Oostelijke Eilanden

In 1662, the final strokes of creation brought Oostenburg, the last of the Oostelijke Eilanden, into existence. The Oostelijke Eilanden, or “Eastern Islands,” started with Kattenburg in 1650, followed by Wittenburg. These weren’t islands in the traditional sense, but rather plots of land carved out of the IJ River and surrounding marshlands. The Oostelijke Eilanden quickly became the bustling heart of Amsterdam’s maritime industry. Shipyards and supporting industries sprang up, fueled by the Dutch Golden Age. Even surgeons and apothecaries set up shop here, ready to mend broken bones and cure exotic diseases brought back from far-flung voyages. The Dutch Admiralty claimed Kattenburg, establishing its presence with the Marine Etablissement Amsterdam. The mighty Dutch East India Company, the VOC, set up its warehouses and shipyards on Oostenburg. Today, one of the most striking buildings on the Oostelijke Eilanden is ‘s Lands Zeemagazijn, the former naval storehouse. It now houses the Netherlands Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum), a treasure trove of Dutch maritime history. Kattenburg underwent a dramatic transformation in the 1960s. The old neighborhood, with its narrow streets and small houses, was demolished as part of urban renewal. Modern buildings replaced the historic structures, leaving little trace of the island’s past. Wittenburg and Oostenburg also saw renewal in the 70s and 80s, but thankfully, more of their original character remains. The Oosterkerk on Wittenburg still stands as a prominent landmark. On Oostenburg, you can still see the Werkspoor buildings and the Oost-Indisch Pakhuis (East India Warehouse). The warehouse, described by the VOC as “a most excellent warehouse with incredibly thick walls, capable of standing for centuries,” has been converted into apartments. Oostelijke Eilanden, once a hive of shipbuilding activity, evolved with the Industrial Revolution. Wittenburg’s shipyards were replaced by industrial halls like the Van Gendthallen. By the 19th century, shipbuilding had declined. The islands increasingly became residential areas. Oostenburg, however, retains a mix of residential and commercial activity to this day. The nearby Czaar Peterbuurt, developed in the 19th century after the city walls were demolished, provided homes for workers and sailors. The Oostelijke Eilanden boast a fascinating history, echoing the dynamism of Amsterdam itself.