoutsebaan. This street is a busy shopping area. You can find both food and clothing stores there. Many of these shops offer both Belgian and international goods. "Intra muros" is known for being a young and trendy place. It has many popular cafes and restaurants.

Outside the Walls: "Extra Muros"

The "extra muros" part is becoming more popular too. This area is especially lively around the Te Boelaarpark. Many new businesses, like cafes and restaurants, have opened there.

Who Lives in Borgerhout?

Borgerhout has a very diverse population. About 63% of the people living there have family roots from outside Belgium. It is also the most crowded district in Antwerp. This means many people live in a small space.

A Look at Borgerhout's History

Borgerhout was first mentioned a long time ago. This was in the year 1214. It appeared in an official paper written by the Duke of Brabant. Back then, it was called 'Borgerholt'.

What Does "Borgerhout" Mean?

The name "Borgerhout" has an interesting meaning.

Meaning of "Borger"

The word "Borger" likely comes from an old word for a citizen or a city person. Today, the Dutch word for this is "burger." It might also refer to "borgh," which means a fortress or a strong building. The word "mayor" (like a city leader) also comes from "borgh." It used to mean "master of the fortress" or "master of the citizens."

Meaning of "Hout"

The word "Hout" (or "holt" in the past) means "wood." This is similar to how "Hollywood" got its name. It tells us that Borgerhout used to be much greener. It had many more trees and forests. This was before it became part of the bigger city of Antwerp. The tree on Borgerhout's coat of arms probably shows this history.

Famous People from Borgerhout

Many interesting people have connections to Borgerhout.

Born in Borgerhout

• Bachir Boumaaza (born 1980), known as Athene, a gaming activist and internet star.
• Guillaume Geefs (1805–1883), a famous sculptor.
• Floris Jespers (1889–1965), a well-known painter.
• Nahima Lanjri (born 1968), a politician.
• Sister Leontine (1923–2012), a leader in caring for people who are very ill.
• Milow (Jonathan Vandenbroeck) (born 1981), a popular singer-songwriter.
• André Nelis (1935–2012), a sailor.
• Joris Note (born 1949), a writer.
• Stan Ockers (1920–1956), a cyclist.
• Hugues C. Pernath (1931–1975), a poet.
• Maria Rosseels (1916–2005), a journalist and actor.
• Michel Seuphor (1901–1999), an artist.
• Paul van Morckhoven (1910–1990), a writer for plays and theatre critic.
• Robert Van Straelen (born 1934), an economist.
• Thomas Vinçotte (1850–1925), a sculptor.
• Eddy Wauters (born 1933), a football player.

People Who Lived in Borgerhout

• Tom De Cock (born 1983), a writer and radio DJ.
• Saskia De Coster (born 1976), a writer.
• Bart Martens (born 1969), a politician.
• Alfred Ost, (1884–1945), an artist.
• Anne Provoost (born 1964), a writer.
• Wouter Van Besien (born 1972), a politician and leader of the Green party.
• Tom Van Laere (born 1974), a musician.
• Erik Van Looy (born 1962), a film director.
• Rik Van Steenbergen (1924–2003), a racing cyclist.
• Carl Verbraeken (born 1950), president of the Union of Belgian Composers.

Images for kids

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  Town hall until 1890

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  Reuskens of Borgerhout