How a Belgian municipality became the city of donkeys and a hub for innovation

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Schaerbeek, a Brussels municipality, balances a medieval past as a cherry-growing village with a complex, multicultural present. Once known for donkeys carrying fruit to market, it now hosts Art Nouveau masterpieces, high-tech railway museums, and a diverse population that defies simple categorization within the city's so-called poor croissant.

First recorded in 1120 as Scarenbecca, the area was long defined by its rural character and hunting grounds. Its nickname, the city of donkeys, stems from its history as a hub for sour cherry cultivation, where farmers relied on donkeys to transport their harvest to Brussels markets. This agricultural identity persisted until the late 18th century, long after the town was placed under the administration of Brussels aldermen in 1301.

The 19th and 20th centuries brought rapid transformation. As the gentry moved in, architects like Victor Horta and Gustave Strauven defined the local landscape with Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs. Landmarks like the 1887 Municipal Hall and the 1904 Josaphat Park reflect this era of prosperity. However, the area also saw darker moments, including the 1915 execution of nurse Edith Cavell at the Tir national shooting range and the 2016 discovery of bomb-making materials following coordinated terrorist attacks in Belgium.

Today, Schaerbeek is a study in contrasts. Its eastern districts are affluent, housing EU and NATO professionals, while the western side, near the Brussels-North station, is home to a vibrant Belgian Turkish community centered around Little Anatolia. With over 50% of its population of non-European origin as of 2023, the municipality is a melting pot. Despite challenges like unemployment and its location within the poor croissant, local leaders argue that this diversity prevents the formation of isolated ghettos, fostering a unique social mix in the heart of the capital.

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