Genk
Encyclopedia
Genk is a city
and municipality located in the Belgian
province
of Limburg
near Hasselt
. The municipality only comprises the city of Genk itself. It is one of the most important industrial cities in Flanders
, located on the Albert Canal
, between Antwerp and Liège
.
ic village, and was converted to Christianity
in the 10th century. The remains of a little wooden church dating from that period were found in the area. The first mention of Genk as Geneche can be found in a document dating from 1108, ceding the territory to the Abbey of Rolduc
. Politically, Genk belonged to the County of Loon
until it was annexed by the Prince-Bishopric of Liège in 1365.
modernised only slowly: Genk remained unimportant and small, growing slowly to a population of 2,000 around 1900. The peaceful village was the home of landscape painters and writers such as Neel Doff
.
found a large quantity of coal
in the nearby village of As
. Soon after, the “Black Gold” was also found in Genk. After World War I
, the village started to attract a large quantity of both Belgian and foreign immigrants, and quickly became the biggest city in Limburg after Hasselt, peaking to a population of 70 000. However, in 1966 the coal mine of Zwartberg closed down, and Genk had to develop new industries, mainly along the Albert Canal
and highways. By the end of the 1980s, the two remaining coal mines at Winterslag and Waterschei were also closed.
factory of Ford Motor Company
is the largest and most important employer in Genk today, employing some 5,000 people and building the Mondeo
sedan and hatchback, the Galaxy (second generation, from 2006 and onwards) MPV/minivan, and the S-MAX
sub-MPV.
, and harbouring a population of about 85 nationalities. In fact, one third of the population is of a foreign nationality. This mix of Flemish and Mediterranean (mostly Italian
, 15000; Turkish
, 6000; and Greek
, 1000) culture makes Genk a true multicultural society. In 2000, Genk officially became a city
. Genk was recently voted the friendliest city in Europe by the SEA Tourist Commission.
club, KRC Genk
, promoted from second division in 1996 and quickly became one of Belgiums top clubs. They finished first in the highest football league in 1999, 2002 and 2011 and won the Belgian Cup
in 1998, 2000 and 2009 Because of this success, the Cristal Arena (formerly known as Fenix stadium) of KRC Genk (place for 25 500 supporters) has become an important centre of both sport and non-sport activities in recent years.
City
A city is a relatively large and permanent settlement. Although there is no agreement on how a city is distinguished from a town within general English language meanings, many cities have a particular administrative, legal, or historical status based on local law.For example, in the U.S...
and municipality located in the Belgian
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
province
Provinces of Belgium
Belgium is divided into three regions, two of them are subdivided into five provinces each.The division into provinces is fixed by Article 5 of the Belgian Constitution...
of Limburg
Limburg (Belgium)
Limburg is the easternmost province of modern Flanders, which is one of the three main political and cultural sub-divisions of modern Belgium. It is located west of the river Meuse . It borders on the Dutch provinces of North Brabant and Limburg and the Belgian provinces of Liège, Flemish Brabant...
near Hasselt
Hasselt
Hasselt is a Belgian city and municipality, and capital of the Flemish province of Limburg...
. The municipality only comprises the city of Genk itself. It is one of the most important industrial cities in Flanders
Flanders
Flanders is the community of the Flemings but also one of the institutions in Belgium, and a geographical region located in parts of present-day Belgium, France and the Netherlands. "Flanders" can also refer to the northern part of Belgium that contains Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp...
, located on the Albert Canal
Albert Canal
The Albert Canal is a canal located in northeastern Belgium, named after King Albert I of Belgium. It connects the major cities Antwerp and Liège and the Meuse and Scheldt rivers. It has a depth of , a free height of and a total length of...
, between Antwerp and Liège
Liège
Liège is a major city and municipality of Belgium located in the province of Liège, of which it is the economic capital, in Wallonia, the French-speaking region of Belgium....
.
Celtic and medieval origins
Genk probably originated as a CeltCelt
The Celts were a diverse group of tribal societies in Iron Age and Roman-era Europe who spoke Celtic languages.The earliest archaeological culture commonly accepted as Celtic, or rather Proto-Celtic, was the central European Hallstatt culture , named for the rich grave finds in Hallstatt, Austria....
ic village, and was converted to Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
in the 10th century. The remains of a little wooden church dating from that period were found in the area. The first mention of Genk as Geneche can be found in a document dating from 1108, ceding the territory to the Abbey of Rolduc
Rolduc
Rolduc is the name of a medieval abbey in Kerkrade, the Netherlands, which is now a Roman Catholic seminary and an affiliated conferencing center.-History:...
. Politically, Genk belonged to the County of Loon
County of Loon
The County of Loon was a state of the Holy Roman Empire, lying west of the Meuse river in present-day Flemish-speaking Belgium, and east of the old Duchy of Brabant. The most important cities of the county were Beringen, Bilzen, Borgloon, Bree, Hamont, Hasselt, Herk-de-Stad, Maaseik, Peer and...
until it was annexed by the Prince-Bishopric of Liège in 1365.
19th century
During a century of on-going industrialisation further south in Belgium, LimburgLimburg (Belgium)
Limburg is the easternmost province of modern Flanders, which is one of the three main political and cultural sub-divisions of modern Belgium. It is located west of the river Meuse . It borders on the Dutch provinces of North Brabant and Limburg and the Belgian provinces of Liège, Flemish Brabant...
modernised only slowly: Genk remained unimportant and small, growing slowly to a population of 2,000 around 1900. The peaceful village was the home of landscape painters and writers such as Neel Doff
Neel Doff
Cornelia Hubertina Doff was an author of Dutch origin living and working in Belgium and mainly writing in French...
.
20th century development
In 1901, André DumontAndré Dumont
André Hubert Dumont was a Belgian geologist.Dumont was born in Liège. His first work was a masterly Mémoire on the geology of the province of Liège published in 1832. A few years later he became a professor of mineralogy and geology and afterwards Rector of the University of Liège...
found a large quantity of coal
Coal
Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock usually occurring in rock strata in layers or veins called coal beds or coal seams. The harder forms, such as anthracite coal, can be regarded as metamorphic rock because of later exposure to elevated temperature and pressure...
in the nearby village of As
As (municipality)
As is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Limburg. On January 1, 2006 As had a total population of 7,497. The total area is 22.07 km² which gives a population density of 340 inhabitants per km².-History:...
. Soon after, the “Black Gold” was also found in Genk. After World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, the village started to attract a large quantity of both Belgian and foreign immigrants, and quickly became the biggest city in Limburg after Hasselt, peaking to a population of 70 000. However, in 1966 the coal mine of Zwartberg closed down, and Genk had to develop new industries, mainly along the Albert Canal
Albert Canal
The Albert Canal is a canal located in northeastern Belgium, named after King Albert I of Belgium. It connects the major cities Antwerp and Liège and the Meuse and Scheldt rivers. It has a depth of , a free height of and a total length of...
and highways. By the end of the 1980s, the two remaining coal mines at Winterslag and Waterschei were also closed.
Automotive industry
The Genk Body & AssemblyGenk Body & Assembly
Genk Body & Assembly is a Ford Motor Company automobile factory in Genk, Belgium spanning . The plant currently employs approx 5,545 workers....
factory of Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
is the largest and most important employer in Genk today, employing some 5,000 people and building the Mondeo
Ford Mondeo
The Mondeo was launched on 8 January 1993, and sales began on 22 March 1993. Available as a four-door saloon, a five-door hatchback, and a five-door estate, all models for the European market were produced at Ford's plant in the Belgian city of Genk...
sedan and hatchback, the Galaxy (second generation, from 2006 and onwards) MPV/minivan, and the S-MAX
Ford S-MAX
The Ford S-Max is an MPV/saloon produced by the Ford Motor Company for the European market and by Chang'an Ford Automobile Co., Ltd for the Chinese market. Introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, the S-Max went on sale alongside the new generation Galaxy in June 2006. It is intended to be...
sub-MPV.
Genk today
Genk is now the industrial centre of Limburg, offering over 45,000 jobs, making it economically the third most significant city in FlandersFlanders
Flanders is the community of the Flemings but also one of the institutions in Belgium, and a geographical region located in parts of present-day Belgium, France and the Netherlands. "Flanders" can also refer to the northern part of Belgium that contains Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp...
, and harbouring a population of about 85 nationalities. In fact, one third of the population is of a foreign nationality. This mix of Flemish and Mediterranean (mostly Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, 15000; Turkish
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, 6000; and Greek
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
, 1000) culture makes Genk a true multicultural society. In 2000, Genk officially became a city
City
A city is a relatively large and permanent settlement. Although there is no agreement on how a city is distinguished from a town within general English language meanings, many cities have a particular administrative, legal, or historical status based on local law.For example, in the U.S...
. Genk was recently voted the friendliest city in Europe by the SEA Tourist Commission.
Sights
- The biggest tourist attraction of Genk is BokrijkBokrijkBokrijk is a provincial domain in Limburg, Belgium, situated near the city of Genk. It is mainly known for its open air museum. The domain is 5.5 square kilometres in area and hosts an important botanical garden and Flanders' largest open air playground.-History:Early sources until the French...
(www.bokrijk.be), an open-air museum consisting of authentic relocated buildings (mainly dating from 17th till 19th century) from all over FlandersFlandersFlanders is the community of the Flemings but also one of the institutions in Belgium, and a geographical region located in parts of present-day Belgium, France and the Netherlands. "Flanders" can also refer to the northern part of Belgium that contains Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp...
. In the summer season, historical Flanders comes alive in Bokrijk through numerous actors and re-enactment events. - Genk was established as one of the entrance "gateways" of the Hoge Kempen National ParkHoge Kempen National ParkThe Hoge Kempen National Park is the first National Park in the Flemish Region in Belgium. It is located in the East of the Province of Limburg, between Genk and the Meuse Valley....
, the first National ParkNational parkA national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or owns. Although individual nations designate their own national parks differently A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or...
in Flanders, at its opening in 2006. - Also noteworthy are the old coalmines of Zwartberg, Waterschei and Winterslag, surrounded by huge black mountains of dug up soil and coal remnants. Some of the mine buildings and housing can be visited.
- Despite its industrial past and present, Genk is nicknamed 'De Groene Stad' (The Green City). It sports a nature reserve called "De Maten", the large recreational area Kattevennen (with the Europlaneterium), Bokrijk, and several other green areas. In sunny weather, you may also want to pay a visit to the SundialSundialA sundial is a device that measures time by the position of the Sun. In common designs such as the horizontal sundial, the sun casts a shadow from its style onto a surface marked with lines indicating the hours of the day. The style is the time-telling edge of the gnomon, often a thin rod or a...
Park . - The Europlanetarium GenkEuroplanetarium GenkThe Europlanetarium Genk is a people's observatory and planetarium in Genk, Belgium.-How it began:Lode Vanhoutte from Genk started the Young Researchers for Genk following the moon landing in 1969...
has a planetariumPlanetariumA planetarium is a theatre built primarily for presenting educational and entertaining shows about astronomy and the night sky, or for training in celestial navigation...
and observatory.
Events
- Genk is home of Motives Festival, an annual event taking place in November and celebrating "new sounds of jazz." Recent performers have included the fiery piano jazz of Esbjörn Svensson TrioEsbjörn Svensson TrioEsbjörn Svensson Trio was a Swedish jazz piano trio formed in 1993 consisting of Esbjörn Svensson , Dan Berglund and Magnus Öström . Its music has classical, rock, pop, and techno elements. It lists classical composer Béla Bartók and rock band Radiohead as influences...
, funky saxman Joshua RedmanJoshua RedmanJoshua Redman is an American jazz saxophonist and composer who records for Nonesuch Records. He won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition in 1991.-Biography:...
, and futuristic electronics wizard Leafcutter JohnLeafcutter JohnLeafcutter John is the recording name of John Burton, a UK-based musician and artist. He makes frequent use of Max/MSP in his compositions. Much of Burton's style is based in computer music and use of samples of everyday sounds. However, he also has roots as a folk musician, and this influence...
. Another musical event, Genk on Stage, takes place during three days in the summer. - Genk is also rich in tradition, with a colourful carnivalCarnivalCarnaval is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February. Carnaval typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party...
taking place around Ash WednesdayAsh WednesdayAsh Wednesday, in the calendar of Western Christianity, is the first day of Lent and occurs 46 days before Easter. It is a moveable fast, falling on a different date each year because it is dependent on the date of Easter...
, the May celebrations featuring the May QueenMay QueenThe May Queen or Queen of May is a term which has two distinct but related meanings, as a mythical figure and as a holiday personification.-Festivals:...
, a flowers parade and a huge fireworksFireworksFireworks are a class of explosive pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. The most common use of a firework is as part of a fireworks display. A fireworks event is a display of the effects produced by firework devices...
finale, and finally the Saint Martin processionProcessionA procession is an organized body of people advancing in a formal or ceremonial manner.-Procession elements:...
, in honour of Saint Martin of ToursMartin of ToursMartin of Tours was a Bishop of Tours whose shrine became a famous stopping-point for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela. Around his name much legendary material accrued, and he has become one of the most familiar and recognizable Christian saints...
, one of the most popular saints in Flanders. - In 2012 Genk will be host to ManifestaManifestaManifesta, the , is a European pan-regional contemporary cultural biennale, described in 2010 by the as "stunning in its scope and uncompromisingly experimental in its approach".-Manifesta History:...
, The roving European Biennial of Contemporary Art, together with events such as the biennial of Venice and the Documenta in Kassel, Manifesta is one of the foremost art events of Europe. Manifesta 9 will take place from June 2 until September 30, 2012.
Famous and notable inhabitants
- Neel DoffNeel DoffCornelia Hubertina Doff was an author of Dutch origin living and working in Belgium and mainly writing in French...
, writerWriterA writer is a person who produces literature, such as novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, or other literary art. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images....
(1858-1942) - Jacques GermeauxJacques GermeauxJacques Germeaux is a Belgian politician of the Flemish Liberals and Democrats .He studied medicine at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel ....
, politicianPoliticianA politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
and senatorBelgian SenateThe Belgian Senate is one of the two chambers of the bicameral Federal Parliament of Belgium, the other being the Chamber of Representatives. It is considered to be the "upper house" of the Federal Parliament.-History and future:...
(b. 1956) - Martin MargielaMartin MargielaMartin Margiela is a Belgian fashion designer. He studied at Antwerp's Royal Academy of Fine Arts along with the legendary avantgarde fashion collective the Antwerp Six. Many still consider him to be the "7th" member of the collective.- Life and work:After graduation in 1980 he worked as a...
, fashion designer (b. 1957) - Jo VandeurzenJo VandeurzenJohan Maria Gerardus "Jo" Vandeurzen is a Belgian politician, member of Christen-Democratisch en Vlaams , a centrist Flemish Christian Democratic party. He was the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Justice and Institutional Reforms in the Leterme I Government , which took office on 20...
, politicianPoliticianA politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
(b. 1958) - Dirk MedvedDirk MedvedDirk Medved is a retired Belgian footballer who played as a defender .-Football career:During his professional career, Genk-born Medved played for K. Waterschei S.V. Thor Genk, K.R.C. Genk, K.A.A. Gent, Club Brugge K.V...
, football defenderDefender (football)Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
(b. 1968) - Ronny GaspercicRonny GaspercicRonald 'Ronny' Louis Gaspercic is a retired Belgian footballer who played as a goalkeeper.-Club career:Gaspercic started his professional career with local K.R.C. Genk, then named FC Winterslag, being first-choice for six of his nine seasons. He then moved to modest K.R.C...
, football goalkeeperGoalkeeper (football)In association football, the goalkeeper occupies a position that represents the last line of defence between the opponent's offence and his own team's goal. The primary role of the goalkeeper is to defend his team's goal and prevent the opposition from scoring a goal...
(b. 1969) - Karel GeraertsKarel GeraertsKarel Geraerts is a Belgian football player who plays for Oud-Heverlee Leuven.Geraerts played for Club Brugge from 1998 to December 2003. In 2004 Club Brugge lent him to Lokeren where he scored his first goal in the Jupiler League. In the summer of 2004 he moved to Standard Liège. In June 2007 he...
, footballer (b. 1982) - Benjamin De CeulaerBenjamin De CeulaerBenjamin De Ceulaer is a Belgian footballer who currently plays for Lokeren.-Career:On 20 January 2007 he played his first Eredivisie match with RKC against FC Twente. In the play-offs for a ticket to the Eredivisie he scored the winning goal in the third match against De Graafschap.The Belgian...
, footballer (b. 1983) - Siglo XXSiglo XX (band)Siglo XX was a Belgian Coldwave, Darkwave and Gothic rock group from Genk active from 1979-1989. The group's sound was influenced by Joy Division and Factory Records. Siglo XX was one of the more well-known Belgian coldwave bands and by 2010 was considered to have been a key influence on the...
, 1980's ColdwaveColdwaveColdwave, also written as Cold Wave, is the French variant of Dark Wave, gothic rock and post-punk music, primarily spread in France, South Belgium and Romandy.- History :...
band - Stef "Stip" Vanstiphout, ComposerComposerA composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
, MusicianMusicianA musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
: " Mute Albino ", Graphic Artist and CartoonistCartoonistA cartoonist is a person who specializes in drawing cartoons. This work is usually humorous, mainly created for entertainment, political commentary or advertising...
(b. 1957)
Sports
Genk's major footballFootball (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
club, KRC Genk
K.R.C. Genk
Koninklijke Racing Club Genk , usually referred to as Racing Genk or simply Genk, is a Belgian professional football club based in the city of Genk in Belgian Limburg. Racing Genk plays in the Belgian Pro League and they have won 3 Belgian champion titles in 1998–99, in 2001–02 and in 2010–11 as...
, promoted from second division in 1996 and quickly became one of Belgiums top clubs. They finished first in the highest football league in 1999, 2002 and 2011 and won the Belgian Cup
Belgian Cup
The Belgian Cup is the main knockout football competition in Belgium, run by the Belgian Football Association. The first cup was held in 1911-12. The most successful cup club is Club Brugge KV with 10 titles followed by RSC Anderlecht and R Standard de Liège...
in 1998, 2000 and 2009 Because of this success, the Cristal Arena (formerly known as Fenix stadium) of KRC Genk (place for 25 500 supporters) has become an important centre of both sport and non-sport activities in recent years.
External links
- Official website - Only available in DutchDutch languageDutch is a West Germanic language and the native language of the majority of the population of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Suriname, the three member states of the Dutch Language Union. Most speakers live in the European Union, where it is a first language for about 23 million and a second...
- Official website of soccer club KRC Genk
- Official website of the Open-Air Museum Bokrijk