what is the origin of the name of your district?
Esquirol
The name Esquirol pays homage to Jean-Etienne Dominique Esquirol (1772 – 1840). A psychiatrist who lived in Toulouse in the district that today bears his name, he is considered the father of the organization of French psychiatry. He is also at the origin of the vote of the law of June 30, 1938, called, the “Law of foreigners”, which obliged each department to have a specialized hospital for the mentally ill. For the record, he was also Capitol In Toulouse.
Capitol
“Capitole” refers to the main and best-known square in Toulouse, named Capitol Square. This word comes from the term “capitoul”, the capitouls being the judges who were once responsible for settle business cases. They were elected by the different districts of the city.
The capitulule is a form of communal administration which ruled Toulouse from 1147 to 1789, date of its abolition. The Capitol is therefore since its construction decided in 1190 the seat of municipal power. At the end of the 14th century, 8 capitouls were elected, and the 8 columns on the facade of the town hall represent them. Namely that the capitouls were dressed in red and black coats. This is how these colors came to symbolize the Pink City.
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Carmelites
The Carmelites are a Catholic religious order, whose appearance dates back to the Middle Ages. They also belong to the Carmelite family. Toulouse’s history was marked in 1242 by the arrival of Guillaume Anesia and his six brothers from Mont-Carmel, a place where the Carmelites used to pray. The latter then were integrated into the district a large convent, the monks were driven out during the French Revolution.
In 1799, the convent was bought by Franc de Pompignan, then demolished in 1808. The place thus remained marked with the name of the Carmelites, then one built there instead a market hall in 1892, which still exists today.
Saint Cyprian
Saint-Cyprien is one of oldest neighborhoods in Toulouse. The first mentions of Saint-Cyprien in Toulouse date from 12th century. An act of 1177 designates the suburb vila sancti Cypriani. It takes its name from a 5th century holy abbot known for his kindness to the sick. The name of the district comes from the Saint-Cyprien chapel, present since the 10th century.
The presence of a hospital in this area of the city has also fueled the name of this neighborhood. Indeed, instead of the Hôtel-Dieu hasToday, there is a small hospital called Sainte Marie. Not far from there, the La Grave hospice was already up and running.
Saouzelong
Saouzelong comes fromoccitan “Long sauce”. This word simply means “weeping willow” in French. Why did you name this area like this? This tree species was deployed in large numbers in this area of Toulouse, which was once marshy. The inhabitants of Toulouse then named the district thus, in homage to these atypical trees.
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