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Dordrecht (), historically known in English as Dordt (still colloquially used in Dutch, ) or Dort, is a
city A city is a human settlement of notable size.Goodall, B. (1987) ''The Penguin Dictionary of Human Geography''. London: Penguin.Kuper, A. and Kuper, J., eds (1996) ''The Social Science Encyclopedia''. 2nd edition. London: Routledge. It can be de ...
and
municipality A municipality is usually a single administrative division having municipal corporation, corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by national and regional laws to which it is subordinate. The term ''municipality ...
in the Western Netherlands, located in the
province A province is almost always an administrative division within a country or state. The term derives from the ancient Roman ''provincia'', which was the major territorial and administrative unit of the Roman Empire's territorial possessions outsi ...
of South Holland. It is the province's fifth-largest city after
Rotterdam Rotterdam ( , , , lit. ''The Dam on the River Rotte'') is the second largest city and municipality in the Netherlands. It is in the province of South Holland, part of the North Sea mouth of the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta, via the ''"N ...
,
The Hague The Hague ( ; nl, Den Haag or ) is a list of cities in the Netherlands by province, city and municipalities of the Netherlands, municipality of the Netherlands, situated on the west coast facing the North Sea. The Hague is the country's ad ...
, Zoetermeer and
Leiden Leiden (; in English and archaic Dutch also Leyden) is a city and municipality in the province of South Holland, Netherlands. The municipality of Leiden has a population of 119,713, but the city forms one densely connected agglomeration wit ...
, with a population of . The municipality covers the entire Dordrecht Island, also often called ''Het Eiland van Dordt'' ("the Island of Dordt"), bordered by the rivers Oude Maas, Beneden Merwede, Nieuwe Merwede, Hollands Diep, and Dordtsche Kil. Located about 17 km south east of Rotterdam, Dordrecht is the largest and most important city in the Drechtsteden and is also part of the Randstad, the main conurbation in the Netherlands. Dordrecht is the oldest city in
Holland Holland is a geographical regionG. Geerts & H. Heestermans, 1981, ''Groot Woordenboek der Nederlandse Taal. Deel I'', Van Dale Lexicografie, Utrecht, p 1105 and former province on the western coast of the Netherlands. From the 10th to the 16th c ...
and has a rich history and culture.


Etymology

The name Dordrecht comes from ''Thuredriht'' (circa 1120), ''Thuredrecht'' (circa 1200). The name seems to mean 'thoroughfare'; a ship-canal or -river through which ships were pulled by rope from one river to another, as here from the Dubbel to the Merwede, or vice versa. Earlier etymologists had assumed that the 'drecht' suffix came from Latin 'trajectum', a ford, but this was rejected in 1996. The Drecht is now supposed to have been derived from '', which means to pull, tow or drag. Inhabitants of Dordrecht are ''Dordtenaren'' (singular: ''Dordtenaar''). Dordrecht is informally called ''Dordt'' by its inhabitants. In earlier centuries, Dordrecht was a major trading port and was called Dort in English.


History


Early history

The city was formed along the Thure river, in the midst of peat marshes. This river was a branch of the river Dubbel, which is part of the massive Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta complex, near the current Bagijnhof. Around 1120 reference to Dordrecht was made by a remark that count
Dirk IV of Holland Dirk IV (ca. 1020/1030 – 13 January 1049) was Count of Holland from 1039 to 1049 (which was called Frisia at that time). Dirk's date of birth is unknown but it was probably ca. 1030 or shortly before, he was described as "adolescent" at the time ...
was murdered in 1049 near "''Thuredrech''". Dordrecht was granted city rights by William I, Count of Holland, in 1220, making it the oldest city in the present province of South Holland. In fact, Geertruidenberg was the first city in the historical county of
Holland Holland is a geographical regionG. Geerts & H. Heestermans, 1981, ''Groot Woordenboek der Nederlandse Taal. Deel I'', Van Dale Lexicografie, Utrecht, p 1105 and former province on the western coast of the Netherlands. From the 10th to the 16th c ...
to receive city rights, but this municipality currently is part of the province of
North Brabant North Brabant ( nl, Noord-Brabant ; Brabantian: ; ), also unofficially called Brabant, is a province in the south of the Netherlands. It borders the provinces of South Holland and Gelderland to the north, Limburg to the east, Zeeland to th ...
. In the 12th and 13th centuries, Dordrecht developed into an important market city because of its strategic location. It traded primarily in wine,
wood Wood is a porous and fibrous structural tissue found in the stems and roots of trees and other woody plants. It is an organic materiala natural composite of cellulose fibers that are strong in tension and embedded in a matrix of ligni ...
and
cereals A cereal is any grass cultivated for the edible components of its grain (botanically, a type of fruit called a caryopsis), composed of the endosperm, germ, and bran. Cereal grain crops are grown in greater quantities and provide more foo ...
. Dordrecht was made even more important when it was given staple right in 1299. In 1253 a Latin school was founded in Dordrecht. It still exists today as the and is the oldest gymnasium in the Netherlands. From 1600 to 1615 Gerhard Johann Vossius was
rector Rector (Latin for the member of a vessel's crew who steers) may refer to: Style or title *Rector (ecclesiastical), a cleric who functions as an administrative leader in some Christian denominations *Rector (academia), a senior official in an edu ...
at this school. On 18–19 November 1421, the Saint Elisabeth's flood flooded large parts of southern Holland, causing Dordrecht to become an island. It was commonly said that over 10,000 people died in the flood, but recent research indicates that it was probably less than 200 people. On 29 June 1457, the city was devastated by a fire which started in Kleine Spuistraat, destroying many buildings, including the Grote Kerk.


Union of Dordrecht

In 1572, four years into the Dutch Revolt, representatives of all the cities of Holland, with the exception of
Amsterdam Amsterdam ( , , , lit. ''The Dam on the River Amstel'') is the Capital of the Netherlands, capital and Municipalities of the Netherlands, most populous city of the Netherlands, with The Hague being the seat of government. It has a population ...
, as well as the Watergeuzen, represented by William II de la Marck, gathered in Dordrecht to hold the ''Eerste Vrije Statenvergadering'' ("First Assembly of the Free States"), also known as the ''Unie van Dordrecht'' ("Union of Dordrecht"). This secret meeting, called by the city of Dordrecht, was a rebellious act since only King Philip II or his
stadtholder In the Low Countries, ''stadtholder'' ( nl, stadhouder ) was an office of steward, designated a medieval official and then a national leader. The ''stadtholder'' was the replacement of the duke or count of a province during the Burgundian and ...
, at that time the
Duke of Alva Duke is a male title either of a monarch ruling over a duchy, or of a member of royalty, or nobility. As rulers, dukes are ranked below emperors, kings, grand princes, grand dukes, and sovereign princes. As royalty or nobility, they are ran ...
, were allowed to call a meeting of the States of Holland. During the meeting, the organization and financing of the rebellion against the Spanish occupation was discussed, Phillip II was unanimously denounced, and William of Orange was chosen as the rightful
stadtholder In the Low Countries, ''stadtholder'' ( nl, stadhouder ) was an office of steward, designated a medieval official and then a national leader. The ''stadtholder'' was the replacement of the duke or count of a province during the Burgundian and ...
and recognized as the official leader of the revolt. Orange, represented at the meeting by his assistant Philips of Marnix, was promised financial support of his struggle against the Spanish and at his own request, freedom of religion was declared in all of Holland. The gathering is regarded as the first important step towards the free and independent
Dutch Republic The United Provinces of the Netherlands, also known as the (Seven) United Provinces, officially as the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands ( Dutch: ''Republiek der Zeven Verenigde Nederlanden''), and commonly referred to in historiography ...
. Other important gatherings such as the Union of Brussels (1577) and the Union of Utrecht (1579) paved the way for official independence of the
Dutch Republic The United Provinces of the Netherlands, also known as the (Seven) United Provinces, officially as the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands ( Dutch: ''Republiek der Zeven Verenigde Nederlanden''), and commonly referred to in historiography ...
, declared in the
Act of Abjuration The Act of Abjuration ( nl, Plakkaat van Verlatinghe; es, Acta de Abjuración, lit=placard of abjuration) is the declaration of independence by many of the provinces of the Netherlands from the allegiance to Philip II of Spain, during the D ...
in 1581. The Union of Dordrecht was held in an Augustinian monastery, nowadays simply called ''het Hof'' ("the Court"). The room in which the meeting was held is called ''de Statenzaal'' ("The Hall of States") and features a stained glass window in which the coats of arms of the twelve cities that were present at the meeting can be seen.


Synod of Dordrecht

From 13 November 1618 to 9 May 1619, an important
Dutch Reformed Church The Dutch Reformed Church (, abbreviated NHK) was the largest Christian denomination in the Netherlands from the onset of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century until 1930. It was the original denomination of the Dutch Royal Family a ...
assembly took place in Dordrecht, referred to as the Synod of Dordrecht. The synod attempted, and succeeded, to settle the theological differences of opinion between the central tenets of
Calvinism Calvinism (also called the Reformed Tradition, Reformed Protestantism, Reformed Christianity, or simply Reformed) is a major branch of Protestantism that follows the theological tradition and forms of Christian practice set down by John Ca ...
, and a new school of thought within the
Dutch Reformed Church The Dutch Reformed Church (, abbreviated NHK) was the largest Christian denomination in the Netherlands from the onset of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century until 1930. It was the original denomination of the Dutch Royal Family a ...
known as Arminianism, named for its spiritual leader Jacobus Arminius. Arminius' followers were also commonly known as Remonstrants, after the 1610 Five Articles of Remonstrance which outlined their points of dissent from the church's official doctrine. They were opposed by the Contra-Remonstrants, or the Gomarists, who were led by Dutch theologian Franciscus Gomarus. During the Twelve Years' Truce, this in essence purely theological conflict between different factions of the church had in practice spilled over into politics, dividing society along ideological lines, and threatening the existence of the young republic by repeatedly bringing it to the brink of civil war. The synod was attended by Gomarist Dutch delegates and also by delegates from Reformed churches in Germany, Switzerland, and England. Though it was originally intended that the synod would bring agreement on the doctrine of predestination among all the Reformed churches, in practice this Dutch synod was mainly concerned with problems facing the
Dutch Reformed Church The Dutch Reformed Church (, abbreviated NHK) was the largest Christian denomination in the Netherlands from the onset of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century until 1930. It was the original denomination of the Dutch Royal Family a ...
. The opening sessions dealt with a new Dutch translation of the Bible, a catechism, and the censorship of books. The synod then called upon representatives of the Remonstrants to express their beliefs. The Remonstrants refused to accept the rules established by the synod and eventually were expelled from the church. The synod then studied the theology of the Remonstrants and declared that it was contrary to Scripture. The Canons of Dort were produced; they discussed in detail in five sections the errors of the Remonstrants that were rejected as well as the doctrines that were affirmed. The doctrines affirmed were that predestination is not conditional on belief; that Christ did not die for all; the total depravity of man; the irresistible grace of God; and the impossibility of falling from grace. These canons of Dort, along with the Belgic Confession and the Heidelberg Catechism, remain the theological basis of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands. Following the synod, two hundred Remonstrant ministers were deposed from their office, of which eighty were banished. The political leaders of the Remonstrant movement were arrested and one of them beheaded on May 14, 1619. It was only after the death of Prince Maurice in 1625 that the persecution of the Remonstrants ceased.


The Patriots movement

From 1780 to 1787, Dordrecht was home to the Patriots faction which intended to remove the hereditary
Stadtholder In the Low Countries, ''stadtholder'' ( nl, stadhouder ) was an office of steward, designated a medieval official and then a national leader. The ''stadtholder'' was the replacement of the duke or count of a province during the Burgundian and ...
position held by the House of Orange-Nassau. The Netherlands was after all a republic ''
de jure In law and government, ''de jure'' ( ; , "by law") describes practices that are legally recognized, regardless of whether the practice exists in reality. In contrast, ("in fact") describes situations that exist in reality, even if not legall ...
''. Soon after, more cities followed and William V fled from Holland. But his brother-in-law, King Frederick William II of Prussia, came to the aid of William V and on 18 September 1787, Dordrecht capitulated to Prussian troops. The Patriots were defeated and Willem V was restored in his position as Stadtholder.


Modern history

In the 18th century, the importance of Dordrecht began to wane, and
Rotterdam Rotterdam ( , , , lit. ''The Dam on the River Rotte'') is the second largest city and municipality in the Netherlands. It is in the province of South Holland, part of the North Sea mouth of the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta, via the ''"N ...
became the main city in the region. Yet throughout the centuries, Dordrecht held a key position in the defense of Holland. It hosted an army division well into the 20th century. During the mobilization of August 1939, infantry and artillery were sent to Dordrecht to defend the island. When the Germans invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940, German paratroopers landed in Dordrecht. After fierce fighting they overtook the bridges Dordrecht-Moerdijk and Dordrecht-Zwijndrecht. Many buildings in Dordrecht were destroyed. At the end of the
Second World War World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the World War II by country, vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great power ...
, during the winter of 1944–45, Dordrecht and its surroundings were in the middle between the opposing armies. The border between occupied and liberated regions ran along the Hollands Diep. Dordrecht was finally liberated by the Canadian Army. In 1970, the municipality Dubbeldam (then ca. 10,000 inhabitants) and the southern part of the municipality of Sliedrecht were incorporated into Dordrecht, making Dordrecht Island one municipality.


Districts

Dordrecht is divided into 27 districts, neighbourhoods and
hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depi ...
s:


Demography

In 2021, around 19,35% of the population of Dordrecht was of non-Western origin. Between 2005 and 2008, this number has not changed. The allochthonous population consists for a large part of young people while the indigenous population has started to age very quickly. Over six thousand Turks live in Dordrecht, many of whom are originally from Kayapınar. According to the Social Geographical Office of Dordrecht, the population consisted of the following ethnic groups in 2005 and 2008:


Culture

Due to its long and important role in Dutch history, Dordrecht has a rich culture. The medieval city centre is home to over 950 monuments. The city also houses 7 historic churches and 6 museums in a relatively small area and hosts many festivals and events every year.


Places of interest

*The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe-Kerk ('Our Dear Lady Church') or simply the Grote Kerk ('Big Church') was built between 1285 and 1470. The 65-meter tower contains a carillon with 67 bells including one weighing 9830 kilos, making it the heaviest bell in the Netherlands. *The Augustijnenkerk ('Church of the Augustins') was built around 1293 and is currently owned by the
Dutch Reformed Church The Dutch Reformed Church (, abbreviated NHK) was the largest Christian denomination in the Netherlands from the onset of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century until 1930. It was the original denomination of the Dutch Royal Family a ...
. The church includes the Augustinian Monastery ''het Hof'' ('the Court') which was built in 1275 and was the location of the First Assembly of the Free States. *The Nieuwkerk ('New Church') or St Nicolaas Kerk was built in 1175 and is, ironically considering its name, the oldest building in Dordrecht. *The Munt van Holland ('Mint of Holland'), mint built in 1366. The majority of the coins used in the region of
Holland Holland is a geographical regionG. Geerts & H. Heestermans, 1981, ''Groot Woordenboek der Nederlandse Taal. Deel I'', Van Dale Lexicografie, Utrecht, p 1105 and former province on the western coast of the Netherlands. From the 10th to the 16th c ...
in the
Middle Ages In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the late 5th to the late 15th centuries, similar to the post-classical period of global history. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire ...
were struck here. Nowadays, the building houses a music school. *Kyck over den Dyck ('View over the Dike'), the last
windmill A windmill is a structure that converts wind power into rotational energy using vanes called sails or blades, specifically to mill grain (gristmills), but the term is also extended to windpumps, wind turbines, and other applications, in so ...
in Dordrecht. It was built in 1612 and used to produce
malt Malt is germinated cereal grain that has been dried in a process known as " malting". The grain is made to germinate by soaking in water and is then halted from germinating further by drying with hot air. Malted grain is used to make beer, ...
that was used by Dordts beer brewers. *The Groothoofdspoort ('Big Head's Gate') is the original city gate of Dordrecht, built in the 14th and 15th centuries. It is situated at the point where the rivers the
Meuse The Meuse ( , , , ; wa, Moûze ) or Maas ( , ; li, Maos or ) is a major European river, rising in France and flowing through Belgium and the Netherlands before draining into the North Sea from the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta. It has a ...
, the Merwede, and the
Rhine The Rhine ; french: Rhin ; nl, Rijn ; wa, Rén ; li, Rien; rm, label=Sursilvan, Rein, rm, label=Sutsilvan and Surmiran, Ragn, rm, label=Rumantsch Grischun, Vallader and Puter, Rain; it, Reno ; gsw, Rhi(n), including in Alsatian dialect, Al ...
meet. *Arend Maartenshof (Arend Maarten's Court), built in 1625. * Stadhuis city hall, built in 1383. *Statue of Ary Scheffer (1861), by Joseph Mezzara. *Statue of Johan and Cornelis de Witt (1918), by Toon Depuis. *River quais. *Harbours. *
Merchant A merchant is a person who trades in commodities produced by other people, especially one who trades with foreign countries. Historically, a merchant is anyone who is involved in business or trade. Merchants have operated for as long as indust ...
houses.


Museums

The following museums are located in Dordrecht: * Binnenvaartmuseum, dedicated to the history of inland navigation. *
Dordrechts Museum Dordrechts Museum is an art museum in Dordrecht, Netherlands. The museum was founded in 1842 and has a collection of artists of the last 400 years. Paintings The museum has works of the following artists: Gallery File:Portrait of Cornelis ...
, informally called ''Schilderijenmuseum'' (the paintings museum). Every summer, its garden, known as ''de Museumtuin'' (the Museum garden), hosts the showing of several art house films that gained significant attention in the previous year. Re-opened in late 2010 after an extensive renovation. *Simon van Gijn museum, named after honorary citizen Simon van Gijn and winner of the museum prize 2004–2005, awarded by the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds. *Nationaal Landschapskundig Museum, (National Museum of
Landscaping Landscaping refers to any activity that modifies the visible features of an area of land, including the following: # Living elements, such as flora or fauna; or what is commonly called gardening, the art and craft of growing plants with a goal ...
) *Museum 1940–1945, also known as ''het Verzetsmuseum'' (the Resistance museum). *Het Hof, about the Dutch history *Onderwijsmuseum, dedicated to the Dutch history of education and schools.


Events and festivals

Dordrecht hosts around 20
cultural Culture () is an umbrella term which encompasses the social behavior, institutions, and norms found in human societies, as well as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in these groups.Tylor ...
and historical events and festivals each year. The city won the title of "Best events city of the year" in 2003 and was nominated for the same title in 2004 and 2005. ''Dordt in Stoom'' (literally: Dordt in steam) is the biggest steam event in Europe during which historical steam trains, steam boats etc. can be seen in action. It is organized every other year and attracts a quarter of a million visitors. Attention is also paid to Dordrecht's art and
architecture Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction. It is both the process and the product of sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and constructing buildings ...
during ''Kunstrondje Dordt'' (literally: Little art circle Dordt) and ''Dordt Monumenteel'' (Dordt Monumental), which attracts around 100.000 visitors every year. Dordrecht hosts the second largest book market and the largest
Christmas Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year ...
market in the Netherlands. ''Wantijfestival'' is an out-doors music festival that has been held annually in the second week of June since 1995. It takes place in the Wantij park and attracts around 35.000 people each year. Wantij park also hosts the ''Wantijconcerten'' (Wantij concerts) that are held every Monday night in July and August. Other popular music festivals held in Dordrecht are the ''World Jazz dagen'' (World Jazz days) held annually in August or September, the ''Dancetour'' or ''Boulevard of Dance'', which takes place on Kingsday, ''Big Rivers Festival'', a film, music, poetry and theatre festival held in June, and the Cello festival, held every four years in the weekend of
the Ascension Ascension or ascending may refer to: Religion * "Ascension", "Assumption", or "Translation", the belief in some religions that some individuals have ascended into Heaven without dying first * Ascension of Jesus * Feast of the Ascension (Asce ...
.
Rond Uit Dordrecht
Since 2013 they do organise a four-day bicycle festival early June. A website with a list of the festivals in the city Dordrecht
Dordrecht Festivals


Folklore

During
Carnaval Carnival is a Catholic Christian festive season that occurs before the liturgical season of Lent. The main events typically occur during February or early March, during the period historically known as Shrovetide (or Pre-Lent). Carnival typi ...
, Dordrecht is called ''Ooi- en Ramsgat'' (Ewe's and Ram's hole), and its inhabitants are ''Schapenkoppen'' (Sheepheads). This name originates from an old folk story. Import of meat or cattle was taxed in the 17th century. To avoid having to pay, two men dressed up a sheep they had bought outside the city walls, attempting to disguise it as a man. The sheep was discovered because it bleated as the three men (two men and one sheep) passed through the city wall gate. There is a special monument of a man and his son trying to hold a sheep disguised as a man between them, that refers to this legend. The logo of Dordrecht's professional football club FC Dordrecht includes the head of a ram and its supporters are known to sing ''Wij zijn de Dordtse schapenkoppen'' (we are the Dordtse sheep heads) during matches. There is also a cookie called ''Schapenkop'' (sheep head) which is a speciality of Dordrecht. There are many more legends about Dordrecht. One of them is about Saint Sura, a young woman who planned on building an entire church with only three coins in her purse. She was murdered because of her supposed wealth. Another legend is about the house called ''de Onbeschaamde'' (the Unembarrassed). It is about the three brothers Van Beveren who each wanted to build a house and decided to make a bet on who would dare to place the most risqué statue on their façade. One of the brothers, Abraham van Beveren, placed a naked little boy on his façade. However, the house that supposedly won has an empty façade today because, according to the story, the statue was so risqué that it was removed. A well known saying about Dordrecht is ''Hoe dichter bij Dordt, hoe rotter het wordt'' (the closer to Dordrecht, the more rotten it gets). The previous mayor Noorland added to that; ''maar ben je er eenmaal in, dan heb je het prima naar je zin'' (but once you're in it, you're perfectly content). The saying can probably be explained as follows; traffic used to go by water and whoever came close to Dordrecht was obliged, according to staple right, to display their merchandise for a couple of days before being allowed to sail on. This caused loss of time and caused products to become rotten. Another explanation is derived from '' Bommel is rommel, bij Tiel is niet viel en hoe dichter bij Dordt hoe rotter het wordt'' which is supposed to be said by farmers describing the bad quality of the land close to the rivers Maas and Waal, only suitable for harvesting reed.


Nature

The Sliedrechtse Biesbosch, east of Dordrecht, and the Dordtse Biesbosch, south of Dordrecht, together form the Hollandse Biesbosch which is a part of the national park the Biesbosch, one of the largest national parks in the Netherlands and one of the last freshwater tide areas in Europe. The Dordtse Biesbosch has several recreational areas that are used for walking, rowing and swimming. There are also several parks near the city, such as Merwepark and Wantijpark.


Sports

The Riwal Hoogwerkers Stadion is a football stadium and home ground of the local team FC Dordrecht playing in the second national league.


Dordts

Dordts is a dialect of Dutch traditionally spoken by the working class of Dordrecht. It is categorized under the Hollandic accents but also has characteristics of Zeelandic and
Brabantian Brabantian or Brabantish, also Brabantic or Brabantine ( nl, Brabants, Standard Dutch pronunciation: , ), is a dialect group of the Dutch language. It is named after the historical Duchy of Brabant, which corresponded mainly to the Dutch pro ...
. Typical features of Dordts are: *Using the diminutive suffix ''-ie'' or ''-tie'' in cases where standard Dutch uses ''-je''. (e.g. Standard Dutch: (“little apple”) Dordts: ) *Words borrowed from Brabantian such as ''akkerdere'' (“lit. to knock or to fit, fig. “to get along”) *The Dutch
diphthongs A diphthong ( ; , ), also known as a gliding vowel, is a combination of two adjacent vowel sounds within the same syllable. Technically, a diphthong is a vowel with two different targets: that is, the tongue (and/or other parts of the speech ...
''ei'' and ''ui'' tend to be pronounced more like ''èè'' and ''öö''. Recently, the ''ei''-sound has started to be pronounced more like ''ai''. In the 20th century, Dordts has slowly started to disappear as more and more people have started speaking standard Dutch. The strongest Dordts dialect is nowadays found in the working-class neighborhoods bordering the city centre.


Other

On 14 November 1992 and again on 12 November 2011, the official arrival of the popular legendary figure Sinterklaas was held in Dordrecht and broadcast on national television.


Economy

The current economy of Dordrecht is based on ship building, wood industry, and steel industry. The city has the sixth largest sea port in the Netherlands. One of the largest employers on Dordrecht Island is DuPont de Nemours (Nederland) B.V. It has 9 factories here with a workforce of 900 people. In development are the "Learning" and "Health" Business Parks. The Learning Park is intended to have of space for educational institutions. In the Health Park, a wide range of health services will be located, with the Dordwijk Campus of the Albert Schweitzer Hospital as focal point. Other services include a blood bank, pharmacy, and mental health clinic. Near the Health Park a new Sport Park will be built. A new large sport centre, the equivalent size of 3 soccer fields, is planned complete with gyms, skating rink, and a pool. Next to this Sport Park, a huge outdoor event terrain will be established.


Shopping

Shopping in the centre of Dordrecht is centred around the Voorstraat, the Sarisgang and the Statenplein (Staten square). The Voorstraat is long, making it the longest shopping street in the Netherlands. Markets are held every Friday and Saturday on the Statenplein and in the Sarisgang and on Tuesday in Dubbeldam.


Government and politics


College van B&W

In February 2020 the College van Burgemeester en Wethouders ('Board of
Mayor In many countries, a mayor is the highest-ranking official in a municipal government such as that of a city or a town. Worldwide, there is a wide variance in local laws and customs regarding the powers and responsibilities of a mayor as well as ...
and Aldermen') in Dordrecht consisted of the following: *Wouter Kolff, Mayor (VVD) *Piet Sleeking, alderman (Beter voor Dordt) *Peter Heijkoop, alderman (CDA) *Marco Stam, alderman (Beter voor Dordt) *Rik van der Linden, alderman (CU/SGP) *Maarten Burggraaf, alderman (VVD)


Local election

The results of the 2018 municipal election in Dordrecht were as follows.


Partner cities

Partner cities of Dordrecht are:


Public transport

Dordrecht is well connected to the Dutch railroad system, and has several international connections. There are three railway stations; Dordrecht railway station, Zuid railway station and Stadspolders railway station. The train system hosts: Four trainlines *South-West direction Roosendaal-and further (including international to Belgium) *South-East direction Breda, Eindhoven *North-West direction
Rotterdam Rotterdam ( , , , lit. ''The Dam on the River Rotte'') is the second largest city and municipality in the Netherlands. It is in the province of South Holland, part of the North Sea mouth of the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta, via the ''"N ...
,
The Hague The Hague ( ; nl, Den Haag or ) is a list of cities in the Netherlands by province, city and municipalities of the Netherlands, municipality of the Netherlands, situated on the west coast facing the North Sea. The Hague is the country's ad ...
,
Amsterdam Amsterdam ( , , , lit. ''The Dam on the River Amstel'') is the Capital of the Netherlands, capital and Municipalities of the Netherlands, most populous city of the Netherlands, with The Hague being the seat of government. It has a population ...
*East direction Gorinchem, Geldermalsen The four operating trainlines serve three railway stations within the city boundaries (Dordrecht, Dordrecht Zuid, Dordrecht Stadspolders) Main connections *Frequent services within the Netherlands: **Intercity line to
Rotterdam Rotterdam ( , , , lit. ''The Dam on the River Rotte'') is the second largest city and municipality in the Netherlands. It is in the province of South Holland, part of the North Sea mouth of the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta, via the ''"N ...
,
The Hague The Hague ( ; nl, Den Haag or ) is a list of cities in the Netherlands by province, city and municipalities of the Netherlands, municipality of the Netherlands, situated on the west coast facing the North Sea. The Hague is the country's ad ...
,
Leiden Leiden (; in English and archaic Dutch also Leyden) is a city and municipality in the province of South Holland, Netherlands. The municipality of Leiden has a population of 119,713, but the city forms one densely connected agglomeration wit ...
, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and
Amsterdam Amsterdam ( , , , lit. ''The Dam on the River Amstel'') is the Capital of the Netherlands, capital and Municipalities of the Netherlands, most populous city of the Netherlands, with The Hague being the seat of government. It has a population ...
(north-west) **Intercity line to Roosendaal and on to
Vlissingen Vlissingen (; zea, label= Zeelandic, Vlissienge), historically known in English as Flushing, is a municipality and a city in the southwestern Netherlands on the former island of Walcheren. With its strategic location between the Scheldt river ...
(south west) **Intercity line to Breda,
Tilburg Tilburg () is a city and municipality in the Netherlands, in the southern province of North Brabant. With a population of 222,601 (1 July 2021), it is the second-largest city or municipality in North Brabant after Eindhoven and the seventh-lar ...
, Eindhoven, Helmond and Venlo (south east) **Several semi-fast services and local trains originate or call at Dordrecht. *Detailed information available from the site of the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Dutch Railways

* Qbuzz, the city bus company of Dordrecht, also serving Alblasserwaard, Drechtsteden and Vijfheerenlanden, and also operating the train to Gorinchem and Geldermalsen. and Arriva is part of the waterbus *Waterbus: **line 20:
Rotterdam Rotterdam ( , , , lit. ''The Dam on the River Rotte'') is the second largest city and municipality in the Netherlands. It is in the province of South Holland, part of the North Sea mouth of the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta, via the ''"N ...
Erasmusbrug – Krimpen aan den IJssel Stormpolder – Ridderkerk De Schans – Alblasserdam Kade – Hendrik Ido Ambacht Noordeinde - Papendrecht Westeind - Dordrecht Merwekade **line 21: Dordrecht Hooikade – Zwijndrecht Veerplein **line 22: Dordrecht Merwekade – Papendrecht Veerdam **line 23: Dordrecht Merwekade – Papendrecht Oosteind – Hollandse BiesboschSliedrecht Middeldiep **line 24: Dordrecht Merwekade – Zwijndrecht Veerplein


Famous people from Dordrecht

:''See also People from Dordrecht''


The arts

*
Hendrik Speuy Hendrik (or Henderick) Joosten (or Joostzoon) Speuy (c.1575 – 1 October 1625) was a Dutch renaissance organist and composer, and a contemporary of Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck. Speuy was born at Brielle. From 1595 he was organist of the Grot ...
(1575–1625) a Dutch organist and composer *
Jacob Cats Jacob Cats (10 November 1577 – 12 September 1660) was a Dutch poet, humorist, jurist and politician. He is most famous for his emblem books. Early years Jacob Cats was born on 10 November 1577 in Brouwershaven as son of Adriaen Cornelisz. ...
(1577–1660) a Dutch poet, humorist, jurist and Grand Pensionary of Holland *
Jeremias de Dekker Jeremias de Dekker or ''Decker'' (1610 – November 1666) was a Dutch poet. Biography Dekker was born in Dordrecht. His father was a native of Antwerp, who, having embraced the reformed religion, had been compelled to take refuge in the Nether ...
(1610–1666) a Dutch poet * Mathias Balen (1611–1691) a Dutch historian, wrote ''Beschryving der Stad Dordrecht'' ("Description of City of Dordrecht") * Aelbert Cuyp (1620–1691) a
Dutch Golden Age The Dutch Golden Age ( nl, Gouden Eeuw ) was a period in the history of the Netherlands, roughly spanning the era from 1588 (the birth of the Dutch Republic) to 1672 (the Rampjaar, "Disaster Year"), in which Dutch trade, science, and art an ...
painter of landscapes * Margaretha van Godewijk (1627–1677) a
Dutch Golden Age The Dutch Golden Age ( nl, Gouden Eeuw ) was a period in the history of the Netherlands, roughly spanning the era from 1588 (the birth of the Dutch Republic) to 1672 (the Rampjaar, "Disaster Year"), in which Dutch trade, science, and art an ...
poet and painter *
Samuel Dirksz van Hoogstraten Samuel Dirksz van Hoogstraten (2 August 1627, in Dordrecht – 19 October 1678, in Dordrecht) was a Dutch painter of the Golden Age, who was also a poet and author on art theory. Biography Samuel Dirksz van Hoogstraten trained first with his fat ...
(1627–1678) a
Dutch Golden Age The Dutch Golden Age ( nl, Gouden Eeuw ) was a period in the history of the Netherlands, roughly spanning the era from 1588 (the birth of the Dutch Republic) to 1672 (the Rampjaar, "Disaster Year"), in which Dutch trade, science, and art an ...
painter, also a poet and author on art theory * Nicolaes Maes (1634–1693) a Dutch painter of genre scenes and portraits * Godfried Schalcken (1643–1706) a Dutch genre and portrait painter * Arnold Houbraken (1660–1719) a
Dutch Golden Age The Dutch Golden Age ( nl, Gouden Eeuw ) was a period in the history of the Netherlands, roughly spanning the era from 1588 (the birth of the Dutch Republic) to 1672 (the Rampjaar, "Disaster Year"), in which Dutch trade, science, and art an ...
painter and writer * François Valentijn (1666–1727) a Dutch minister, naturalist and author; wrote ''Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indiën'' about the Dutch East India Company *
Jacobus Houbraken Jacobus Houbraken (25 December 1698 – 14 November 1780) was a Dutch engraver and the son of the artist and biographer Arnold Houbraken (1660–1719), whom he assisted in producing a published record of the lives of artists from the Dutch Gold ...
(1698–1780) a Dutch engraver * Aart Schouman (1710–1792) Dutch painter and engraver * (1776–1841) a Dutch writer and poet * Ary Scheffer (1795–1858) a Dutch-French Romantic painter *
Cornélie van Zanten Wijntje Cornelia van Zanten ( Dordrecht, August 2, 1855 - The Hague, January 10, 1946) was a Dutch opera singer, singing teacher and author. She sang both mezzo-soprano and alto. Van Zanten also wrote her name as Cornélie or Cornelie and was ...
(1855–1946) a Dutch opera singer, author and teacher * Augusta Peaux (1859–1944) a Dutch poet who loved
Iceland Iceland ( is, Ísland; ) is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic Ocean and in the Arctic Ocean. Iceland is the most sparsely populated country in Europe. Iceland's capital and largest city is Reykjavík, which (along with its ...
* Jan Veth (1864–1925) a Dutch painter, poet, art critic and university lecturer * Top Naeff (1878–1953) a Dutch writer *
Allard de Ridder Allard de Ridder (3 May 1887 – 13 May 1966) was a Dutch–Canadian conductor, violist, and composer. He was notably the first conductor of both the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, the latter of which he found ...
(1887–1966) a Dutch–Canadian conductor, violist and composer * Peter Hurkos (1911–1988) Dutch entertainer, performed psychic feats * Kees Buddingh' (1918–1985) a Dutch poet, TV-presenter and translator * (1926–2008) a Dutch journalist and writer *
Henk Bouman Hendrik "Henk" Bouman (born 29 September 1951, in Dordrecht)David Cummings, International Who's Who In Music And Musicians' Directory 1994/5, page 92 is a Dutch harpsichordist, fortepianist, conductor and composer of music written in the baroqu ...
(born 1951) a Dutch harpsichordist, fortepianist, conductor and composer * Edo Brunner (born 1970) a Dutch actor and presenter * Celinde Schoenmaker (born 1989) a Dutch theatre actress and singer * O'G3NE (formed 2007) a Dutch girl group and ''
The Voice of Holland ''The Voice of Holland'', also known as ''TVOH'', is a Dutch reality television, reality TV singing competition, that became a The Voice (franchise), near global TV format franchise, created by media tycoon John de Mol and musician VanVelzen, R ...
'' winners in 2014


Public thinking & public service

* Beatrix de Rijke (1421–1468) a Dutch foundling from
St. Elizabeth's flood (1421) The St. Elizabeth's flood of 1421 was a flooding of the Grote Hollandse Waard, an area in what is now the Netherlands. It takes its name from the feast day of Saint Elisabeth of Hungary which was formerly 19 November. It ranks 20th on the list o ...
* Gerhard Johann Vossius (1577–1649) a Dutch classical scholar and theologian * Simon de Danser (ca.1579–ca.1615) a Dutch privateer and pirate * Jacob de Witt (1589–1674) a
burgomaster Burgomaster (alternatively spelled burgermeister, literally "master of the town, master of the borough, master of the fortress, master of the citizens") is the English form of various terms in or derived from Germanic languages for the chief ...
of Dordrecht and the son of a timber merchant * Jacques Specx (1588–1652) Governor General Dutch East Indies (VOC) *brothers Cornelis de Witt (1623–1672) & Johan de Witt (1625–1672) lynched politicians *
Laurens de Graaf Laurens Cornelis Boudewijn de Graaf (c. 1653 – 24 May 1704) was a Dutch pirate, mercenary, and naval officer in the service of the French colony of Saint-Domingue during the late 17th and early 18th century. De Graaf was also known as Laurencil ...
(ca. 1653–1704) a Dutch pirate, mercenary and naval officer * Conrad Theodor van Deventer (1857–1915) a lawyer and author about the Dutch East Indies * Henriette Willemina Crommelin (1870-1957), a labor leader and temperance reformer * Pieter Geyl (1887–1966) an historian, studied early modern Dutch history and
historiography Historiography is the study of the methods of historians in developing history as an academic discipline, and by extension is any body of historical work on a particular subject. The historiography of a specific topic covers how historians hav ...
*
Cornelis Eliza Bertus Bremekamp Cornelis Eliza Bertus Bremekamp (7 February 1888, in Dordrecht – 21 December 1984) was a Dutch botanist. He received his education at the University of Utrecht, and performed as a botanical researcher in Indonesia and Southern Africa, South Afr ...
(1888–1984) a botanist, worked in Indonesia and South Africa *
Marinus Vertregt Marinus Vertregt (April 19, 1897 – May 1, 1973) was a Dutch astronomer. Early life Vertregt was born in Dordrecht, Netherlands. After elementary school he attended the Higher Technical school there and took a course in sugar technology. I ...
(1897–1973) a Dutch astronomer * Jaap Burger (1904–1986) a Dutch politician and jurist; lawyer in Dordrecht 1929 to 1942 * Henk Korthals (1911–1976) a Dutch politician and journalist * Theo Bot (1911–1984) a Dutch politician, diplomat and jurist * Aart Alblas (1918–1944) a Dutch navy officer, Dutch resistance member and Engelandvaarder * Nicolaas Bloembergen (1920–2017) a Dutch-American physicist and winner of the 1981
Nobel Prize in Physics ) , image = Nobel Prize.png , alt = A golden medallion with an embossed image of a bearded man facing left in profile. To the left of the man is the text "ALFR•" then "NOBEL", and on the right, the text (smaller) "NAT•" then " ...
for his work on nonlinear optics for
laser spectroscopy Spectroscopy is the field of study that measures and interprets the electromagnetic spectra that result from the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter as a function of the wavelength or frequency of the radiation. Matter ...
* Jan Pouwer (1924–2010) a Dutch anthropologist and academic * Philip Scheltens (born 1957) a professor of neurology and expert on Alzheimer's disease *
Eline Slagboom P. Eline Slagboom (born January 18, 1960, Dordrecht, the Netherlands) is a Dutch biologist specializing in the human familial longevity and ageing. Education Slagboom attended Christelijk Lyceum in Delft, graduating in 1978, before continuing ...
(born 1960) a biologist specializing in human familial longevity and ageing


Sport

* Dirk Boest Gips (1864–1920) a Dutch sports shooter, team bronze medallist at the 1900 Summer Olympics *
Hendrik de Iongh Hendrik de Iongh (4 August 1877 – 9 August 1962) was a Dutch fencer. He won a bronze medal in the team sabre event at the 1912 Summer Olympics The 1912 Summer Olympics ( sv, Olympiska sommarspelen 1912), officially known as the Games o ...
(1877–1962) a fencer, team bronze medallist at the 1912 Summer Olympics *brothers
Geert Lotsij Gerhard Oswald "Geert" Lotsij (13 January 1878 in Dordrecht – 29 June 1959 in Hilversum) was a Dutch rower who competed in the 1900 Summer Olympics. He was part of the Dutch boat ''Minerva Amsterdam'', which won the silver medal in the c ...
(1878–1959) &
Paul Lotsij Paulus Jan Lotsij (4 February 1880 in Dordrecht – 19 September 1910 in Amsterdam) was a Dutch rower who competed in the 1900 Summer Olympics. He was part of the Dutch boat ''Minerva Amsterdam'', which won the silver medal in the coxed four ...
(1880–1910) rowers, team silver medallists at the 1900 Summer Olympics * Piet Bouman (1892–1980) a Dutch amateur footballer, team bronze medallist at the 1912 Summer Olympics * (1893–1959), sport leader, Dutch Olympic Head of Mission 1936/1952 *
Simon Wulfse Simon Wulfse (born January 12, 1952 in Dordrecht) is a strongman from the Netherlands. He finished third at the World's Strongest Man games in 1983. Wulfse won the Europe's Strongest Man title in 1983, his career best finish. He finished first in ...
(born 1952), a strongman and drug smuggler * Peter Smit (1961–2005), a Dutch martial artist * Juul Ellerman (born 1965), a Dutch former footballer with 389 club caps *
Marco Boogers Marco Boogers (born 12 January 1967) is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a forward. Boogers spent almost all of his career in the Netherlands, apart from an ill-fated spell at English club West Ham United. He later worked ...
(born 1967), a Dutch former professional footballer with 399 club caps * Reinier Robbemond (born 1972), a Dutch football manager and former player with 412 club caps *
Danny Makkelie Danny Desmond Makkelie (born 28 January 1983) is a Dutch professional football referee. Besides refereeing he works as a police inspector in Rotterdam and as a referee coach for the Royal Dutch Football Association. He has been a FIFA listed re ...
(born 1983), is a Dutch FIFA football referee * Mareno Michels (born 1984), a Dutch darts player * Lucinda Brand (born 1989), cyclist *
Björn Vlasbom Björn Vlasbom (born 28 January 1990) is a former Netherlands, Dutch professional association football, footballer who played as a Midfielder (association football), midfielder. He formerly played for Sparta Rotterdam and FC Dordrecht. External ...
(born 1990), former professional footballer * Maria Verschoor (born 1994), a Dutch field hockey player, team silver medallist at the 2016 Summer Olympics *
Jarno Opmeer Jarno Opmeer (born 11 April 2000) is a Dutch esports driver and former racing driver and is the 2020 and 2021 Formula One Esports Champion. He also competes in the Formula E: Accelerate Series with Mercedes-EQ. Career Formula 4 Opmeer gradua ...
(born 2000), a Dutch racing driver and Esports competitor


Image gallery

File:hofstraat.jpg, Hofstraat File:Dordrecht_Grote_Kerk_toren.jpg, Grote Kerk File:Dordrecht Groothoofdspoort2.jpg, Groothoofdspoort File:Building-hof10.jpg, Het Hof (The Court) File:Cityhalldordrecht.jpg, City Hall File:Pottenkade.jpg, Pottenkade next to the Grote Kerk File:Cyckoverdendyck.jpg,
Windmill A windmill is a structure that converts wind power into rotational energy using vanes called sails or blades, specifically to mill grain (gristmills), but the term is also extended to windpumps, wind turbines, and other applications, in so ...
'Kyck over den Dyck' File:Dordrecht - Dordrechts Museum.jpg,
Dordrechts Museum Dordrechts Museum is an art museum in Dordrecht, Netherlands. The museum was founded in 1842 and has a collection of artists of the last 400 years. Paintings The museum has works of the following artists: Gallery File:Portrait of Cornelis ...
File:Dordrecht, haven foto2 2010-06-13 12.46.JPG, port File:Dordrecht, monumentaal straatzicht4 foto2 2010-06-27 18.03.JPG, View to monumental buildings File:Dordrecht, Schettersplein foto1 2010-06-27 18.09.JPG, square: Scheffersplein File:Schapen in de Hoefijzerstraat in Dordrecht.jpg, Sheep in the Hoefijzerstraat File:Dordrecht, zicht op de Wijnhaven vanaf de Nieuwbrug RM14043 met links de toren van de Bonifatiuskerk RM13998 IMG 0140 2018-02-25 10.41.jpg, View to the Wijnhaven File:Dordrecht, recreatievaartuig de Friedrich Voss vanaf de Schuttevaerkade IMG 0192 2018-02-25 12.37.jpg, Boat: the Friedrich Voss


References


Citations


Sources

* *


External links

*
Official website
{{Authority control Cities in the Netherlands Municipalities of South Holland Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta Drechtsteden Islands of the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta Islands of South Holland