Editing Molenbeek-Saint-Jean

{{Short description|Municipality of the Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium}}
{{Redirect|Molenbeek}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox Belgium municipality
|namefr          = Molenbeek-Saint-Jean
|namenl          = Sint-Jans-Molenbeek
|picture         = Gemeentehuis St Jans Molenbeek.jpg
|picture-legend  = [[Molenbeek-Saint-Jean Municipal Hall|Molenbeek's Municipal Hall]] seen from the {{lang|fr|Place Communale|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Gemeenteplein|italic=no}}
|map             = Molenbeek-Saint-Jean Brussels-Capital Belgium Map.svg
|map-legend      = Molenbeek municipality in the Brussels-Capital Region
|arms            = Blason Molenbeek Saint Jean.svg
|flag            = Molenbeek-Saint-Jean_Belgium.svg
|flag_link       = Symbols of Brussels#Municipalities
|arms_link       = Symbols of Brussels#Municipalities
|region          = {{BE-REG-BRU}}
|community       = {{BE-FR}}<br>{{BE-NL}}
|province        = 
|arrondissement  = [[Arrondissement of Brussels-Capital|Brussels-Capital]]
|nis             = 21012
|pyramid-date    =
|0-19            = 
|20–64           = 
|65              =
|foreigners      =
|foreigners-date =
|mayor           = {{Interlanguage link|Catherine Moureaux|fr}} ([[Socialist Party (francophone Belgium)|PS]])
|majority        = [[Parti Socialiste (Belgium)|PS]] – [[Mouvement Réformateur|MR]]
|postal-codes    = 1080
|telephone-area  = 02
|web             = [http://www.molenbeek.irisnet.be/fr molenbeek.irisnet.be/fr] {{in lang|fr}}<br>[http://www.molenbeek.irisnet.be/nl molenbeek.irisnet.be/nl] {{in lang|nl}}
|coordinates     = {{coord|50|51|28|N|04|18|57|E|region:BE|display=inline,title}}
}}

'''{{lang|fr|Molenbeek-Saint-Jean|italic=no}}''' ([[French language|French]], {{IPA|fr|molœnbek sɛ̃ ʒɑ̃, -bɛk -|pron|LL-Q150 (fra)-Madehub-Molenbeek-Saint-Jean.wav}}) or '''{{lang|nl|Sint-Jans-Molenbeek|italic=no}}''' ([[Dutch language|Dutch]], {{IPA|nl|sɪɲˈtɕɑns ˈmoːlə(m)ˌbeːk|pron|Nl-Sint-Jans-Molenbeek.ogg}}), often simply called '''Molenbeek''', is one of the [[List of municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region|19 municipalities]] of the [[Brussels-Capital Region]], Belgium. Located in the western part of the region, it is bordered by the [[City of Brussels]], from which it is separated by the [[Brussels–Charleroi Canal]], as well as by the municipalities of [[Anderlecht]], [[Sint-Agatha-Berchem|Berchem-Sainte-Agathe]], [[Dilbeek]], [[Jette]], and [[Koekelberg]]. The Molenbeek brook, from which it takes its name, flows through the municipality.{{sfn|Demanet|De Zuttere|2023|p=6–7}} In common with all of Brussels' municipalities, it is legally [[Multilingualism|bilingual]] (French–Dutch).

From its origins in the [[Middle Ages]] until the 18th century, Molenbeek was a rural village on the edge of Brussels, but around the turn of the 19th century, it experienced major growth brought on by a boom in commerce and manufacturing during the [[Industrial Revolution]].{{sfn|Charruadas|2005}}{{sfn|Steffens|2007}}<ref name=":2" /> Its prosperity declined after the [[Second World War]], owing to [[deindustrialisation]], leading to extensive investment and regeneration. Experiencing a strong movement of immigration, mainly [[Moroccans in Belgium|Moroccan]], from the 1950s and 1960s, Molenbeek became increasingly [[Multiculturalism|multicultural]] with a minority [[Islam in Belgium|Muslim population]].{{sfn|Torrekens|2007}}<ref name=":9">{{cite web|title=781.887 musulmans vivent en Belgique: découvrez la carte, commune par commune|url=http://www.sudinfo.be/art/1580627/article/2016-05-24/781887-musulmans-vivent-en-belgique-decouvrez-la-carte-commune-par-commune|access-date=2021-09-26|website=sudinfo.be|language=fr}}</ref> In the 2010s, it gained international attention as the [[Brussels ISIL terror cell|base]] for [[Islamic terrorism|Islamist terrorists]] who carried out attacks in both [[November 2015 Paris attacks|Paris]] and [[2016 Brussels bombings|Brussels]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/03/brussels-attacks-terrorist-safe-haven-213768 |title=My Journey To Brussels' Terrorist Safe Haven |first=Matthew |last=Levitt |work=[[Politico]] |date=27 March 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35890960 |title=Brussels attacks: Molenbeek's gangster jihadists|publisher=BBC|date=24 March 2016 |access-date=13 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the-belgian-neighborhood-indelibly-linked-to-jihad/2015/11/15/02bba49c-8b39-11e5-bd91-d385b244482f_story.html |title=The Belgian neighborhood indelibly linked to jihad|newspaper=The Washington Post|date= 15 November 2015 |access-date=13 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/beleaguered-molenbeek-struggles-to-fend-off-jihadist-recruiters/ |title=Beleaguered Molenbeek struggles to fend off jihadist recruiters|work=The Times of Israel |date=3 April 2016 |access-date=13 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20151116_01972505 |title=World points to "jihad Capital" Molenbeek|work=Het Nieuwsblad|date=16 November 2015 |access-date=13 April 2016}}</ref>

Molenbeek is a mostly residential municipality consisting of several historically and architecturally distinct districts.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":11" /> {{As of|2024|1|1}}, the municipality had a population of 98,365 inhabitants.<ref name="IBSA">{{Cite web |title=Molenbeek-Saint-Jean {{!}} IBSA |url=https://ibsa.brussels/chiffres/chiffres-cles-par-commune/molenbeek-saint-jean |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=ibsa.brussels}}</ref> The total area is {{convert|6.02|km2|abbr=on}}, which gives a [[population density]] of {{convert|16352|PD/km2|abbr=on}}, twice the average of Brussels.<ref name="IBSA" /> Its upper area is greener and less densely populated.

==Toponymy==

===Etymology===
[[File:Bruxelles - Porte de Flandre - Porte du Rivage - Carte de Ferraris.jpg|right|thumb|The village of Molenbeek (spelled ''Meulebeeck'') marked on the 18th-century [[Ferraris map]]]]

The name ''Molenbeek'' derives from two Dutch words: ''{{lang|nl|molen}}'', meaning "mill", and ''{{lang|nl|beek}}'', meaning "brook";{{sfn|Marchand|2018|p=10}}<ref name="wagner">Anne-Cécile Wagner, ''Molenbeek entre moulins et ruisseau'', ''Le Soir'' (in French), 15 July 2005</ref> and could be literally translated as "Millbrook" in English.{{sfn|Demanet|De Zuttere|2023|p=7}} It is a very common name for brooks in the Netherlands and Belgium, such as the [[Molenbeek (Erpe-Mere Bovenschelde)]], as well as the [[Molenbeek-Ter Erpenbeek]], both in the [[Denderstreek]], Belgium.

Although first applied to the brook that flowed through the village,{{sfn|Demanet|De Zuttere|2023|p=6–7}} the name ''Molenbeek'' (originally spelled ''Molembecca'') eventually came to be used to designate the village itself, around the year 985.<ref name="wagner" /> The [[suffix]] {{lang|fr|Saint-Jean}} in French or {{lang|nl|Sint-Jans}} in Dutch, meaning "Saint John", refers to the [[parish]]'s [[patron saint]], [[John the Baptist|Saint John the Baptist]],{{sfn|Marchand|2018|p=10}} though it is seldom used in everyday speech, today's inhabitants—whether French or Dutch speaking—usually shortening the name to simply ''Molenbeek''.{{sfn|Steffens|2007}}

===Pronunciation===
In French, {{lang|fr|Molenbeek-Saint-Jean}} is pronounced {{IPA|fr|molənbeːk sɛ̃ ʒɑ̃|}}, and in Dutch, {{lang|nl|Sint-Jans-Molenbeek}} is pronounced {{IPA|nl|sɪɲˈtɕɑns ˈmoːlə(m)ˌbeːk||Nl-Sint-Jans-Molenbeek.ogg}} (in both languages, the "-beek" is pronounced like "bake" in English). Inhabitants of Molenbeek are known in French as {{lang|fr|Molenbeekois}} (pronounced {{IPA|fr|molənbeːkwa|}}) and in Dutch as {{lang|nl|Molenbeekenaars}} (pronounced {{IPA|nl|ˈmoːlə(m)ˌbeːkənaːrs|}}). In France, the pronunciations {{IPA|fr|molənbɛk sɛ̃ ʒɑ̃|}} ("-beek" like "beck" in English) and {{IPA|fr|molənbɛkwa|}} (for {{lang|fr|molenbeekois}}) are often heard, but are rather rare in Belgium. The dialectal forms ''Muilebeik'' and ''Meulebeik'' are still used by older adults of Belgian ancestry, whilst the abbreviations ''Molen'' and ''Molem'' are common among younger speakers.{{sfn|Steffens|2007}}

==History==

===Rural beginnings===
As early as the 9th century, Molenbeek was the site of [[Church of St. John the Baptist, Molenbeek|a church]] dedicated to [[John the Baptist|Saint John the Baptist]]. The parish boundaries of St. John's Church were much greater than today, reaching as far as the river [[Senne (river)|Senne]],{{sfn|Verbesselt|1965|p=159–199}}{{sfn|Onclincx|1977|p=34}} and from the end of the 12th century, included a chapel dedicated to [[Catherine of Alexandria|Saint Catherine]].{{sfn|Lefèvre|1942|p=206–208}} This chapel was split off from the rest of the parish following the construction of [[Fortifications of Brussels#Second walls|Brussels' second city walls]] and gradually became the current [[Church of St. Catherine, Brussels|Church of St. Catherine]] in the {{lang|fr|Sainte-Catherine|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Sint Katelijne|italic=no}} neighbourhood of Brussels.{{sfn|Laurent|1963|p=161–235}}{{sfn|Onclincx|1977|p=34}} The first documented mention of Molenbeek was made on 9 April 1174 in a [[papal bull]] by [[Pope Alexander III]] listing the property of the [[chapter (religion)|chapter]] of the [[Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula|Collegiate Church of St. Michael and St. Gudula]] (now Brussels' cathedral), which included St. John's Church, as well as other property.{{sfn|Onclincx|1977|p=34–35}}{{sfn|Marchand|2018|p=10}}{{sfn|Demanet|De Zuttere|2023|p=3}} The [[Saint John the Baptist at the Béguinage|Brussels Beguinage]], founded before 1247 outside the city walls,{{sfn|Mardaga|1989|p=104}} also depended on Molenbeek.

[[File:Saint John’s Dancers in Molenbeeck’ (1592) by Pieter Brueghel II.jpg|left|thumb|''Saint John's Dancers in Molenbeeck''', [[Pieter Brueghel the Younger]], 1592]]

In the early [[Middle Ages]], Molenbeek was known for its miraculous spring of [[Gertrude of Nivelles|Saint Gertrude of Nivelles]], the mythical founder of [[Nivelles Abbey]], which attracted thousands of pilgrims.{{sfn|Onclincx|1977|p=34–35}} According to legend, she visited Molenbeek and offered the land on which the village's first church was built,{{sfn|Onclincx|1977|p=34}} and allegedly caused this sacred spring to spur out by ramming her abbess's [[crosier]] into the ground near the church.<ref name=":2" /> Later, the tradition of a special pilgrimage for patients with [[epilepsy]] developed around St. John's Church. On St. John's Day (24 June), a dancing procession took place, in which epileptics could be freed from their illness for a year if they crossed a bridge over the Molenbeek brook towards the church without their feet touching the ground. A painting by [[Pieter Brueghel the Younger]], dating from 1592, illustrates this procession.{{sfn|Onclincx|1977|p=35}}{{sfn|Marchand|2018|p=13}}<ref name=":2" />

Molenbeek was made part of [[Brussels]] in the 13th century. As a result, the agricultural village lost a lot of its land to its more powerful neighbour.{{sfn|Marchand|2018|p=16}} In addition, St. John's Church was dismantled in 1578 during the [[Calvinism|Calvinist]] Republic of Brussels, which lasted from 1577 to 1585, leading to further decline, though it was later rebuilt on the same spot. The town's aspect remained mostly rural until the 18th century.{{sfn|Marchand|2018|p=18–21}}{{sfn|Demanet|De Zuttere|2023|p=3–4}}

===Industrialisation===
[[File:Lithographie-Walter-1855-Bruxelles.jpg|right|thumb|View into Brussels along the [[Brussels–Charleroi Canal]] from Molenbeek, {{circa|1855}}]]

At the end of the 18th century, the [[Industrial Revolution]] brought prosperity back to Molenbeek through commerce and manufacturing.{{sfn|Marchand|2018|p=18–21}} In 1795, under the [[French First Republic|French regime]], the town regained its status as an independent municipality.{{sfn|Onclincx|1977|p=34}}{{sfn|Marchand|2018|p=16}}{{sfn|Demanet|De Zuttere|2023|p=8}} Around that time, Molenbeek experienced its first wave of [[urbanization|urbanisation]] with the development of a neighbourhood, known as the ''Faubourg Saint-Martin'', around a number of streets to the immediate west of the [[City of Brussels]], as well as another, the ''Faubourg de Flandre'', a little more to the north.{{sfn|Marchand|2018|p=18–21}}{{sfn|Demanet|De Zuttere|2023|p=10}}

During the first quarter of the 19th century, several hundred workers were employed in Molenbeek's chemical and textile industries.{{sfn|Charruadas|2005}} In total, there were fifty companies in Molenbeek in 1829. The opening of the [[Brussels–Charleroi Canal]] in 1832 greatly increased the traffic of [[coal]] and thus the [[mechanization|mechanisation]] of industry, which led to the development of [[foundry|foundries]], engineering and [[metalworking]] companies in the municipality.{{sfn|Charruadas|2005}}{{sfn|Marchand|2018|p=18–21}}{{sfn|Demanet|De Zuttere|2023|p=8–9, 14–26}} Attracted by the industrial opportunities, many workers moved in, first from the other [[Provinces of Belgium|Belgian provinces]] (mainly rural residents from [[Flanders]]){{sfn|Buron|2016|p=80–82}} and France, then from [[Southern Europe]]an, and more recently from [[Eastern Europe]]an and [[Africa]]n countries.{{sfn|Marchand|2018|p=24–25}}

[[File:Eugène Laermans De voddenrapers (1914) 12-02-2010 15-07-38.jpg|left|thumb|{{lang|nl|De voddenrapers}} (''The Trash Pickers''), [[Eugène Laermans]] (1914), with Molenbeek as setting]]

The growth of the community continued unabated throughout the 19th century, leading to cramped living conditions, especially near the canal.{{sfn|Marchand|2018|p=18–21}}{{sfn|Demanet|De Zuttere|2023|p=24–26}} In that period, Molenbeek was dubbed the ''Little [[Manchester]]'' ({{langx|fr|le petit Manchester|link=no}}, {{langx|nl|het Klein Manchester|link=no}}) or the ''Belgian Manchester'' ({{langx|fr|le Manchester belge|link=no}}, {{langx|nl|het Belgisch Manchester|link=no}}), in reference to the [[Northern England|Northern English]] city that led the history of [[industrialization|industrialisation]].{{sfn|Steffens|2007}}<ref name=":2" /> On 5 May 1835, Molenbeek was the departure site of the [[History of rail transport in Belgium|first passenger train]] in [[continental Europe]].{{sfn|Wolmar|2010|p=18–20}}{{sfn|Demanet|De Zuttere|2023|p=14}}<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=http://www.molenbeek.irisnet.be/fr/je-visite/histoire/Histoire%20en%20quelques%20mots|title=Histoire en quelques mots – Français|website=molenbeek.irisnet.be|access-date=2017-01-12}}</ref> At the end of the 19th century, part of the industry, namely the port area, was lost by Molenbeek when Brussels annexed and reintegrated the canal area within [[Port of Brussels|its new port]].{{sfn|Marchand|2018|p=16, 18}}

===20th century===
Until the early 20th century, Molenbeek was a booming [[suburb]] which attracted a large [[Working class|working-class]] population. Remarkable new urban developments and [[Garden city movement|garden cities]] such as the Cité Diongre were built at the beginning of the century to house the influx of newcomers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cité Diongre – Inventaire du patrimoine architectural |url=https://monument.heritage.brussels/fr/buildings/38245 |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=monument.heritage.brussels |language=fr}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2020 |title=Étude de cas. Le quartier rural de Molenbeek-Saint-Jean 1869-1930 |url=https://www.lafonderie.be/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/II._Le_quartier_rural_1869-1930.pdf |access-date=4 June 2023}}</ref> The [[Church of St. John the Baptist, Molenbeek|Church of St. John the Baptist]] was also rebuilt between 1930 and 1932 in [[Art Deco in Brussels|Art Deco]] style to accommodate this growing populace.{{sfn|Demanet|De Zuttere|2023|p=38–39}}<ref name=":5" /> The [[deindustrialization|industrial decline]], however, which had already started before [[World War I]], accelerated after the [[Great Depression]] and [[World War II]].<ref name=":4" />

Following the industrial decline after the war, the old districts bordering the [[City of Brussels]] began to decrease in population. Much of the original Belgian working-class population, when its financial means allowed it, left the lower Molenbeek for Brussels' newly developing suburbs. In this lower part of the town, new immigrant populations moved in, leading to the present-day urban fabric. The [[Population decline|depopulation]] was not addressed until the 1960s through the construction of new residential areas in the then-rural west of the municipality. In the 1990s, this expansion was halted, leaving some woods and meadows in Molenbeek, such as the semi-natural site of the Scheutbos.<ref name=":6">{{cite web|url=http://www.scheutbos.be/|title=Scheutbos: grand espace vert bruxellois|website=scheutbos.be|access-date=2019-09-01}}</ref><ref name=":3" />

[[File:Tour L'Ecluse 1080BXL.jpg|right|thumb|L'Écluse Tower on the {{lang|fr|Boulevard Louis Mettewie|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Louis Mettewielaan|italic=no}}]]

Where Molenbeek was once a centre of intense industrial activity, concentrated around the canal and the railway, most of those industries have disappeared to make way for large-scale [[urban renewal]] following the modernist [[Athens Charter]], such as the L'Écluse Tower along the {{lang|fr|Boulevard Louis Mettewie|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Louis Mettewielaan|italic=no}} in the upper town and the Brunfaut Tower near the canal. In addition, clearance work for the extension of the [[Brussels metro|metro]] in the 1970s and 1980s led to further destruction. In spite of this, Molenbeek has maintained its character to this day. This industrial past is still remembered in [[La Fonderie, Brussels Museum of Industry and Labour|Brussels' Museum of Industry and Labour]], a museum of social and industrial history built on the site of the former [[foundry]] of the ''Compagnie des Bronzes de Bruxelles''.{{sfn|Demanet|De Zuttere|2023|p=18–19}}<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2023-09-14 |title=La Fonderie - Brussels Museum of Industry and Work |url=https://www.brusselsmuseums.be/en/museums/la-fonderie-brussels-museum-of-industry-and-work |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=Brussels Museums |language=en}}</ref>

===21st century===
In some areas of Molenbeek, the ensuing poverty left its mark on the urban landscape and scarred the social life of the community, leading to rising crime rates and pervading cultural intolerance. Various local revitalisation programmes are currently under way, aiming at relieving the municipality's most impoverished districts.<ref name=":11" /> Currently, the local economy is renewing itself, but it is "dominated" by the administrative sector. Alongside large companies such as [[KBC Bank]] and the distribution company [[Delhaize Group|Delhaize]], there are administrations such as that of the Ministry of the [[French Community of Belgium|French Community]] and numerous businesses.<ref name=":2" />

[[File:Projet Bonne - Mariemont.jpg|thumb|left|Project Bonne–Mariemont on the {{lang|fr|Quai de Mariemont|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Mariemontkaai|italic=no}}]]

Attempts at revitalising the municipality have, however, not always been successful. In June 2011, the multinational company [[BBDO]], citing over 150 attacks on their staff by locals, posted an open letter to then-mayor [[Philippe Moureaux]], announcing its withdrawal from the municipality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lacapitale.be/regions/bruxelles/2011-06-17/insecurite-a-molenbeek-la-lettre-de-bbdo-a-moureaux-881494.shtml|title=Insécurité à Molenbeek|date=17 June 2011|language=fr|trans-title=Insecurity in Molenbeek|work=La Capitale|access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref> As a result, serious questions were raised about governance, security and the administration of Moureaux.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.standaard.be/artikel/detail.aspx?artikelid=DMF20110617_133|title=BBDO zwaar ontgoocheld in Moureaux|date=17 June 2011|language=nl|trans-title=BBDO greatly disappointed by Moureaux|work=De Standaard|access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref> Following a general decrease in crime, the company finally decided to remain in Molenbeek.<ref>{{cite web|title=Reclamebureau BBDO: 'Geen incidenten meer'|url=https://www.bruzz.be/samenleving/reclamebureau-bbdo-geen-incidenten-meer-2011-12-14|access-date=2021-09-27|website=bruzz.be|language=nl}}</ref>

====Terrorism====
According to ''[[Le Monde]]'', the assassins who [[Ahmad Shah Massoud#Assassination|killed anti-Taliban commander Ahmed Shah Massoud]] both came from Molenbeek.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stroobants |first1=Jean Pierre |title=Molenbeek, la plaque tournante belge du terrorisme islamiste |url=http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2015/11/16/molenbeek-la-plaque-tournante-belge-du-terrorisme-islamiste_4810617_3214.html |access-date=12 April 2016|work=Le Monde|date=16 November 2015 |language=fr |quote={{lang|fr|c’est de Molenbeek que sont partis les tueurs du commandant afghan Ahmed Shah Massoud, principal adversaire du régime des talibans, assassiné par deux faux journalistes.}} }}</ref> Hassan el-Haski, one of the [[2004 Madrid train bombings|2004 Madrid terror bombers]], came from Molenbeek.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bartunek |first1=Robert-Jan |last2=Lewis |first2=Barbara |title=Belgian connection: three held in Brussels over Paris attacks |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-shooting-belgium-probe-idUSKCN0T31AK20151115 |access-date=11 April 2016 |work=Reuters|date=15 November 2015 |quote=A prominent, Moroccan-born member of the group behind the 2004 Madrid train bombings that killed 191 was from Molenbeek. }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Why did the bombers target Belgium?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/22/why-was-belgium-targeted-by-bombers |access-date=11 April 2016 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=22 March 2016 |quote=Hassan el-Haski – Madrid and Casablanca bombings – A Spanish judge sentenced Haski to 14 years in jail for belonging to a terrorist organisation, in connection with the March 2004 attacks on Madrid. }}</ref> The perpetrator of the [[Jewish Museum of Belgium shooting]], Mehdi Nemmouche, lived in Molenbeek for a time.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Newton-Small |first1=Jay |title=The Belgian Suburb at the Heart of the Paris Attacks Probe |url=https://time.com/4114305/paris-attacks-molenbeek/|access-date=11 April 2016 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=16 November 2015 |quote=May 2014, three people were killed and one injured in a shooting at the Jewish Museum of Belgium by alleged terrorist Mehdi Nemmouche, who is awaiting trial and spent time in Molenbeek }}</ref> Ayoub El Khazzani, the perpetrator of the [[2015 Thalys train attack]], stayed with his sister in Molenbeek.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://deredactie.be/cm/vrtnieuws.english/News/1.2423671 |title=&thinsp;'Suspect lived in Brussels before attempted Thalys attack'&thinsp; |first=Michaël |last=Torfs |work=[[De Redactie]] |date=25 August 2015 }}</ref> French police believe the weapons used in the [[Porte de Vincennes siege]] two days after the [[Charlie Hebdo shooting|''Charlie Hebdo'' shooting]] were sourced from Molenbeek.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=Barbara |last2=Bartunek |first2=Robert-Jan |title=Belgian connection: three held in Brussels over Paris attacks |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-shooting-belgium-probe-idUSKCN0T31AK20151115 |work=Reuters|access-date=11 April 2016 |date=15 November 2015 |quote=Molenbeek. The area has been connected with two attacks in France this year. Security officials have said the Islamist who killed people at a Paris kosher grocery in January at the time of the attack on the magazine Charlie Hebdo acquired weapons in the district.}}</ref> The bombers of the [[November 2015 Paris attacks]] were also traced to Molenbeek;<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lynch |first1=Julia |title=Here's why so many of Europe's terrorist attacks come through this one Brussels neighborhood |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2016/04/05/heres-why-so-many-of-europes-terror-attacks-come-through-this-one-brussels-neighborhood/ |access-date=11 April 2016 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=5 April 2016 |quote=Molenbeek had been linked to radical Islamist terrorism. One of 19 'communes' in the Brussels metro area, the neighborhood was home to one of the attackers in the 2004 commuter train bombings in Madrid and to the Frenchman who shot four people at the Jewish Museum in Brussels in August 2014. The Moroccan shooter on the Brussels-Paris Thalys train in August 2015 stayed with his sister there. French police suspect that the weapons used in the Paris supermarket attack connected with the Charlie Hebdo attack in January 2015 were acquired in Molenbeek, and the attackers in the November 2015 Paris bombings were traced to Brussels by way of a parking ticket issued on a rental car in Molenbeek. }}</ref> during the Molenbeek capture of [[Salah Abdeslam]], an accomplice of the Paris bombers, protesters "threw stones and bottles at police and press during the arrest", stated the then-[[Minister of the Interior (Belgium)|Interior Minister of Belgium]], [[Jan Jambon]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Belgian minister says many Muslims 'danced' after attacks |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/belgian-minister-says-many-muslims-danced-attacks-181946174.html |access-date=26 May 2018 |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |date=16 April 2016 |quote=They threw stones and bottles at police and press during the arrest of Salah Abdeslam. That is the real problem. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527023926/https://www.yahoo.com/news/belgian-minister-says-many-muslims-danced-attacks-181946174.html |archive-date=27 May 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Oussama Zariouh, the [[June 2017 Brussels attack|bomber of Brussels Central Station in June 2017]],<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40352351 | title=Brussels station suspect had 'nail bomb'| publisher=BBC News| date=2017-06-21}}</ref> lived in Molenbeek.<ref>{{cite news|title=L'auteur de l'attentat manqué de Bruxelles avait des "sympathies" pour l'État islamique|url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/international/2017/06/21/01003-20170621ARTFIG00181-l-auteur-de-l-attentat-manque-de-bruxelles-est-un-marocain-de-36-ans.php|access-date=21 June 2017|work=Le Figaro|language=fr|quote=L'homme abattu par les soldats à la gare centrale de Bruxelles était un Marocain de 36 ans. Il vivait à Molenbeek}}</ref>

=====November 2015 Paris attacks=====
{{Main|November 2015 Paris attacks}}

At least four of the terrorists in the [[November 2015 Paris attacks]]—the brothers [[Brahim Abdeslam|Brahim]] and [[Salah Abdeslam]], alleged accomplice [[Mohamed Abrini]], and the alleged mastermind [[Abdelhamid Abaaoud]]—grew up and lived in Molenbeek. According to former French President [[François Hollande]], that was also where they organised the attacks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/paris-attacks-mastermind-abaaoud-1.3320483 |title=Paris attacks: Belgian Abdelhamid Abaaoud identified as presumed mastermind |publisher=[[CBC News]] |date=16 November 2015|access-date=16 November 2015}}</ref> On 18 March 2016, Salah Abdeslam, a suspected accomplice in those attacks, was captured in [[2016 Brussels police raids|two anti-terrorist raids in Molenbeek]] that killed another suspect and injured two others. At least one other suspect remains at large.<ref>{{cite news|date=15 March 2016|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/15/europe/brussels-paris-attacks-shots-fired/index.html|title=Shots in Brussels raid tied to Paris attacks|publisher=CNN|access-date=15 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=15 March 2016|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35809974|title=Gunfire in Brussels raid on 'Paris attacks suspects'|publisher=BBC News|access-date=15 March 2016}}</ref><ref name="BBC1">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35860157|title=Paris attacks: Salah Abdeslam 'worth his weight in gold'|publisher=BBC News|date=21 March 2016|access-date=21 March 2016}}</ref> Ibrahim (born 9 October 1986 in Brussels) was involved in the attempted robbery of a [[bureau de change|currency exchange]] office in January 2010, where he shot at police with a [[Kalashnikov rifle]]. The then-mayor of Brussels, [[Freddy Thielemans]], and the then-mayor of Molenbeek, [[Philippe Moureaux]], described the shooting as a "''{{lang|fr|fait divers}}''" (a small daily news item) and "normal in a large city", causing controversy.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/957/Binnenland/article/detail/1061949/2010/02/02/Schietpartij-in-Anderlecht-was-fait-divers.dhtml |title=Schietpartij in Anderlecht was fait divers |date=2 February 2010 |access-date=23 March 2016 |newspaper=Het Laatste Nieuws}}</ref>

=====Police investigation=====
Since several of the attackers in the [[2016 Brussels bombings|Brussels]] and [[November 2015 Paris attacks|Paris]] terrorist attacks had connections to the area, Belgian police started door-to-door checks in which a quarter of Molenbeek's inhabitants were investigated, a total of 22,668. This operation resulted in that of the 1,600 organisations investigated, 102 were found to be involved with crime and a further 52 were involved with terrorism. 72 individuals were found to have a terrorist connection and were subject to future surveillance.<ref name="politico30mar2017">{{cite news|title=Belgium's Molenbeek home to 51 groups with terror links: report|url=http://www.politico.eu/article/belgiums-molenbeek-home-to-51-groups-with-terror-links-report/|access-date=28 March 2017|publisher=Politico|date=20 March 2017}}</ref><ref name="demorgen30mar2017">{{cite news|title=51 Molenbeekse vzw's verdacht van terreurbanden|url=http://www.demorgen.be/binnenland/51-molenbeekse-vzw-s-verdacht-van-terreurbanden-bab91786/|access-date=28 March 2017|publisher=De Morgen|date=20 March 2017}}</ref>

==Geography==

===Location===
[[File:Molenbeek-Saint-Jean Brussels-Capital Belgium Map.svg|thumb|right|Location of Molenbeek within Brussels]]

Molenbeek is located in the north-central part of Belgium, about {{convert|110|km}} from the Belgian coast and about {{convert|180|km|abbr=on}} from Belgium's southern tip. It is located in the heartland of the Brabantian Plateau, about {{convert|45|km|abbr=on}} south of [[Antwerp]] ([[Flanders]]), and {{convert|50|km|abbr=on}} north of [[Charleroi]] ([[Wallonia]]). It is the third westernmost municipality in the [[Brussels-Capital Region]] after [[Anderlecht]] and [[Sint-Agatha-Berchem|Berchem-Sainte-Agathe]] and is an important crossing point for the [[Brussels–Charleroi Canal]], which borders the municipality to the east. With an area of {{convert|6.02|km2|abbr=on}}, it is also a relatively small municipality in the region, ranking eleventh out of nineteen. It is bordered by the Brussels municipalities of Anderlecht, Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, [[Jette]] and [[Koekelberg]], as well as the Flemish municipality of [[Dilbeek]].

===Climate===
Molenbeek, in common with the rest of Brussels, experiences an [[oceanic climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]]: ''Cfb'') with warm summers and cool winters.<ref name="Brussels,+Brussels+Capital,+Belgium&units=|title=Brussels, Belgium Climate Classification Köppen (Weatherbase)">{{cite web |title=Brussels, Belgium Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase) |url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=15460&cityname=Brussels,+Brussels+Capital,+Belgium&units= |access-date=2019-07-02 |website=Weatherbase}}</ref> Proximity to coastal areas influences the area's climate by sending marine air masses from the [[Atlantic Ocean]]. Nearby wetlands also ensure a maritime temperate climate. On average (based on measurements in the period 1981–2010), there are approximately 135 days of rain per year in the region. Snowfall is infrequent, averaging 24 days per year. It also often experiences violent thunderstorms in summer months.

The [[Royal Meteorological Institute|Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium]] (IRM/KMI) is located in [[Uccle]], in the south of Brussels. The meteorological records which are carried out there are similar to those which could be carried out in Molenbeek.

{{Weather box|location = Brussels-Capital Region (1981–2010) 
|width=
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan high C = 5.9
|Feb high C = 6.8
|Mar high C = 10.5
|Apr high C = 14.2
|May high C = 18.3
|Jun high C = 20.9
|Jul high C = 23.3
|Aug high C = 23.0
|Sep high C = 19.5
|Oct high C = 15.1
|Nov high C = 9.8
|Dec high C = 6.3
|year high C = 14.5
|Jan mean C = 3.2
|Feb mean C = 3.5
|Mar mean C = 6.5
|Apr mean C = 9.5
|May mean C = 13.5
|Jun mean C = 16.1
|Jul mean C = 18.4
|Aug mean C = 18.0
|Sep mean C = 14.9
|Oct mean C = 11.1
|Nov mean C = 6.8
|Dec mean C = 3.8
|year mean C = 10.4
|Jan low C = 0.7
|Feb low C = 0.6
|Mar low C = 2.9
|Apr low C = 4.9
|May low C = 8.7
|Jun low C = 11.5
|Jul low C = 13.6
|Aug low C = 13.0
|Sep low C = 10.5
|Oct low C = 7.5
|Nov low C = 4.5
|Dec low C = 1.5
|year low C = 6.7
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 75.2
|Feb precipitation mm = 61.6
|Mar precipitation mm = 69.5
|Apr precipitation mm = 51.0
|May precipitation mm = 65.1
|Jun precipitation mm = 72.1
|Jul precipitation mm = 73.6
|Aug precipitation mm = 76.8
|Sep precipitation mm = 69.6
|Oct precipitation mm = 75.0
|Nov precipitation mm = 77.0
|Dec precipitation mm = 81.4
|year precipitation mm = 848.0
|Jan precipitation days = 12.8
|Feb precipitation days = 11.1
|Mar precipitation days = 12.7
|Apr precipitation days = 9.9
|May precipitation days = 11.3
|Jun precipitation days = 10.5
|Jul precipitation days = 10.1
|Aug precipitation days = 10.1
|Sep precipitation days = 10.4
|Oct precipitation days = 11.2
|Nov precipitation days = 12.6
|Dec precipitation days = 13.0
|year precipitation days = 135.6
|unit precipitation days = 1 mm
|Jan sun= 58
|Feb sun= 75
|Mar sun= 119
|Apr sun= 168
|May sun= 199
|Jun sun= 193
|Jul sun= 205
|Aug sun= 194
|Sep sun= 143
|Oct sun= 117
|Nov sun= 65
|Dec sun= 47
|year sun= 1583
|source = KMI/IRM<ref name="weathermeteo">{{Cite web |title=Klimaatstatistieken van de Belgische gemeenten, Brussel |url=https://www.meteo.be/resources/climatology/climateCity/pdf/climate_INS21004_nl.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302225635/https://www.meteo.be/resources/climatology/climateCity/pdf/climate_INS21004_nl.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 March 2021 |access-date=3 January 2021 |publisher=KMI/IRM }}</ref>
|date=June 2012
}}

==Districts==
[[File:Molenbeek-Saint-Jean OSM 03.png|thumb|Map of Molenbeek]]

There are two distinct areas in Molenbeek: a lower area and an upper area. The lower area, next to the canal, consists of [[Working class|working-class]], predominantly migrant, communities, mostly of [[Moroccans in Belgium|Moroccan]] (mainly [[Riffian people|Riffian]] and [[Berbers|Berber]]) descent, with many being second- and third-generation. The upper area, close to the [[Greater Ring, Brussels|Greater Ring]] (Brussels' second ring road), features newer construction and is mostly [[Middle class|middle-class]] and residential.<ref name=":10">{{cite web|url=http://be.brussels/about-the-region/the-communes-of-the-region/molenbeek-saint-jean|title=Molenbeek-Saint-Jean|work=be.brussels|access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref>

The territory of Molenbeek is very heterogeneous and is characterised by a mixture of larger districts including smaller residential and (formerly) industrial neighbourhoods. The area along the canal is currently experiencing a large revitalisation programme, as part of the {{lang|fr|Plan Canal}} of the [[Brussels|Brussels-Capital Region]].<ref name=":11">{{cite web|url=http://canal.brussels/en|title=Plan canal: des ambitions, une méthode, une équipe {{!}} Canal.brussels|website=canal.brussels|language=en|access-date=2017-04-28}}</ref>

===Lower Molenbeek===

====Historical centre====
[[File:Pin Wheels (8307190869).jpg|thumb|[[Pinwheel (toy)|Pinwheel]]s along the canal in Molenbeek]]

The historical centre of Molenbeek is the municipality's central district. It developed during the [[Industrial Revolution]] along the [[Brussels–Charleroi Canal]] and is currently in a fragile social and economic situation due to the decline of its economy and the poor quality of some of its housing. The [[Molenbeek-Saint-Jean Municipal Hall|Municipal Hall of Molenbeek]] is located on the {{lang|fr|Place Communale|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Gemeenteplein|italic=no}} ("Municipal Square"), in the heart of this district.<ref name=":7" />

====Duchesse (Quatre-vents)====
[[File:Place de la Duchesse (2).jpg|thumb|{{lang|fr|Place de la Duchesse de Brabant|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Hertogin van Brabantplein|italic=no}}]]

Located to the south of the historical centre of Molenbeek, this district is centred on the {{lang|fr|Place de la Duchesse de Brabant|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Hertogin van Brabantplein|italic=no}}. The square was created in 1847 on the grounds of the ''Hospices de Bruxelles'', of which only the [[Neoclassical architecture|neoclassical]] facade remains. The hospice buildings now house a primary school (municipal school no. 5). In 1869, the Church of [[Saint Barbara|St. Barbara]] was erected there for the [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] worship of the new parish.<ref name=":8" /> The {{lang|fr|Rue de Birmingham|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Birminghamstraat|italic=no}}, the {{lang|fr|Rue de Manchester|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Manchesterstraat|italic=no}}, the {{lang|fr|Rue de la Princesse|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Prinsesstraat|italic=no}}, the {{lang|fr|Rue Vanderstraeten|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Vanderstraetenstraat|italic=no}} and the {{lang|fr|Rue Isidoor Teirlinck|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Isidoor Teirlinckstraat|italic=no}} also end there.

====Heyvaert====
Located in the south-east of Molenbeek, near the Abattoirs of [[Anderlecht]] (the main [[slaughterhouse]] in Brussels) and along the Charleroi Canal, Heyvaert is part of the larger [[Cureghem|Cureghem/Kuregem]] district and is bounded by the {{lang|fr|Rue Nicolas Doyen|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Nicolas Doyenstraat|italic=no}}, the Rue de Birmingham, the Place de la Duchesse de Brabant, the Rue Isidoor Teirlinck, the {{lang|fr|Rue Delaunoy|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Delaunoystraat|italic=no}}, and the {{lang|fr|Rue Heyvaert|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Heyvaertstraat|italic=no}} (formerly the {{lang|fr|Rue de l'Écluse|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Sasstraat|italic=no}}, because of its proximity to the canal lock; {{lang|fr|écluse}} meaning "lock" in French).

====Maritime Quarter====
[[File:Bruxelles Tour et Taxis1.psd.jpg|thumb|{{ill|Royal Depot|fr|Entrepôt royal}} of [[Tour & Taxis]]]]

Located in the north of Molenbeek, the Maritime Quarter ({{langx|fr|Quartier Maritime|link=no}}, {{langx|nl|Maritiemwijk|link=no}}) was born, around 1900, from the implementation of the [[Port of Brussels]] and the Maritime Station ({{langx|fr|Gare Maritime|link=no}}, {{langx|nl|Maritiem Station|link=no}}), a [[freight]] station on the [[Tour & Taxis]] site. A number of customs agencies and handling activities mingled with homes have given the neighbourhood a diverse character. The residents, historically made up of workers, as well as of the small and large [[Bourgeois of Brussels|bourgeoisie]], were also from the outset of great diversity.

===Upper Molenbeek===

====Karreveld====
Located in the north of the upper part of Molenbeek, Karreveld Park and its surrounding district are named after the former domain of [[Karreveld Castle]], which now covers {{cvt|3|ha|acres}}. Today, it is a mostly residential neighbourhood between the {{lang|fr|Avenue de la Liberté|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Vrijheidslaan|italic=no}}, the {{lang|fr|Chaussée de Gand|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Gentsesteenweg|italic=no}} and the railroad.

====Korenbeek====
Located in the north-east of Molenbeek, Korenbeek is home to [[Molenbeek-Saint-Jean Cemetery|Molenbeek Cemetery]] between the Chaussée de Gand and the {{lang|fr|Boulevard Louis Mettewie|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Louis Mettewielaan|italic=no}}. This cemetery was inaugurated on 16 August 1864 to replace the old parish cemetery around the [[Church of St. John the Baptist, Molenbeek|Church of St. John the Baptist]], which had become too small, and whose last remains were cleared in 1932.{{sfn|Celis|2004|p=12–17}}{{sfn|Marchand|2018|p=33–34}}<ref name="cim">{{cite web|title=Le Cimetière Communal de Molenbeek-Saint-Jean|url=http://www.molenbeek.irisnet.be/fr/fichiers/promenades/molenbeek-cimetiere-guide-fr.pdf|access-date=2021-10-09}}</ref>

====Machtens (Marie-José)====
[[File:Molenbeek - Parc Albert.jpg|thumb|Albert Park]]

Located in the upper part of Molenbeek, this district lies in the valley of the Maalbeek (or Molenbeek) that gave the municipality its name. Originally, the area was part of the former Oostendaal estate. In 1920, it was purchased by the municipality and partly turned into two parks, Albert Park and Marie-José Park, in the triangle formed by the {{lang|fr|Boulevard Edmond Machtens|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Edmond Machtenslaan|italic=no}}, the {{lang|fr|Avenue De Roovere|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|De Rooverelaan|italic=no}} and the {{lang|fr|Boulevard Joseph Baeck|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Joseph Baecklaan|italic=no}}. They were designed by the architect and urban planner Louis Van der Swaelmen, and are named after King [[Albert I of Belgium|Albert I]] and his daughter, Princess [[Marie-José of Belgium|Marie-José]], the last [[List of Italian queens|Queen of Italy]].

====Osseghem/Ossegem====
{{lang|fr|Osseghem|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Ossegem|italic=no}} is centrally located in the upper part of Molenbeek, west of the municipality's historical centre. The neighbourhood used to be a rural [[Hamlet (place)|hamlet]].{{sfn|Marchand|2018|p=11}} The name is of Germanic ([[Frankish language|Frankish]]) origin and is composed of ''Odso'' + ''-inga'' + ''heim'', meaning "residence/domain of the family of Odso". An old country road, today's {{lang|fr|Rue d'Osseghem|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Ossegemstraat|italic=no}}, which led to the Chaussée de Gand near the current [[Osseghem/Ossegem metro station]], connected the hamlet to Molenbeek and Brussels.

====Scheutbos (Mettewie)====
Located in the extreme west of Molenbeek, near the Boulevard Louis Mettewie, the Scheutbos (or Scheutbosch) is the municipality's remaining "green" area, home to the likewise named semi-natural site of the Scheutbos.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":3" />

==Main sights==
[[File:St Jan de Doperkerk in Molenbeek.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Church of St. John the Baptist, Molenbeek|Church of St. John the Baptist]]<!-- Brighter image, view more from the front -->]]

Molenbeek-Saint-Jean has a rich cultural and architectural heritage.<ref>{{cite web|title=Molenbeek-Saint-Jean – Inventaire du patrimoine architectural|url=https://monument.heritage.brussels/fr/cities/1080|access-date=2021-10-06|website=monument.heritage.brussels|language=fr}}</ref> Some of the main points of interest include:
* The [[Molenbeek-Saint-Jean Municipal Hall|Municipal Hall of Molenbeek]], located on the {{lang|fr|Place Communale|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Gemeenteplein|italic=no}}, designed in [[Eclecticism in architecture|eclectic]] style by the architect Jean-Baptiste Janssens, which was opened in 1889.<ref name=":7">{{cite web|url=https://visit.brussels/en/place/Commune-de-Molenbeek-St-Jean|title=The Maison Communale at Molenbeek|website=visit.brussels|language=en|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref>
* The [[Church of St. John the Baptist, Molenbeek|Church of St. John the Baptist]], a [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] [[parish church]] designed in [[Art Deco]] style by the architect {{ill|Joseph Diongre|fr|Joseph Diongre}} and built in 1931–32,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://visit.brussels/en/place/Eglise-St-Jean-Baptiste-Molenbeek|title=Church of St John the Baptist in Molenbeek|website=visit.brussels|language=en|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref> which has been listed as a [[Heritage registers in Belgium|protected monument]] since 1984.<ref name=":5">{{cite web|url=http://www.irismonument.be/fr.Molenbeek-Saint-Jean.Parvis_Saint-Jean-Baptiste.A001.html|title=Molenbeek-Saint-Jean – église Saint-Jean-Baptiste – Parvis Saint-Jean-Baptiste – DIONGRE Joseph|website=irismonument.be|access-date=2019-09-01}}</ref>
* The Church of [[Saint Remigius|St. Remigius]], located on the {{lang|fr|Boulevard du Jubilé|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Jubelfeestlaan|italic=no}}, a [[Gothic Revival architecture|neo-Gothic]] building completed in 1907.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irismonument.be/fr.Molenbeek-Saint-Jean.Rue_Michel_Zwaab.5.html|title=Molenbeek-Saint-Jean – Eglise Saint-Rémi – VERAART Chrétien|website=irismonument.be|access-date=2019-12-14}}</ref>
* The Church of [[Saint Barbara|St. Barbara]], located on the {{lang|fr|Place de la Duchesse de Brabant|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Hertogin van Brabantplein|italic=no}}, another neo-Gothic building completed in 1894 and listed since 1998.<ref name=":8">{{cite web|url=http://www.irismonument.be/fr.Molenbeek-Saint-Jean.Place_de_la_Duchesse_de_Brabant.A001.html|title=Molenbeek-Saint-Jean – Eglise Sainte-Barbe – Place de la Duchesse de Brabant – PEPERMANS Léopold|website=irismonument.be|access-date=2019-09-01}}</ref>
* [[Molenbeek-Saint-Jean Cemetery|Molenbeek Cemetery]], which contains remarkable monuments, including funerary galleries and a [[columbarium]] built in 1880.{{sfn|Celis|2004|p=12–17}}<ref name="cim" />
* [[Karreveld Castle]] and its surrounding park, which are used for cultural events and meetings of the municipal council. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was one of the birthplaces of [[Cinema of Belgium|Belgian Cinema]]. At the request of [[Charles Pathé]] ([[Pathé]] Cinéma), the director [[Alfred Machin (director)|Alfred Machin]] commissioned the first film studio in the country, together with a workshop for the construction of film sets and a mini zoological garden for exotic animals, such as bears, camels and panthers used as 'extras' in films. Several films, including the first two Belgian feature films ''La Fille de Delft'' and the sadly prophetic ''[[Maudite soit la guerre]]'' (in hand-painted colours) were shot by Alfred Machin in the studio of Karreveld Castle. Since 1999, the castle hosts from mid-July to September the {{ill|Festival Bruxellons!|fr}}, a theatre festival open to other [[performing arts]] (i.e. magic, music, circus, etc.).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bruxellons.be/|title=Festival Bruxellons!}}</ref>
* The Municipal Museum of Molenbeek (MoMuse), housed in the prestigious building of the Academy of Drawing and Visual Arts.{{sfn|Demanet|De Zuttere|2023|p=42}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.momuse.be/|title=MoMuse – MuséeMolenbeekMuseum|website=momuse.be|access-date=2019-09-01}}</ref>
* The ''Vaartkapoen'' statue, on the {{lang|fr|Place Sainctelette|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl| Sainctelettesquare|italic=no}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-04-01 |title=Le Vaartkapoen – Molenbeek-Saint-Jean {{!}} BE-monumen |url=https://be-monumen.be/patrimoine-belge/le-vaartkapoen-molenbeek-saint-jean/ |access-date=2022-06-25 |website=be-monumen.be |language=fr-FR}}</ref>

Moreover, several rundown industrial buildings have been renovated and converted into prime real estate and other community functions. Examples include:
* The ''Fonderie'', a former [[Smelting|smelter]] of the ''Compagnie des Bronzes de Bruxelles'', operational from 1854 to 1979, now home to [[La Fonderie, Brussels Museum of Industry and Labour|Brussels' Museum of Industry and Labour]]. The museum focuses on the industry, coupled with the social history of Molenbeek, and the impact of industrialisation on the development of the municipality.{{sfn|Demanet|De Zuttere|2023|p=18–19}}<ref name=":0" />
* The ''Raffinerie'', a former [[sugar refinery]], now the site of a cultural and modern dance complex.
* The ''Bottelarij'', a bottling plant that housed the [[Royal Flemish Theatre]] during its renovation in the centre of Brussels.
* The [[Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art]] (MIMA), a museum dedicated to culture 2.0 and to [[urban art]] opened in April 2016, in the former buildings of the [[Belle-Vue Brewery|Belle-Vue]] brewery, and is the first of the kind in Europe.{{sfn|Demanet|De Zuttere|2023|p=42}}<ref>{{cite web|title=MIMA : ouverture d'un musée du street art au coeur de Molenbeek|url=http://culturebox.francetvinfo.fr/expositions/mima-ouverture-d-un-musee-du-street-art-au-coeur-de-molenbeek-240413|access-date=2016-07-26}}</ref>
* The impressive buildings of the former goods station of [[Tour & Taxis]] and the surrounding area bordering the municipality, which are being turned into residences, as well as commercial enterprises.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tour & Taxis {{!}} perspective.brussels |url=https://perspective.brussels/fr/projets/territoire-du-canal/tour-taxis |access-date=2022-06-07 |website=perspective.brussels |date=22 August 2017 |language=fr}}</ref>
* Brussels' Circus School, installed in the buildings of Tour & Taxis.<ref>{{cite web|title=École de Cirque de Bruxelles – École de Cirque de Bruxelles|url=https://www.ecbru.be/|access-date=2019-09-01|language=fr-FR}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Chateau du Karreveld - Molenbeek.jpg|[[Karreveld Castle]]
File:Doperremig19.jpg|[[World War I]] memorial on the {{lang|fr|Boulevard du Jubilé|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Jubelfeestlaan|italic=no}}
File:Molenbeek Cité Diongre N°33-34 30006.jpg|Diongre [[Garden city movement|garden city]]
File:Fonderie Bxl.JPG|The ''Fonderie'', [[La Fonderie, Brussels Museum of Industry and Labour|Brussels' Museum of Industry and Labour]]
</gallery>

==Demographics==

===Historical population===
Historically, the population of Molenbeek was quite low. The municipality counted 690 inhabitants in 1707 and fewer than 2,000 inhabitants at the beginning of the 19th century. However, following the [[Industrial Revolution]], the population underwent a remarkable growth, peaking at 72,783 in 1910. From then, it began to decrease slightly during the first half of the 20th century to a low of 63,528 in 1961, before increasing again rapidly in recent years.<ref>Sources: INS: 1806 to 1981= census; 1990 and later = population on 1 January</ref>{{sfn|Marchand|2018|p=24}}

{{As of|2024|1|1}}, the population was 98,365.<ref name="IBSA" /> The area is {{convert|6.02|km2|abbr=on}}, making the density {{convert|16352|PD/km2|abbr=on}}.<ref name="IBSA" /> The population is relatively young—the average age is 35 years—with nearly 29% under 18 years old, and fewer than 12% over 65.<ref name="IBSA" /> This population, while already impoverished and overcrowded, further increased by 24.5% between 2005 and 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lavenir.net/cnt/DMF20110317_061|title=La population de Molenbeek augmente de 25% en 10 ans|language=fr|trans-title=The population of Molenbeek increases 25% in 10 years|work=l'avenir.net|access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref>

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* <small>Sources: INS: 1806 to 1981 = census; 1990 and later = population on 1 January</small>

===Foreign population===
{| class="wikitable floatright"
|+Largest groups of foreign residents (2020)<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://ibsa.brussels/themes/population/nationalites |title=Nationalités {{!}} IBSA |publisher=Brussels Institute for Statistics and Analysis |language=fr |access-date=10 July 2023 }}</ref>
|-
! Country
! Population
|-
|{{flagu|Morocco}} || 5,960
|-
|{{flagu|Romania}} || 4,242
|-
|{{flagu|Spain}} || 2,255
|-
|{{flagu|France}} || 1,956
|-
|{{flagu|Italy}} || 1,759
|-
|{{flagu|Syria}} || 1,666
|-
|{{flagu|Poland}} || 1,040
|}

The population has been described as "mainly [[Islam in Belgium|Muslim]]" in the media;<ref name="Ind-1">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/paris-terror-attacks-visiting-molenbeek-the-police-no-go-zone-that-was-home-to-two-of-the-gunmen-a6735551.html|title=Paris attacks: Visiting Molenbeek, the police no-go zone that was home to two of the gunmen|date=17 November 2015|work=The Independent|access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref> however, actual figures are estimated to range between 25% and 40%, depending on the [[catchment area]].<ref name=":9" /> Belgium does not collect statistics by religious beliefs, so exact figures are unknown, but the Muslim minority in the community is visibly significant.{{sfn|Torrekens|2007}}

{{As of|2016}}, there is one main minority group in Molenbeek, [[Moroccans in Belgium|Belgian Moroccans]] (mainly [[Riffian people|Riffian]] and other [[Berbers]]). That year, [[Françoise Schepmans]], then-mayor of Molenbeek, stated that the lack of diversity in the foreign population of Molenbeek and the fact they are all clustered in the same area is a problem.<ref name="Capadites">{{cite web|author=Capadites, Christina|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/molenbeek-and-schaerbeek-brussels-belgium-a-tale-of-two-terror-tragedies/|title=Molenbeek and Schaerbeek: A tale of two tragedies|publisher=[[CBS News]]|date=2016-04-11|access-date=2016-09-12}}</ref> Nearly 40% of young people in Molenbeek are [[Unemployment|unemployed]]. The municipality lies in a semi-circle of neighbourhoods in Brussels often referred to as the "poor croissant".<ref name="Capadites" />

{{As of|2023}}, taking into account the nationality of birth of the parents, 69.16% of Molenbeek's population is of non-European origin (predominantly Moroccan and Syrian), 17.49% of European origin other than Belgian (mainly Romanian, Spanish, French, Italian, and Polish), while 13.31% is solely of native Belgian ancestry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Origin {{!}} Statbel |url=https://statbel.fgov.be/en/themes/population/structure-population/origin#figures |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=statbel.fgov.be}}</ref> Among all major migrant groups from outside the EU, a majority of the permanent residents have acquired Belgian nationality.<ref>{{cite web |title=2.738.486 inwoners van vreemde afkomst in België op 01/01/2012 |trans-title=2,738,486 inhabitants of foreign origin in Belgium on 01/01/2012 |url=http://www.npdata.be/BuG/155-Vreemde-afkomst/Vreemde-afkomst.htm |access-date=12 March 2013 |website=Npdata.be |language=nl |archive-date=22 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022180710/http://www.npdata.be/BuG/155-Vreemde-afkomst/Vreemde-afkomst.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
! rowspan="3" |Group of origin
! colspan="2" |Year
|-
! colspan="2" |2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=Origin {{!}} Statbel |url=https://statbel.fgov.be/en/themes/population/structure-population/origin#documents |access-date=2023-07-02 |website=statbel.fgov.be}}</ref>
|-
!Number
!%
|-
|
|
|
|-
!Belgians with Belgian background
|'''13,083'''
!13.31%
|-
!Belgians with foreign background
|56,630
!57.63%
|-
|Neighbouring country
|1,873
|1.91%
|-
|EU27 (excluding neighbouring country)
|3,338
|3.4%
|-
|Outside EU 27
|51,419
|52.32%
|-
!Non-Belgians
|28,557
!29.06%
|-
|Neighbouring country
|2,301
|2.34%
|-
|EU27 (excluding neighbouring country)
|9,709
|9.88%
|-
|Outside EU 27
|16,547
|16.84%
|-
|
|
|
|-
!Total
|'''98,270'''
!100%
|}

==Politics==
Molenbeek is governed by an elected municipal council and an executive college of the mayor and aldermen. The longtime mayor from 1992 to 2012 was [[Philippe Moureaux]] ([[Parti Socialiste (Belgium)|PS]]). Following the [[Belgian local elections, 2012]], an alternative majority was formed headed by then-mayor [[Françoise Schepmans]] ([[Mouvement Réformateur|MR]]) and consisting of MR (15 seats), [[Centre démocrate humaniste|CDH]]-[[CD&V]] (6 seats) and [[Ecolo]]-[[Groen (political party)|Groen]] (4 seats). The Socialist Party (16 seats) became the opposition next to the [[Workers' Party of Belgium]] (PTB), [[Democratic Federalist Independent]] (DéFI), the ISLAM party and the [[New Flemish Alliance]] (N-VA), each having one seat.

The [[2018 Belgian local elections|2018 local elections]] saw [[Socialist Party (Belgium)|PS]] return to the majority, with a coalition between the aforementioned and [[Reformist Movement|MR]] being agreed upon.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rtbf.be/info/regions/detail_molenbeek-le-ps-de-catherine-moureaux-et-le-mr-de-francoise-schepmans-entament-des-negociations-poussees?id=10059669|title=Molenbeek: accord de majorité entre le PS de Catherine Moureaux et le MR de Françoise Schepmans|access-date=17 July 2021|date=29 October 2018|language=French|publisher=[[RTBF]]}}</ref> The current mayor is {{ill|Catherine Moureaux|fr}}.

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Molenbeek-Saint-Jean local election – 14 October 2018<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bru2018.brussels/fr/results/municipalities/6082/index.html|title=Molenbeek-Saint-Jean|access-date=17 July 2021|language=French}}</ref>
|-
| bgcolor=white colspan=11| [[File:Molenbeek2018.svg|center|360px]]
|- style="text-align:right; background-color:#E9E9E9; text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" colspan="2"|Party
|- style="text-align:right; background-color:#E9E9E9; text-align:center"
! data-sort-type="number"| Votes
! data-sort-type="number"| % 
! data-sort-type="number"| [[Swing (politics)|Swing]] (pp)
! data-sort-type="number"| Elected<br />2018
! data-sort-type="number"| {{abbr|Change|Change in number of seats from the 2012 election to the 2018 election}}
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Socialist Party (Belgium)}} – [[Forward (Belgium)|sp.a]]
|12,122
|31.34
|{{increase}}2.16
|{{Composition bar|17|45|#FF0000|background-color=|per=1}}
|{{increase}}1
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Reformist Movement}} – [[Open Flemish Liberals and Democrats|Open Vld]] 
|9,268
|23.96
|{{decrease}}3.37
|{{Composition bar|13|45|#0047AB|background-color=|per=1}}
|{{decrease}}2
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Workers' Party of Belgium}}
|5,262
|13.61
|{{increase}}9.09
|{{Composition bar|7|45|#8B0000|background-color=|per=1}}
|{{increase}}6
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Humanist Democratic Centre}} – [[Christian Democratic and Flemish|CD&V]] 
|3,246
|8.39
|{{decrease}}3.22
|{{Composition bar|3|45|#F4761A|background-color=|per=1}}
|{{decrease}}3
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Ecolo}}
|3,163
|8.18
|{{decrease}}0.88
|{{Composition bar|3|45|#8CC644|background-color=|per=1}}
|{{decrease}}1
|-
| {{Party name with colour|DéFI}}
|1,842
|4.76
|{{increase}}0.29
|{{Composition bar|1|45|#DD0081|background-color=|per=1}}
|{{steady}}
|-
| {{Party name with colour|New Flemish Alliance}}
|1,307
|3.38
|{{decrease}}0.62
|{{Composition bar|1|49|#F9CE19|background-color=|per=1}}
|{{steady}}
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Groen (political party)}} 
|940
|2.43
|''New''
|{{Composition bar|0|49|#FF2900|background-color=|per=1}}
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|-
| bgcolor=#0F62D9 |
| align="left" | Molenbeek Act
|734
|1.90
|''New''
|{{Composition bar|0|45|#0F62D9|background-color=|per=1}}
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|-
| {{Party name with colour|ISLAM (political party)}}
|695
|1.80
|{{decrease}}2.32
|{{Composition bar|0|45|#FFE500|background-color=|per=1}}
|{{decrease}}1
|-
|
|align="left" | CITOYEN D'EUROPE M3E	
|95
|0.25
|''New''
|{{Composition bar|0|45|#000000|background-color=|per=1}}
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|}

===Mayors===
[[File:Philippe moureaux-1453222840.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Philippe Moureaux]] was mayor of Molenbeek from 1992 until 2012.]]

Historical list of [[mayor]]s or [[burgomaster]]s of Molenbeek:{{sfn|Maurissen|1980|p=245}}

====Pre-independence (before 1830)====
* 1800–1812: J.-B. De Roy
* 1812–1818: FR. De Putte
* 1818–1819: V. Van Espen
* 1819–1830: F. Vanderdussen

====Kingdom of Belgium (1830–present)====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Name
!Start date
!End date
!Length
! colspan="2" |Political Party
|-
|Charles De Roy
|1830
|1836
|6 years
|
|-
|Pierre-Joseph Meeûs
|1836
|1842
|6 years
|
|-
|Albert Vanderkindere
|1843
|1848
|5 years
|
|-
|H.-J.-L. Stevens
|1848
|1860
|12 years
|
|-
|J.-B. Debauche
|1861
|1863
|2 years
|
|-
|L.-A. De Cock
|1864
|1875
|11 years
|
|-
|Guillaume Mommaerts
|1876
|1878
|2 years
|
|-
|Henri Hollevoet
|1879
|1911
|32 years
|Liberal
|-
|Julien Hanssens
|1912
|1914
|2 years
|Liberal
|-
|Louis Mettewie
|1914
|1938
|24 years
|Liberal
|-
|Edmond Machtens
|1938
|1978
|40 years
|PSB
|-
| rowspan="2" |Marcel Piccart
| rowspan="2" |1978
| rowspan="2" |1989
| rowspan="2" |11 years
|[[Parti Socialiste (Belgium)|PS]]
|-
|[[DéFI|FDF]]
|-
|Léon Spiegels
|1989
|1992
|3 years
|PRL
|-
|[[Philippe Moureaux]]
|1992
|2012
|20 years
|PS
|-
|[[Françoise Schepmans]]
|2012
|2018
|6 years
|[[Mouvement Réformateur|MR]]
|-
|Catherine Moureaux
|2018
|''Present''
|''Ongoing''
|PS
|}

==Sports==
As in the rest of Brussels, sport in Molenbeek is under the responsibility of the [[Communities, regions and language areas of Belgium|Communities]]. The {{lang|fr|Administration de l'Éducation Physique et du Sport}} ([[ADEPS]]) is responsible for recognising the various French-speaking sports federations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sport-adeps.be/ |title=Portail officiel du sport en fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles |website=sport-adeps.be |language=fr |trans-title=Official sports portal in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation |access-date=11 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116150111/http://www.sport-adeps.be/ |archive-date=16 November 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Its Dutch-speaking counterpart is {{lang|nl|Sport Vlaanderen}} (formerly called [[Bloso|BLOSO]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sport.vlaanderen/ |title=Doe aan sport |website=Sport.Vlaanderen |language=nl |trans-title=Do sports |access-date=11 November 2017}}</ref>

===Football===
[[File:EdmondMachtensstadion.jpg|thumb|[[Edmond Machtens Stadium]]]]

Molenbeek's historical football club, [[R.W.D. Molenbeek (1909)|Racing White Daring Molenbeek]], often referred to as RWDM, was very popular until its dissolution in 2002. Its successor, [[R.W.D.M. Brussels F.C.]], used to play in the [[Belgian First Division A|Belgian first division]]. It folded at the end of 2012–13 as a member of the [[Belgian Second Division]]. Since 2023, its reincarnation, [[RWDM47]], is back playing in the first division.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 May 2023 |title=RWDM promoveert! Brusselse traditieclub volgend seizoen opnieuw in hoogste klasse na zege tegen RSCA Futures |url=https://www.hln.be/belgisch-voetbal/rwdm-promoveert-brusselse-traditieclub-volgend-seizoen-opnieuw-in-hoogste-klasse-na-zege-tegen-rsca-futures~a3a60844/?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2F |access-date=2024-02-11 |website=hln.be |language=nl}}</ref> The club's home stadium is the [[Edmond Machtens Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stade & Mobilité |url=http://www.rwdm.be/fr/stade-mobilite/ |access-date=2024-02-11 |website=RWDM |language=fr}}</ref>

===Other sports===
The municipality is home to the [[Royal Daring|Royal Daring Hockey Club Molenbeek]], a field hockey club.<ref>{{cite web|title=Royal Daring|url=https://www.royaldaring.be/|access-date=2021-10-23|website=royaldaring.be}}</ref>

==Education==
Most of Molenbeek pupils between the ages of 3 and 18 go to schools organised by the [[French-speaking Community]] or the [[Flemish Community]].

===Primary education===
There are 17 French-language and six Dutch-language primary schools in Molenbeek.<ref>"[http://www.molenbeek.irisnet.be/fr/je-vis/enseignement-ecoles/ecoles-communales Ecoles communales fondamentales]"/"[http://www.molenbeek.irisnet.be/nl/ik-leef/onderwijs-scholen/gemeentelijke-basisscholen?set_language=nl Gemeentelijke basisscholen]." Sint-Jans-Molenbeek. Retrieved on 8 September 2016.</ref>

===Secondary education===
* [[Athénée royal Serge Creuz]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.molenbeek.irisnet.be/fr/je-vis/enseignement-ecoles/ecoles|title=Autres écoles – Français|access-date=8 September 2016}}</ref> (French-speaking) 
* Athaneum Toverfluit<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.campustoverfluit.be/|title=Campus Toverfluit|access-date=8 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.molenbeek.irisnet.be/nl/ik-leef/onderwijs-scholen/andere-scholen?set_language=nl|title=Andere scholen – Nederlands|access-date=8 September 2016}}</ref> (Dutch-speaking)

==Transportation==

===Road network===
[[File:2018 brussel 40.jpg|thumb|[[Boulevard Léopold II|Boulevard Léopold II/Leopold II-laan]]]]

The [[Boulevard Léopold II|Boulevard Léopold II/Leopold II-laan]] in the north of Molenbeek is part of a monumental east–west axis, at the end of which is the [[Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Brussels|National Basilica of the Sacred Heart]] in [[Koekelberg]]. Some other main roads that cross the municipality are the {{lang|fr|Chaussée de Gand|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Gentsesteenweg|italic=no}}, the {{lang|fr|Boulevard Edmond Machtens|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Edmond Machtenslaan|italic=no}} and the {{lang|fr|Chaussée de Ninove|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Ninoofsesteenweg|italic=no}} running east–west, as well as the {{lang|fr|Boulevard Louis Mettewie|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Louis Mettewielaan|italic=no}} running north–south.

===Public transport===
[[File:Gare de L'ouest.jpg|thumb|[[Brussels-West station|Brussels-West Station]] is a [[List of Brussels metro and premetro stations|multimodal transport hub]] in western Brussels]]

Molenbeek is served by [[Brussels Metro|Brussels' metro]] lines [[Brussels Metro line 1|1]], [[Brussels Metro line 2|2]], [[Brussels Metro line 5|5]] and [[Brussels Metro line 6|6]], with [[Comte de Flandre/Graaf van Vlaanderen metro station|Comte de Flandre/Graaf van Vlaanderen]], [[Étangs Noirs/Zwarte Vijvers metro station|Étangs Noirs/Zwarte Vijvers]], [[Osseghem/Ossegem metro station|Osseghem/Ossegem]], [[Belgica metro station|Belgica]], [[Beekkant metro station|Beekkant]], [[Brussels-West station|Gare de l'Ouest/Weststation]] (Brussels-West Station), and [[Ribaucourt metro station|Ribaucourt]] stations. Brussels-West and Beekkant are connected to all the metro lines and are [[List of Brussels metro and premetro stations|multimodal transport hub]]s in western Brussels. The former will also gain importance in the framework of the [[Brussels Regional Express Network]] (RER/GEN)'s development, which will connect the capital and surrounding towns. Additionally, a comprehensive [[Brussels buses|bus]] and [[Trams in Brussels|tram]] service links Molenbeek to other parts of the region. The municipality also has a number [[Villo!]] [[Community bicycle program|public bicycle]] stations on its territory.

===Waterways===
Molenbeek is on the route of the second largest axis of the Belgian network of inland [[waterway]]s, that is the Antwerp–Brussels–Charleroi axis via the maritime [[Scheldt]], the Maritime Canal and the [[Brussels–Charleroi Canal]].

==Parks and green spaces==
{{Further|List of parks and gardens in Brussels}}
[[File:Scheutbospark.jpg|thumb|{{ill|Scheutbos|fr|Parc régional du Scheutbos|nl|Scheutbos}} regional nature park]]

Green spaces in the municipality include:<ref name=":3">{{cite web|url=http://www.molenbeek.irisnet.be/fr/je-vis/Environnement-Proprete-Energie/envirronement-Energie/espaces-verts-a-molenbeek-saint-jean|title=Espaces verts à Molenbeek-Saint-Jean – Français|website=molenbeek.irisnet.be|access-date=2016-12-29}}</ref>
* {{ill|Scheutbos Park|fr|Parc régional du Scheutbos|nl|Scheutbos}}, a regional nature park of {{cvt|6|ha|acres}}
* Semi-natural site of the Scheutbos, a protected area of {{cvt|44|ha|acres}}
* Karreveld Park {{cvt|3|ha|acres}}
* Marie-José Park {{cvt|6|ha|acres}}
* Albert Park
* Muses' Park
* Hauwaert Park
* Bonnevie Park
* Fonderie Park

==Notable inhabitants==
<!-- Please respect alphabetical order -->
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Salah Abdeslam]] (born 1989), French [[Islamic terrorism|jihadist terrorist]] involved in the [[November 2015 Paris attacks]]
* [[Montasser AlDe'emeh]] (born 1989), Belgian-Palestinian researcher
* {{ill|Richard Beauthier|fr|Richard Beauthier}} (1913–1999), politician, [[Senate (Belgium)|senator]], and mayor of [[Jette]], was born there.
* {{ill|Norbert Benoit|fr|Norbert Benoit}} (Norbert Benoit Van Peperstaete) (1910–1993), filmmaker
* {{ill|Louis Bertrand (politician)|fr|Louis Bertrand (homme politique)|lt=Louis Bertrand}} (1856–1943), politician, author, and [[Minister of State (Belgium)|Minister of State]]
* {{ill|Ado Chale|fr|Ado Chale}} (born 1928), artist
* {{ill|Serge Creuz|fr|Serge Creuz}} (1924–1996), painter
* {{ill|Jean De Middeleer|nl|Jean De Middeleer}} (1908–1986), musician
* [[Eugène Demolder]] (1862–1919), writer
* {{ill|Joseph Diongre|fr|Joseph Diongre}} (1878–1963), [[Modern architecture|modernist]] architect
* {{ill|Alfred Dubois|fr|Alfred Dubois}} (1898–1949), professor at the [[Royal Conservatory of Brussels|Brussels Conservatory]], violinist, and teacher of the violinist [[Arthur Grumiaux]]
* {{ill|Alexis Dumont|fr|Alexis Dumont}} (1877–1962), architect of the [[Citroën]] building (now part of [[KANAL - Centre Pompidou]]), was born there.
* [[Ferdinand Elbers]] (1862–1943), mechanic, [[trade union]]ist, politician, and senator
* {{ill|Hendrik Fayat|fr|Hendrik Fayat}} (1906–1997), politician
* {{ill|Eugene Hins|fr|Eugene Hins}} (1839–1923), founder of the newspaper ''La Pensée'', leader of the Belgian freethinking movement, and co-founder of the [[Socialist International]]
* [[Marcel Josz]] (1899–1984), actor, was born there.
* [[Eugène Laermans]] (1864–1940), painter and [[Engraving|engraver]]
* {{ill|Daniel Leyniers|fr|Daniel Leyniers}}, Esq. (1881–1957), politician, senator, and mayor of [[Itterbeek]], was born there.
* [[Marka (singer)|Marka]], Serge Van Laeken (born 1961), singer, songwriter, composer, and filmmaker
* {{ill|Pierre-Joseph Meeûs-Vandermaelen|fr|Pierre-Joseph Meeûs-Vandermaelen}} (1793–1873), industrialist, politician, mayor of [[Neder-over-Heembeek]] in 1830 and Molenbeek from 1836 to 1842, registrar of the [[Court of Audit of Belgium|Court of Audit]] from 1831 to 1836, decorated with the [[Iron Cross (Belgium)|Belgian Iron Cross]]. He lived at 7, Faubourg de Flandre.
* {{ill|Henry Meuwis|fr|Henry Meuwis}} (1870-1935), painter
* {{ill|Georges Mogin|fr|Norge (poète)}}, also known as Norge (1898–1990), poet
* [[Philippe Moureaux]] (1939–2018), politician, senator, mayor of Molenbeek, and Professor of [[Economic History]] at the [[Université libre de Bruxelles]] (ULB)
* {{ill|Michel Mourlon|fr|Michel Mourlon}} (1845–1915), [[Geology|geologist]], [[Paleontology|palaeontologist]], and curator of the [[Museum of Natural Sciences|Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium]]
* {{ill|Jean Muno|fr|Jean Muno}} (1924–1988), writer
* [[Zeynep Sever]] (born 1989), [[Miss Belgium]] 2008
* {{ill|Robert Schuiten|fr|Robert Schuiten}} (1912–1997), architect and painter
* {{ill|Jean Stampe|fr|Jean Stampe}} (1889–1978), war pilot and aircraft manufacturer including of the famous [[Stampe-Vertongen SV.4|Stampe SV-4]]
* [[Eric Struelens]] (born 1969), professional [[basketball]] player
* [[Herman Teirlinck]] (1879–1967), writer
* [[Pierre Tetar van Elven]] (1828–1908), painter
* [[Toots Thielemans]] (1922–2016),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://visitbrussels.be/bitc/BE_en/content/13065/toots-an-icon-of-the-brussels-jazz-scene.do|title=Toots, an icon of the Brussels jazz scene|work=Visitbrussels.be|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208145347/http://visitbrussels.be/bitc/BE_en/content/13065/toots-an-icon-of-the-brussels-jazz-scene.do|archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref> [[jazz]] artist
* [[Henri Joseph Thomas]] (1878–1972), painter
* [[Pierre Van Humbeeck]] (1829–1890), politician and Minister of Education
* [[Leon Vanderkindere]] (1842–1906), historian and professor at the [[Free University of Brussels (1834–1969)|Free University of Brussels]], was born there.
* [[Philippe Vandermaelen]] (1795–1869), [[Geography|geographer]] and [[Cartography|cartographer]]. He founded the geographical establishment of Brussels in Molenbeek.
* [[Franky Vercauteren]] (born 1956), [[association football|football]] personality
* {{ill|Firmin Verhevick|fr|Firmin Verhevick}} (1874–1962), painter, was born there.
* [[Thierry Zéno]] (1950–2017), author-filmmaker
{{div col end}}

==International relations==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Belgium}}

===Twin towns and sister cities===
Molenbeek is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:
* {{flagicon|MAR}} [[Oujda]], Morocco
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Levallois-Perret]], France

==References==

===Citations===
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin|60em}}
* {{cite journal|last=Buron|first=Thierry|title=Molenbeek, de sainte Gertrude au djihadisme|journal=Conflits|volume=9|location=Paris|language=fr|year=2016}}
* {{cite book|last=Celis|first=Marcel|title=Cimetières et nécropoles|series=Bruxelles, ville d'Art et d'Histoire|volume=38|location=Brussels|language=fr|publisher=Éditions de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale|year=2004|url=http://patrimoine.brussels/liens/publications-numeriques/versions-pdf/bvah/cimetieres-et-necropoles}}
* {{cite journal|last=Charruadas|first=Paulo|title=La formation de Molenbeek : industrialisation et urbanisation|journal=Les Cahiers de la fonderie|volume=33|location=Brussels|language=fr|year=2005}}
* {{cite book|last1=Demanet|first1=Marie|last2=De Zuttere|first2=Catherine|title=The heart of Molenbeek|series=Brussels, City of Art and History|volume=61|location=Brussels|publisher=urban.brussels (Regional Public Service of Brussels, Urbanism and Heritage)|year=2023|isbn=978-2-87584-205-3|url=https://patrimoine.brussels/liens/publications-numeriques/versions-pdf/bvah/the-heart-of-molenbeek}}
* {{cite journal|last=Laurent|first=René|title=Les limites des paroisses à Bruxelles aux XIVe et XVe siècles|journal=Les Cahiers bruxellois|volume=8|location=Brussels|language=fr|year=1963}}
* {{cite book|last=Lefèvre|first=Pl.-F.|title=L'Organisation ecclésiastique de la Ville de Bruxelles au Moyen-Age|location=Leuven|language=fr|publisher=Bibliothèque de l'Université catholique de Louvain|year=1942}}
* {{cite book|last=Marchand|first=Guy|title=MoMuse - vitrine du patrimoine historique de la commune de Molenbeek-Saint-Jean|location=Brussels|language=fr|publisher=MoMuse|year=2018}}
* {{cite book|last=Maurissen|first=Antoon-Willem|title=Bijdrage tot de geschiedenis van Sint-Jans-Molenbeek|location=Puurs|language=nl|publisher=Baeté|year=1980}}
* {{cite journal|last=Onclincx|first=Georges|title=Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. Histoire d'un village|journal=L'École et la ville|volume=11|location=Brussels|language=fr|publisher=Commission française de la culture de l'agglomération de Bruxelles|year=1977}}
* {{cite journal|last=Steffens|first=Sven|title=Urban popular place names past and present: the case of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean/Sint-Jans-Molenbeek|journal=Brussels Studies: The Journal of Research on Brussels|volume=9|location=Brussels|year=2007|url=https://journals.openedition.org/brussels/453}}
* {{cite journal|last=Torrekens|first=Corinne|title=Concentration of Muslim populations and structure of Muslim associations in Brussels|journal=Brussels Studies: The Journal of Research on Brussels|volume=4|location=Brussels|year=2007|url=https://journals.openedition.org/brussels/382}}
* {{cite book|last=Verbesselt|first=Jan|title=Het Parochiewezen in Brabant tot het einde van de 13e eeuw|volume=4|location=Zoutleeuw|language=nl|publisher=Peeters|year=1965|url=https://docplayer.nl/43707573-Het-parochiewezen-in-brabant-tot-het-einde-van-de-13e-eeuw.html}}
* {{cite book|last=Wolmar|first=Christian|author-link=Christian Wolmar|title=Blood, Iron & Gold: How the Railways transformed the World|location=London|publisher=Grove Atlantic|year=2010|isbn=978-1-84887-171-7|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/bloodirongoldhow0000wolm_n5b3}}
* {{cite book|ref={{harvid|Mardaga|1989}}|title=Le Patrimoine monumental de la Belgique: Bruxelles|volume=1A: Pentagone A-D|location=Liège|language=fr|publisher=Pierre Mardaga|year=1989|url=https://monument.heritage.brussels/files/cities/1000/documents/01-vol-a-fr-def_k.pdf}}
* {{cite web|title=Molenbeek, les grandes lignes de son développement au 19e siècle|website=www.lafonderie.be|year=2020|url=https://www.lafonderie.be/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/I._Molenbeek_au_19e_s.pdf}}
{{refend}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |last1=Lamfalussy |first1=Christophe |last2=Martin |first2=Jean-Pierre |title=Molenbeek-sur-djihad |date=2017 |publisher=Grasset |location=Paris |isbn=9782246862765}}
* {{cite magazine|last1=Chalmers |first1=Robert 
|title=Is Molenbeek really a no-go zone?
|url=http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/molenbeek-belgium-no-go-zone
|newspaper=British GQ
|date=April 2017}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag8Vn_Dffmk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/ag8Vn_Dffmk| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Molenbeek: Life Inside the So-Called 'Jihadi Capital of Europe|publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|date=2016-04-03}}{{cbignore}}

==External links==
{{portal|Belgium}}
* {{commons category-inline}}
* {{Official website}} {{in lang|fr|nl}}

{{Geographic location
|Centre = Molenbeek-Saint-Jean
|N = [[Sint-Agatha-Berchem]], [[Koekelberg]], [[Jette]]
|E = [[City of Brussels|Brussels]]
|S = [[Anderlecht]]
|W = [[Dilbeek]] ([[Flemish Brabant|VBR]])
}}
{{Brussels topics|state2=expanded}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Molenbeek-Saint-Jean| ]]
[[Category:Municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region]]
[[Category:Populated places in Belgium]]
[[Category:Islam in Belgium]]
[[Category:Moroccan diaspora in Europe]]