Basques are a group of people who originate from certain regions of Spain and France. Basques are predominantly from north-central Spain and southwestern France. Today, the vast majority of Basques reside in a region at the western end of Pyrenees. The Basques are an ethnic group, and some consider them a nation, because they are significantly differing from the people settling near them in the region. Genetic research has actually shown that a great number of western Europeans have common ancestry with the Basques including Spanish, French, Irish, and more.

History of the people

It is thought that the Basques are some of the earliest inhabitants of Western Europe. During the Middle Ages there was an Islamic invasion of some of the Basque territories that fragmented their land and their regional control over different parts of the territory. In the early ninth century the Kingdom of Pamplona was home to the largest population of Basques in Europe. After some time, the state was exposed to Feudalism and the Basques left the region. This is when the Basques came to settle in southern France. Despite outside control, many of the territories inhabited by the Basques people were predominantly self-governed until the French Revolution. Today, the Basques are under control of the Spanish constitution, but they still seek to establish their own state with their own government.

There are currently over 2.1 million Basques residing in southwestern France. The Basques are currently separatists, seeking succession from France. They seek separation from France because of their significant ethnic and cultural differences with the French. The Basques have tried for their freedom for centuries and may never get it. The Basques have their own language but because of persecution and pressure from the French virtually all of the Basques have come to speak, read, and write the French language. This is because they cannot simply thrive within their own self-sustained society.

The Basques language is considered one of the oldest and most unique languages in the world. In addition, it is considered one of the most unique languages in the world, along with Arabic and other ancient world languages.

Cuisine

Basque cuisine is the centerpiece of the Basque culture. Basque food is heavily influenced by the neighboring cultures including Spanish and French foods. In addition, the sea and farms are bountiful resources that offer the Basque people plenty of fresh ingredients for their rich cuisine. “Food clubs” are prominent in Basque culture where men gather and cook their own food. Women are only allowed in once a year when the cider is ripe.

Pre-Christian mythology

Basque culture makes up a great deal of the Pre-Christian mythology in the world. The Greek myths are recognized as the predominant mythology in the world, however the Basques contributed a significant amount of mythology of the ancient world.

The Basques are a proud people and are seeking separation from France for political and ethnic reasons. They make up a significant portion of people in Southwestern France.