Open main menu
Home
Random
Recent changes
Special pages
Community portal
Preferences
About Wikipedia
Disclaimers
Incubator escapee wiki
Search
User menu
Talk
Dark mode
Contributions
Create account
Log in
Editing
Delfzijl
Warning:
You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you
log in
or
create an account
, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.
Anti-spam check. Do
not
fill this in!
{{Infobox settlement <!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions --> <!-- Name and transliteration --> | name = Delfzijl | native_name = {{native name|gos|Delfsiel}} | settlement_type = City <!-- Images, nickname, motto --> | image_skyline = Zicht op Delfzijl1.jpg | image_alt = | image_caption = Skyline of Delfzijl in 2011 | image_flag = Flag of Delfzijl.svg | flag_size = 100x67px | flag_alt = | image_shield = Delfzijl wapen.svg | shield_size = 100x80px | shield_alt = <!-- Maps, coordinates --> | image_map = Map - NL - Municipality code 0010 (2009).svg | map_alt = Highlighted position of Delfzijl in a municipal map of Groningen | map_caption = Location in the province of [[Groningen (province)|Groningen]] | coordinates = {{coord|53|20|N|6|55|E|region:NL-GR|display=inline,title}} | coordinates_footnotes = | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = Netherlands | subdivision_type1 = Province | subdivision_name1 = [[Groningen (province)|Groningen]] | subdivision_type2 = Municipality | subdivision_name2 = [[Eemsdelta]] <!-- Geographic information --> | unit_pref = Metric <!-- ALL fields with measurements have automatic unit conversion --> <!-- for references: use <ref> tags --> | area_footnotes = <ref>{{Dutch municipality total area|dataref}}</ref> <!-- square kilometers --> | area_total_km2 = {{Dutch municipality total area|Delfzijl}} | area_land_km2 = {{Dutch municipality land area|Delfzijl}} | area_water_km2 = {{Dutch municipality water area|Delfzijl}} | elevation_footnotes = <ref name="AHN">{{cite web |url = http://www.ahn.nl/postcodetool |title = Postcodetool for 9934EA |language = nl |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |work = Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland |publisher = Het Waterschapshuis |access-date = 16 January 2014}}</ref> | elevation_m = 1 | elevation_max_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags --> | elevation_max_m = | elevation_min_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags --> | elevation_min_m = <!-- Population, demographics --> | population_footnotes = <ref>{{Dutch municipality population|dataref}}</ref> | population_total = {{Dutch municipality population|Delfzijl}} | population_as_of = {{MONTHNAME|{{Dutch municipality population|popbasemonth}}}} {{Dutch municipality population|popbaseyear}} | population_density_km2 = {{Dutch municipality population density|Delfzijl}} <!-- For automatic calculation: auto--> | population_demonym = Delfzijler <!-- Other information --> | timezone1 = [[Central European Time|CET]] | utc_offset1 = +1 | timezone1_DST = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]] | utc_offset1_DST = +2 | postal_code_type = [[Postal codes in the Netherlands|Postcode]] | postal_code = Parts of 9900 range{{specify|date=October 2015}} | area_code_type = [[Telephone numbers in the Netherlands|Area code]] | area_code = 0596<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.telefoonboek.nl/netnummer/ Netnummer zoeken], Telefoonboek.nl. Retrieved 22 October 2015.</ref> | website = | footnotes = }} '''Delfzijl''' ({{IPA|nl|dɛl(ə)fˈsɛil|lang|Nl-Delfzijl.oga}}; {{langx|gos|Delfziel}} {{IPA|gos|dɛlfˈsil|}}) is a city and former municipality (which now belongs to the municipality of [[Eemsdelta]]) with a population of 25,651 in the province of [[Groningen (province)|Groningen]] in the northeast of the Netherlands. Delfzijl was a sluice between the [[Delf (canal)|Delf]] and the [[Ems (river)|Ems]], which became fortified settlement in the 16th century. The fortifications were removed in the late 19th century. Delfzijl is the fifth largest [[seaport]] in the Netherlands, and the largest port in the North East of the country. == Etymology == The name ''Delfzijl'' means 'sluice of the Delf'.<ref name="delfzijlmonuments">{{in lang|nl}} Ronald Stenvert, Chris Kolman, Ben Olde Meierink, Sabine Broekhoven & Redmer Alma, "[http://www.dbnl.org/tekst/sten009monu04_01/sten009monu04_01_0019.php Delfzijl]", ''Monumenten in Nederland: Groningen'', 1998. Retrieved on 27 March 2015.</ref> The Delf was a [[canal]] connecting the rivers [[Fivel]] and [[Ems (river)|Ems]], and is now part of the [[Damsterdiep]].<ref>{{in lang|nl}} Ronald Stenvert, Chris Kolman, Ben Olde Meierink, Sabine Broekhoven & Redmer Alma, "[http://www.dbnl.org/tekst/sten009monu04_01/sten009monu04_01_0009.php Appingedam]", ''Monumenten in Nederland: Groningen'', 1998. Retrieved on 27 March 2015.</ref> The Dutch verb ''delven'' means 'to delve' or 'to dig' and the Dutch noun ''zijl'' means 'water outlet' or '[[sluice]]'.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.etymologiebank.nl/trefwoord/delven Delven (graven)], Etymologiebank. Retrieved on 27 March 2015.</ref><ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.etymologiebank.nl/trefwoord/zijl Zijl (waterlozing, sluis)], Etymologiebank. Retrieved on 27 March 2015.</ref> == History == [[File:Delfsiil - Delfzijl (Atlas van Loon).jpg|thumb|Map of the fortifications of Delfzijl from the ''[[Atlas Van Loon]]'' (1649)]] Delfzijl was established at the location where three sluices ({{langx|nl|zijlen}}) were connected. In 1317, a [[sluice]] was built in the Delf, a canal which is now part of the Damsterdiep.<ref>Groninger Archieven, Sint-Geertruidsgasthuis, inv.nr. 0559 en 0092</ref> Delfzijl has been the main sea port of Groningen since medieval times.<ref>{{cite web |title=Groningen Sea Ports |url=https://www.groningen-seaports.com/en/ |website=Groningen-Seaports |publisher=Groningen Seaports |access-date=13 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Maritime Delfzijl |url=https://eemsdelta.groningen.nl/en/about-the-region/maritime-delfzijl |website=Eems Delta Groningen |publisher=Eems Delta |access-date=13 October 2020}}</ref> In 1580, a square [[Sconce (fortification)|sconce]] and a church were built in Delfzijl. Fortification was expanded with six [[bastion]]s in 1591. Also In 1591 Prince [[Maurice of Orange]] visited the port with a fleet of 150 ships which saw the [[Capture of Delfzijl|capture of the city]] from the Spanish by a combined Dutch and English army. Following this an unsuccessful attempt was made in 1594 by [[Francisco Verdugo]] to capture the fortress Delfzijl. In 1628 [[Piet Hein (Netherlands)|Piet Hein]] moored his silver fleet at Delfzijl.<ref>{{cite web|title=Farmsum Monuments|url=http://www.vanderkrogt.net/standbeelden/object.php?record=GR05as|access-date=22 September 2015}}</ref> The first sea battle in the [[Eighty Years' War]] was fought nearby in 1658 in the Eems estuary between Dutch forces under Jan Abels and Spanish forces under François van Boshuizen. A fleet of Dutch ships from the West Indies landed here in 1665 under command of admiral [[Michiel de Ruyter]], avoiding the English fleet that was blockading the Dutch coast. The fortification and the sluices were damaged during the [[Christmas Flood of 1717]]. In 1813–1814, the French held the city, while it was [[Siege of Delfzijl|under siege]] by the Dutch. The fortifications were removed in 1875,<ref name="delfzijlmonuments"/> making room for the train station, and leaving one branch of the moat for recreational purposes, with ice skating in some years. The town was damaged in World War II, and artifacts of the battle can be found in monuments, bunkers, and old armored vehicles usually on display, but disrupted now since 2017 by a major reconstruction of the water front area. Nearby a group of museums attractively landscaped near woodlands and an indoor public swimming pool, an aquarium, and a sea dike, are also affected by the construction intending to make Delfzijl a better tourist attraction after the construction and more secure from sea flooding.<ref>{{cite web|title=Delfzijl museums and aquarium |url=http://www.muzeeaquarium.nl/Home_en.php |access-date=17 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150818005951/http://www.muzeeaquarium.nl/Home_en.php |archive-date=18 August 2015 }}</ref> Delfzijl sits at an elevation above low tide, and usually above high tide except for a few days per year. The town is protected by dikes and gates that can be opened to let water out at low tide, and closed to prevent flooding at high tide. When normal draining at low tide is not sufficient [http://wikimapia.org/8930115/Pumping-Station-De-Drie-Delfzijlen water is pumped] near Delfzijl at Farmsum in a modern pumping station that replaced the historical [[Pumping station|old pump house]] in the 1970s. The possibility of rising sea level is a large concern in Delfzijl, and storms have occasionally splashed water over the sea dikes in recent years<ref>{{cite web|title=Extreme Water Levels|url=http://www.tbm.tudelft.nl/fileadmin/Faculteit/CiTG/Over_de_faculteit/Afdelingen/Afdeling_Waterbouwkunde/sectie_waterbouwkunde/people/personal/gelder/publications/papers/doc/S-182.pdf|access-date=17 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127052710/http://www.tbm.tudelft.nl/fileadmin/Faculteit/CiTG/Over_de_faculteit/Afdelingen/Afdeling_Waterbouwkunde/sectie_waterbouwkunde/people/personal/gelder/publications/papers/doc/S-182.pdf|archive-date=27 November 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> causing the dike to be raised starting in 2017. Traditional industries of grain milling, paper made from straw, and bricks made from clay have given way to newer industries and technologies. Colonial days are remembered in Delfzijl by Indonesian food and a variety of minority groups who are integrated into the community.<ref>{{cite web |title=The New Diversity |url=https://esaforum.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Netherlands-WRR-2018-V38SummaryThenewdiversity.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924183548/https://esaforum.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Netherlands-WRR-2018-V38SummaryThenewdiversity.pdf |archive-date=2020-09-24 |url-status=live |website=esaforum |publisher=Netherlands-WRR |access-date=13 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Demographic Change in the Netherlands |url=https://www.oecd.org/cfe/leed/Demo_change_netherlands_highlights.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017000730/http://www.oecd.org/cfe/leed/Demo_change_netherlands_highlights.pdf |archive-date=2013-10-17 |url-status=live |website=OECD.org |publisher=OECD |access-date=13 October 2020}}</ref> On the edge of Delfzijl, and easily approached on foot or by bicycle across new parks and wood lands, the church at Uitwierde with its free standing tower dates from about the year 1200.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Versloot-kartografy|first1=[tekst en fotogr.] Peter Karstkarel ; [krt.|title=Alle middeleeuwse kerken : van Harlingen tot Wilhelmshaven|date=2007|publisher=Noordboek|location=[Groningen]|isbn=978-9033005589|edition=2. dr.}}</ref> The church sits on a historic protected artificial mound that dates from antiquity, and was necessary before dikes were built. The church pipe organ dates from 1888 and was moved from Heveskes<ref>{{cite web|title=Heveskes|url=http://www.oosterhoek.com/Kerken/images/Heveskes/kerk%20Heveskes.html|access-date=18 September 2015}}</ref> in 1975. In the area are a few estates and manor houses with historic restaurants of interest as well as numerous farm houses and villages with old churches of historic interest. Industrial expansion in the 1970s and 1980s displaced old villages of Weiwerd<ref>ANWB Topografische Atlas Nederland, Topografische Dienst and ANWB, 2005</ref> and Heveskes<ref>{{cite web|title=Weiwerd|url=http://mapcarta.com/17853906|access-date=21 September 2015}}</ref> which are remembered in photos and local monuments maintained by previous residents. Foundations of a ruined monastery were discovered in the excavations of Heveskes mound,<ref>J.W. Boersma, 'Een voorlopig overzicht van het archeologisch onderzoek van de wierde Heveskesklooster (Gr.)', in: M. Bierma, A.T. Clason, E. Kramer en G.J. de Langen (red.), Terpen en wierden in het Fries-Groningse gebied (Groningen 1988) 61-87.</ref> together with a monolithic tomb dated from 3400 BC which was disrupted about 2200 BC and was displayed in the Aquarium Museum at Delfzijl, until recent developments caused the building to be demolished. The monastery was mentioned in records of 1319, and was destroyed in war in 1586. The village of Oterdum<ref>{{cite web|title=Oterdum|url=http://mapcarta.com/17844096|access-date=21 September 2015}}</ref> which was built against an older section of sea dike was flooded occasionally by storms and was demolished in the 1970s for raising the dike elevation. Coffins traditionally buried in the old dike were moved to Farmsum, leaving monuments in the enlarged dike to commemorate the village and cemetery. A few Kilometers farther down the coast are the villages of Borgsweer<ref>{{cite web|title=Borgsweer|url=http://mapcarta.com/17862892|access-date=21 September 2015}}</ref> and Termunten<ref>{{cite web|title=Termunten|url=http://mapcarta.com/17838534|access-date=21 September 2015}}</ref> that give some idea of the traditional land use before industrial expansion. Nearby at Termunterzijl<ref>{{cite web|title=Termunterzijl|url=http://mapcarta.com/17838530|access-date=21 September 2015}}</ref> is located a gate in the sea dike and a small marina inside the fresh water harbor, giving an idea of how Delfzijl looked in the early years. == Geography == [[File:Gem-Delfzijl-OpenTopo.jpg|thumb|2015 map of the municipality]] Delfzijl is located at {{Coord|53|20|N|6|55|E}} in the northeast of the province of [[Groningen (province)|Groningen]], in the northeast of the Netherlands. It is situated on the southwest bank of the [[Ems (river)|Ems]] [[estuary]], which forms the border with Germany. Delfzijl was bordered by the Dutch municipalities of [[Eemsmond]] (in the northwest), [[Loppersum]] (west), [[Appingedam]] (west), [[Slochteren]] (southwest), [[Oldambt (municipality)|Oldambt]] (south), and by the German municipalities of [[Emden]] (east) and [[Krummhörn]] (northeast). The former municipality contained the population centres: {{div col|colwidth=10em}} * [[Bierum]] * [[Biessum]] * [[Borgsweer]] * Delfzijl * [[Farmsum]] * [[Godlinze]] * [[Holwierde]] * [[Krewerd]] * [[Losdorp]] * [[Meedhuizen]] * [[Spijk, Groningen|Spijk]] * [[Termunten]] * [[Termunterzijl]] * [[Uitwierde]] * [[Wagenborgen]] * [[Weiwerd]] * [[Woldendorp]] {{div col end}} == Economy == {{More citations needed section|date=October 2015}} [[File:Haven Delfzijl.jpg|thumb|[[Port of Delfzijl]] in 2011]] [[File:Chemie Park2 Delfzijl.jpg|thumb|Chemie Park Delfzijl in 2011]] The [[Port of Delfzijl]] is the fifth biggest [[seaport]] in the Netherlands and the home of an [[aluminium]] plant run by the company Aluminium Delfzijl (part of [[Corus Group|Tata Steel Europe]]). In 2004 the [[smelter]] produced a record 112,400 [[tonne]]s of liquid [[aluminium]]. The [[foundry]] produced 157,700 tonnes of raw product. Natural gas and petroleum fields in the area encourage industries to locate in the industrial zones. Delfzijl is also known for its chemical industry and a large [[salt production]] plant held by [[AkzoNobel]] . On the edge of the town lies an industrial site with an area of 3 square kilometers which is one of the biggest employers in the area. This site is responsible for the second largest quantity of exported chemicals in the Netherlands (after [[Rotterdam]]), and is known for its major exports of [[chlorine]] and related products. Favorable winds are used to make electricity in modern wind turbines located away from the historical districts. The old wind mills are only used on special occasions. A modern fresh water shipping canal connects Delfzijl with Groningen City<ref>{{cite web|title=Eemskanaal|url=http://www.provinciegroningen.nl/loket/kaarten/vaarwegen/eemskanaal/|access-date=18 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092553/http://www.provinciegroningen.nl/loket/kaarten/vaarwegen/eemskanaal/|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=dead}}</ref> and most of The Netherlands, bypassing the historical canals that are used for recreation. Delfzijl has a strong tradition of seafaring and there is a specialized school to train employees for the shipping industry located nearby in the fresh water port area<ref>{{cite web|title=Sea Faring School|url=http://monumentenregister.cultureelerfgoed.nl/php/main.php?cAction=search&sCompMonNr=516191|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140407000232/http://monumentenregister.cultureelerfgoed.nl/php/main.php?cAction=search&sCompMonNr=516191|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 7, 2014|access-date=18 September 2015}}</ref> established in 1930. After some years at sea the graduates are highly regarded and recruited by local industry where they work as factory operators, mechanics, supervisors, or practical engineers. The inland fresh water port is extensive with several canals coming together, making a sheltered loading area and facilities for hauling out smaller ships for refitting and inspections. Farmlands occupy most of the region producing potatoes, sugar beets, oil seeds, grain, dairy products, cattle and wool making Delfzijl a local market town and adding to the economy. Much commerce occurs with the agricultural center in Veendam that previously operated a chamber of commerce for the region.<ref>{{cite web|title=Closing Of Veendam Chamber Of Commerce|date=18 June 2009 |url=http://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/82629/Kamer-van-Koophandel-in-Veendam-sluit-deuren|access-date=18 September 2015}}</ref> Building of small ships occurs along modern canals in nearby [[Winschoterdiep|Winschoten]], with rail and ship connections to Germany, adding to the commercial traffic around Delfzijl. Fishing is done in the shallow seas with some of the boats operating out of Delfzijl and Farmsum harbor where much inland shipping is also handled.<ref>{{cite web|title=Farmsumer Haven|url=https://binnenvaartnet.nl/nl/locatie/delfzijl-farmsumerhaven/|access-date=18 September 2015}}</ref> An old sea gate at Farmsum was replaced by newer gates nearby leaving a sheltered inland harbor. Low tide exposes extensive mud flats that add to tourism and environmental activities. Delfzijl is a bird sanctuary during high tides that cover the feeding grounds with sea water. Considerable lumber is imported to supplement domestic supplies. A wide variety of cargoes from all over the world are handled by the port, which also receives visiting navy ships from NATO countries. Delfzijl harbors can accommodate boats of various types as well as small to medium-sized ships. Large ships can be handled in the new Eemshaven port<ref>{{cite web|title=Eemshaven|url=http://www.groningen-seaports.com/DeHavens/Eemshaven/tabid/2154/language/en-US/Default.aspx|access-date=18 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127070016/http://www.groningen-seaports.com/DeHavens/Eemshaven/tabid/2154/language/en-US/Default.aspx|archive-date=2015-11-27|url-status=dead}}</ref> near by at the mouth of the Eems estuary. Together the two harbors are promoted as industrial development areas under the name Groningen Province Sea Ports. The two ports give regular service to north sea petroleum production and staging grounds for new constructions in the north sea fields. ==Transportation== [[File:Delfzijl station voorkant.jpg|thumb|[[Delfzijl railway station]] in 2009]] There are two railway stations in municipality giving frequent service to Groningen and points in between, with connections to other locations: *[[Delfzijl railway station]] *[[Delfzijl West railway station]] A branch of the railroad tracks passes through gates in the sea dike to serve the harbor area and near by industries. The regional airport of [[Groningen Airport Eelde|Groningen at Eelde]] serves Delfzijl and the surrounding areas. Local and regional busses connect Delfzijl to outlying villages and other towns. The large trucking company Lommerts has offices and terminals in Delfzijl harbor area connecting with sea going traffic.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lommertz Delfzijl|url=http://www.oudedaf.nl/transportbedrijf_lommerts_uit_delzijl.htm|access-date=20 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305163319/http://www.oudedaf.nl/transportbedrijf_lommerts_uit_delzijl.htm|archive-date=2016-03-05|url-status=dead}}</ref> Modern highways link Delfzijl with destinations in Europe, and easy access to inland resort areas near [[Gieten]] in [[Drenthe]] on weekends. A system of old and new draw bridges manages the flow of traffic across canals and around locks where water level is raised and lowered. Parking space is provided in various places, some of which impose a time limit and require a permit that can be purchased inexpensively.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parkeerschijf|url=http://www.hema.nl/winkel/hobby-en-vrije-tijd/vakantie-en-onderweg/reizen-en-onderweg/auto-artikelen/parkeerschijf-(41707003)|access-date=18 September 2015}}</ref> Some parking permits are also valid in other places of The Netherlands and foreign countries. Delfzijl provides bicycle paths and traffic signals for pedestrians and cyclists. Special permissions and permits apply to small motor bikes not more than 50cc motor displacement or electric power not more than 4 kilowatts traveling not more than 45 kilometers per hour and within the local speed limit on streets and roads where they are allowed. Other permissions apply to larger motorbikes which are usually found with automobile traffic. Many people prefer to walk in Delfzijl which is made possible by reasonable distances, low crime rate, and mild maritime climate that is often cloudy, cool, wet, and windy. ==Events== [[File:Delfsail09 1.JPG|thumb|Ships at [[DelfSail]] in 2009]] Every five years the city organises [[DelfSail]],<ref>{{cite web|title=DelfSail|url=http://www.delfsail.nl/|access-date=18 September 2015}}</ref> the second-largest sailing event of the Netherlands after [[SAIL Amsterdam]]. Part of the sea harbor near the center of Delfzijl is open to public on Sundays and special events are occasionally held when the heavy machinery is not moving and the sea gates are not closed. Annually the "Pinksterfeesten" (Whitsunfestivities or Pentecost Festival) are organised in the city. Delfzijl is seeing a strong resurgence in the Dutch economy as the physical centerpoint of Energy Valley. This is the result of a strategic collaboration with the German town of [[Emden]] on the other side of the Eems Estuary, and North Sea natural gas that comes on shore near Delfzijl. ==Society== Delfzijl has a cultural center with meeting rooms, cinema, theater, and concert hall near the central wind mill for live performances and films, with additional cultural facilities in Groningen. Education is available for people of all ages including those who travel to nearby Groningen University.<ref>{{cite web |title=Groningen University |url=https://www.rug.nl/?lang=en |website=rug.nl |date = 16 June 2017|publisher=Groningen University |access-date=13 October 2020}}</ref> Parents of school aged children participate in school activities several times a year around national holidays and school year schedules. Affordable health care is provided to everyone in, clinics, house calls, at a local hospital, and at the Groningen Academic Hospital which was established in 1797.<ref>{{cite web|title=University Metical Center Groningen|date = August 2012|url=http://www.rug.nl/umcg/?lang=en|access-date=18 September 2015}}</ref> Government officials are mostly [[King's Commissioner|appointed]] and operate with advice of elected local councils and parliaments in Groningen and The Hague. Authorities for public safety, city services, oversight of industry, harbor control, and management of water levels have a strong presence in Delfzijl and can call on assistance from trained volunteers when needed. Many political parties are active in Delfzijl, with much support given to labor, business, education, religious views, family values, and environmental protection. Small business shop keepers have a large influence on the city. There is much freedom of speech and action for people who are respectful of laws and authorities. Many social activities take place in cafes, pubs, churches, and sports clubs. The residents keep their window blinds open at home in celebration of long lasting peace, but are otherwise protective of privacy.<ref>{{cite web |title=10 surprises Dutch homes have for new arrivals |url=https://www.dutchnews.nl/features/2016/11/10-surprises-dutch-homes-have-for-new-arrivals/ |website=dutchnews.nl |date=17 November 2016 |publisher=Dutch News |access-date=13 October 2020}}</ref> Most religious activities of Delfzijl are in the Dutch Protestant Established (Hervormde Kerk) or Reformed (Gereformeerde Kerk) churches,<ref>{{cite web|title=Churches in Delfzijl|url=http://www.kerkendelfzijl.nl/|access-date=18 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801220806/http://kerkendelfzijl.nl/|archive-date=1 August 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> with notable minorities active in Catholic, Lutheran, and Baptist churches. Most of the churches in Delfzijl are joined in local and national organizations, although they retain much of their individual character. Salvation army is also active and included in the churches organization. A number of national holidays are celebrated each year, the biggest are Christmas, Easter, and the King's Birthday.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dutch Holidays|url=http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/netherlands/|access-date=20 September 2015}}</ref> Sports facilities are available and boating is popular in the sea, canals, and near by lakes. Housing and commerce in Delfzijl is a blending of old and new facilities with architectural attention given to the unity and harmony of the town's appearance. New housing on the north side and west side of Delfzijl retain elements of traditional styles while providing modern facilities. Ownership in different parts of Delfzijl is also a blend of private and public property. Modern Dutch language is understood everywhere and young educated people speak English, German, and French. Gronings dialect is found routinely spoken in outlying villages,<ref>{{cite web|title=Gronings Dialect|url=http://www.mijnwoordenboek.nl/dialect/gronings|access-date=21 September 2015}}</ref> resembling old dialects along the coast nearby in Germany and Denmark. Local television carries Dutch and popular broadcasts from other countries and languages. Delfzijl is accustomed to receiving visitors and guest workers from foreign countries. ==People from Delfzijl== [[File:Ingrid van Engelshoven (cropped).jpg|140px|thumb|Ingrid van Engelshoven, 2017]] * [[Gerard Diephuis]] (1817 in Farmsum – 1892) a Dutch jurist and academic * [[Anette Poelman]] (1853 in Holwierde - 1914) a Dutch suffragist and philanthropist * [[Willem de Mérode]] (1887 in Spijk – 1939) pseudonym of the Dutch poet, ''Willem Eduard Keuning'' * [[Allard Oosterhuis]] (1902–1967), [[Dutch resistance]] hero during [[World War II]] * [[Bonno Spieker]] (1935–2017), a former ship's engineer, later a politician * [[Lenie 't Hart]] (born 1941 in Farmsum) a Dutch animal caretaker and animal rights activist * [[Ivo Opstelten]] (born 1944) a retired Dutch politician and jurist, Mayor of Delfzijl 1980/87 * [[Henk van Hoof]] (born 1947) a retired politician, former naval officer and Mayor of Delfzijl 2003/4 * [[Janneke Snijder-Hazelhoff]] (born 1952) a Dutch farmer and politician * [[Ingrid van Engelshoven]] (born 1966), politician, [[management consultant]] and former [[civil servant]] * [[Florentijn Hofman]] (born 1977), a Dutch artist who creates playful urban installations [[File:Jan Huberts.jpg|140px|thumb|Jan Huberts, 1962]] === Sport === * [[Jan Huberts]] (1937–2016), [[Grand Prix motorcycle racing|Grand Prix]] motorcycle road racer * [[Jan Boven]] (born 1972), former [[Road bicycle racer|road cyclist]] * [[Bob Mulder]] (born 1974), former footballer with 117 club caps * [[Loes Markerink]] (born 1985), road cyclist * [[Mart Dijkstra]] (born 1990), a Dutch footballer, over 200 club caps ==International relations== Delfzijl is [[town twinning|twinned]] with: {| class="wikitable" |- valign="top" | *{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Shūnan, Yamaguchi]], Japan |} ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== *{{Commons category-inline|Delfzijl}} *{{wikivoyage-inline|Delfzijl}} {{Dutch municipality Eemsdelta}} {{Dutch municipality Delfzijl}} {{Authority control}} [[Category:Cities in the Netherlands]] [[Category:Former municipalities of Groningen (province)]] [[Category:Populated places in Groningen (province)]] [[Category:Port cities and towns in the Netherlands]] [[Category:Port cities and towns of the North Sea]] [[Category:Municipalities of the Netherlands disestablished in 2021]] [[Category:Populated coastal places in the Netherlands]] [[Category:Eemsdelta]]
Edit summary
(Briefly describe your changes)
By publishing changes, you agree to the
Terms of Use
, and you irrevocably agree to release your contribution under the
CC BY-SA 4.0 License
and the
GFDL
. You agree that a hyperlink or URL is sufficient attribution under the Creative Commons license.
Cancel
Editing help
(opens in new window)
Pages transcluded onto the current version of this page
(
help
)
:
Template:Authority control
(
edit
)
Template:Cite book
(
edit
)
Template:Cite web
(
edit
)
Template:Commons category-inline
(
edit
)
Template:Coord
(
edit
)
Template:Div col
(
edit
)
Template:Div col end
(
edit
)
Template:Dutch municipality Delfzijl
(
edit
)
Template:Dutch municipality Eemsdelta
(
edit
)
Template:Flagicon
(
edit
)
Template:IPA
(
edit
)
Template:In lang
(
edit
)
Template:Infobox settlement
(
edit
)
Template:Langx
(
edit
)
Template:More citations needed section
(
edit
)
Template:Reflist
(
edit
)
Template:Wikivoyage-inline
(
edit
)