Oostzaan is a municipality and a town in the Zaanstreek, Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. The municipality had a population of 0 in. Oostzaan has a total area of undefined km2 of which undefined km2 is water. Oostzaan—together with Westzaan and Assendelft—are considered the "mother towns" of the Zaanstreek (the region around the River Zaan), of which they are the three oldest towns. Oostzaan also played a role in the VOC and WIC shipping and shipbuilding. 17th century Oostzaan was the home of the pirate Claes Compaen. Originally a privateer for the Dutch Republic, he soon began to act as a pirate, capturing several hundred ships. A street in Oostzaan is named after him. The town has a Reformed church with a cruciform groundplan, the Great Church (1760), which contains two ship models that recall the days when Oostzaan was an important sea-faring community. In the Oostzijderveld area of Oostzaan stands a windmill, De Windjager (The Wind Hunter).

Hamlets

Oostzaan consists of several hamlets, Kerkbuurt and the northern part of Zuideinde are the center of Oostzaan.

Local government

The municipal council of Oostzaan consists of 13 seats, which at the 2022 municipal elections divided as follows: • VVD - 5 seats • GroenLinks - 3 seats • CDA - 2 seats • PvdA - 2 seats • D66 - 1 seat

Economy

The poultry company Meyn Food Processing Technology is headquartered in Oostzaan.

Notable people

Gallery