Sikhism in Belgium

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Sikhism is a minority religion in Belgium. That said Sikhs play some role in Belgian history. In World War I many Sikhs fought in Belgium. A notable example of this is the First Battle of Ypres where an entire platoon of Dogra Sikhs died.Sikhs.org

Migration to Belgium

The first Sikh settler in Belgium was Sukhdev Singh Jalwerha (in 1985). Before there were also handfull Sikhs, but all Indian Embassy employees, so can't count as first Sikh inhabitants. However, the first Sikh to set a foot on Belgian soil, was Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia, in 1974. When he came there was a ban on a photo with the person wearing a turban for a passport or identy card. Sukhdev fought the case and won, and Sikhs where allowed to wear a turban on photos for a passport or identity card. In 1993, when the Belgian King Baudouin I died, Sukhdev Singh Jalwerha went to the palace of the King along with some other Sikhs as the representative of the whole Belgian Sikh community.

The first Sikhs in Belgium were especially male political refugees. They work(ed) mostly in fruit agriculture in Limburg, were the Sikh strong-hold is. Later on Sikhs arrived for economic reasons. These Sikhs were from the poorer regions of Punjab, they migrated to Belgium, trying to obtain a better life. These Sikhs after earning hard, send the money to their family back in Punjab, to give them financial help. They also work in the fruit culture in Limburg or in night shops in Brussels. If they can permit it themselves, they set up an own store, by preference a night store, often called a night shop. Many wait to obtain on the decision of the necessary papers they need, like the identity card.

Incidents

In 1994, the government of the United States noted that while Belgium has freedom of religion and has not seen much systematic violence directed against religious minorities or newcomers, an exception to the general rule came in 1993 against Sikhs. In Sint-Truiden, Sikh workers in agriculture were bullied by some citizens, and eventually one Sikh was shot. A house belonging to Sikhs was also bombed, with no fatalities. There were arrests in the aftermath.

Work

Most Sikhs own night shops in Brussels or are agricultural labourers in Sint-Truiden.

Sikh Gurdwaras

There are 4 Gurudwara's in Belgium. The oldest being in Sint-Truiden (Made in 1987). Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh who came to Belgium in November 2007, gave a speech and raised Khalistan slogans at Gurudwara Sangat Sahib, Sint-Truiden.

The Gurudwaras

1. Gurdwara Sangat Sahib, In Halmaal, Sint-Truiden. (Since 1987)

2. Gurdwara Guru Nanak Sahib Cultureel Centrum, In Vilvoorde, Brussels (Since 1993)

3. Gurdwara Guru Ram Dass Sikh Study & Cultural Center, In Borgloon (Since 2005)

4. In Luik/Liege (Since 2005)

5. Gurdwara Nanak Sahib, Sint-Truiden. (Since 2006-7)

Turban ban in schools

After imposition of a ban by France on wearing turbans in schools, Belgium too has followed suit and banned the religious symbols of the Sikhs in their educational institutes.

Population

According a Dutch newspaper there are around 10,000 Sikhs in Belgium, legal and illegal. The Sikh strong-hold is in Sint-Truiden (Limburg), where the first Sikh Gurudwara was built.

By province

  1. Limburg - 3,000
  2. Brussels - 2,000
  3. Flemish Brabant - 1,000
  4. Liege - 1,500
  5. Ghent - 1,000

Sint-Truiden

Sint-Truiden is home to the largest Sikh community in Belgium. There are some 2,000. In 1984, 6 Sikhs settles down in Sint-Truiden. In 1994, some 1000 Sikhs were living there. And by 2008, there are some 2000 Sikhs living in Sint-Truiden district of Limburg alone.

Brussels

In whole Brussels there are some 1,500-2,000 Sikhs. Many of them (some 500-1,000) are illegal and mona Sikhs (Sikhs who have haircuts and shave). The ones that are keshdhari and legal, are scattered all around Brussels.

Ghent

In the last few years, the Sikh population of Ghent city and the surrounding areas, mostly villages has increased dramatically. In 1990s, there were only around 2-3 dozen Sikhs in the whole commune (district). Now, in 2008, there are some 1,000 Sikhs in Ghent and the surrounding areas.

Places with significant Sikh populations

  • Sint-Truiden
  • Liège (city)
  • Borgloon
  • Tienen
  • Ostend
  • Ghent
  • Antwerp
  • Leuven
  • Alken
  • Hasselt
  • Vilvoorde

External links