Zabrze (pronounce: Zabrze.ogg) is a city in southern Poland with 194,041 inhabitants (2004). It is situated in the Silesian Voivodship (since 1999), previously in Katowice Voivodship (1975-1998).

History

Zabrze is a relatively new city, having received its charter only in 1922. But the village Zabrze that eventually gave the city its name has been first mentioned in records in the 13th century. The name Zabrze has been used continuously since then.

Zabrze was officially renamed Hindenburg in 1915 to honor Paul von Hindenburg and that name was used until 1945. After the city became part of Poland in 1945, the original name Zabrze was restored.

Politics

Bytom/Gliwice/Zabrze constituency

Members of Parliament (Sejm) elected from Bytom/Gliwice/Zabrze constituency

• Chojnacki Jan, SLD-UP
• Dulias Stanisław, Samoobrona
• Gałażewski Andrzej, PO
• Janik Ewa, SLD-UP
• Kubica Józef, SLD-UP
• Martyniuk Wacław, SLD-UP
• Okoński Wiesław, SLD-UP
• Szarama Wojciech, PiS
• Szumilas Krystyna, PO
• Widuch Marek, SLD-UP

Municipal politics

to be written yet

Sports

• Górnik Zabrze - men football team (Polish Cup winner 1965, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972; Polish Supercup winner 1988; 1st league in season 2003/2004 and 2004/2005)

Economy

Like other towns in this populous region, it is an important manufacturing centre, having coal-mines, iron, wire, glass, chemical and oil works, breweries, etc.