Changing street names are the mirror of a struggling past.
The recent wave of street renaming brings to the surface a complex debate about how society deals with its colonial past. This discussion, which stretches from Nootmeskaatstraat in Amsterdam to Cyriel Verschaevestraat in Breendonk, Belgium, marks a significant moment in history and culture.
A remarkable change in the street scene is unfolding in the heart of Amsterdam West. The new construction project Marktkwartier West, which is part of a large-scale urban renewal, has recently introduced a series of new street names. These names, such as Saffraanlaan and Salieplein, reflect a conscious choice to move away from historically loaded names. This decision arouses both praise and criticism.
The Nootmekaatstraat, once an inconspicuous name in the city, recently did not pass the strict selection of the municipality, leading to a broader discussion about the role of colonial history in contemporary Netherlands. Historians and policymakers are struggling with the question of how to deal with the legacy of figures such as Jan Pieterszoon Coen, whose name is linked to both national pride and colonial atrocities.
You've probably come across a street name and thought: who came up with this?!
This discussion is not unique to the Netherlands. In Belgium, Cyriel Verschaevestraat, named after a World War II figure, has stirred similar emotions and debates. In Breendonk, known for its painful war history, a mini referendum among residents led to the retention of the street name. This illustrates the complexity of the matter, where historical perception and practical considerations intersect.
In this context, action groups are calling for a more representative reflection of society in street names, with special attention to the recognition of women. These groups strive for a fairer and more inclusive streetscape, which shows that the discussion about street names goes beyond just the colonial past.
The debate around renaming streets is a reflection of a broader social question: how do we deal with our past? Should we rewrite or hide the darkest pages of our history, or is there a way to acknowledge and learn from them? The answer to this question is not yet clear, but the ongoing discussion shows that society continues to seek a balance between memory and progression.
