The Basque


The Basque, are a people living in the North-Central regions of spain and in south-western France. The exacts origins of these people are shrouded in the mists of time.

The Basque have certain, physical traits which distinguish them from the other Europeans. However, it is culture and language which sets them apart ,decisively, from the rest of Europe. The Basque speak a language, they call, Euskara. The origins of this language is a mystery. The linguistic community is unable to find any relatives of Basque among the existing world languages. Nevertheless, some scholars say that the Basque language is a relative of the extinct Iberian language. This is still disputed.

The Basques live in a hilly region with rich mineral deposits. Hence, ship building has been the preferred profession. The Basque were excellent seafarers. The accompanied Spanish colonizers and colonized the New World.

The Basque are devout Roman Catholics. However, they were not converted to Christianity until the 10th century. Today, they are the most strict of Spanish Catholics. Over the years they have fought against domination by French and Spanish ecclesiastical institutions.

Today, the greatest threats to Basque culture are urbanisation and industrial development. The number of Basque living in their native regions or "caserios" is fast declining. Along with their culture their language Basque also is in danger of extinction.

The Basques have always had a strong sense of autonomy. They have always fought to preserve their culture and traditions. In the 15th century when a spanish Kingdom was established in Spain. The Basques retained their autonomy and carefully preserved their customs. This continued till 1876, when the Spanish Government absorbed these provinces.

In 1936, with during the Spanish Civil war a Basque state was proclaimed by the Republican Government. However, with the victory of the Nationalists under Gen. Franco, the Basques lost their freedom.

In 1975 a moderate monarchy was established in Spain. The Basques were given autonomy after fierce demonstrations and protests. Still, a few hardline Basque separatists were not satisfied and a militant movement was born. ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna which means Basque Homeland and Liberty in Basque). Over the years the ETA has targetted members of Spain's ruling party.

The Basque are undoubtedly a cultural mystery and a challenge to anthropologists and linguists. Theirs is a story of how an isolated culture responds to external influences and still flourishes.

The copyright of the article The Basque in World Cultures is owned by P Jerome Jayanth. Permission to republish The Basque in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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