The Basque Country

1
The Basque Country

• The Value of Family

2
Euskal Herria Basque Nation

• The Basque Country is made up of seven
  traditional regions. The four regions to the
  south, within Spain, form Hegoalde (south
  zone), while the three to the northeast, within
  France, form Iparralde (north zone).

3
Basque Country

• The Basque are a people that are possibly the
  descendents of the oldest known humans. Their
  language (Euskara) is different than any
  other.The Basques proud history has survived the
  many historical changes in Europe, and most
  recently, the oppression of Spains Franco. In
  1978, The Spanish Basque Region (minus Nevarre)
  was granted legal autonomy.

4
Ikastola Basque Language Schools
During the dictatorship of Franco, Basque schools
and even speaking the Basque language, was
outlawed.
5
Basques Immigrated to Idaho

• The largest community of Basques in North America
  exists in the greater Boise area. Basques
  immigrated to the United States and Idaho in
  order to earn a fortune and return to their
  homeland. Men often took jobs as sheepherders
  because of their strong work ethic and lack of
  language skills. Women came and ran the boarding
  houses that maintained a sense of community. Many
  grew to love this country and stayed.

6
Coastal Cities
Originally, many of the people along the Basque
coast were fishermen or seafarers.
7
Industry
Until recently, the Basque land cities were known
for their industrial strength.
8
Ibai river
The locks along the portal city of Bilbao were
originally the Industrial heart of the city
before the Guggenheim Museum was built.
9
Guggenheim Bilbao
The Guggenheim museum was designed by Frank O.
Gehry and has attracted millions of visitors to
Bilbao.
10
Baso woods

• The terrain of the Basque land is varied.
  Between the cities lies steep mountains that are
  lush with plants due to the heavy rainfall.
  Landowners grow grapes and olives to make their
  own wine and oil.

11
Mendi mountain

• A spiritual retreat rests in this mountain
  pass. Pilgrims often travel here to the Sanctuary
  of Aranzazu. Modern architecture and art mark
  this church as it has been rebuilt twice after
  burning to the ground.

12
Vitoria Card Factory

• The Fournier Playing Card Museum is found in
  Vitoria in a 15th century palace. Cards from
  every culture can be seen on display.

13
Village Streets
14
Itsaso Sea
Many of the coastal cities have become famous for
their beaches.
15
Football Soccer
Sports like soccer, pilota, weight lifting, and
lumberjack competitions are still popular in the
Basque country.
16
Pilota Basque National Game
Pilota is a game from the squash family. It can
be played with bare hands, bats, or baskets.
17
Basque Cuisine

• Cooking and eating are very important in the
  Basque culture. Food is prepared with care, and
  meals often last two hours or more.

18
Baserri farmhouse
The extended family lives in the home. Only the
oldest son inherits the land and house, but any
member of the family can stay and live in the
home and help work the land.
19
Town Squares
Free time is often spent in public squares with
people of all ages relaxing together.
20
Village Dance
Music and dance are a big part of Basque culture.
21
Family Values
Children are welcomed into the center of town and
life. Family is a central value for the Basques.
22
Recreation
Grandparents live in the family home and help
care for the children.