The Jewish population of Basel, believed by the residents to be the cause of the ongoing Black Death, is rounded up and incinerated.
Basel, often pronounced as BAH-zəl or BAHL in English, and known as Basle in French, Basilea in Italian, and Basilea in Romansh, is a pivotal city situated in northwestern Switzerland. Strategically located on the banks of the mighty River Rhine, Basel uniquely lies at the tri-border point with France and Germany, often referred to as the "Dreiländereck" or Three Countries Corner. This geographical position has historically established it as a crucial commercial and logistical hub in Central Europe. As Switzerland's third-most-populous city, following Zürich and Geneva, Basel is home to approximately 175,000 inhabitants within its city limits, though its broader metropolitan area encompasses a significantly larger population. While the official language is Swiss Standard German, the vibrant local dialect, known as Baseldütsch, a distinctive variety of Alemannic German, is the predominant spoken language, reflecting the region's rich cultural tapestry.
A Hub of Art and Culture: Basel's Illustrious Museums
Basel is renowned globally for its exceptional density of museums, cementing its status as one of Europe's foremost cultural centres relative to its size and population. With over forty museums spread across the city-canton, Basel offers an unparalleled artistic and historical journey.
The Kunstmuseum Basel: This venerable institution holds the distinction of being the first art collection in the world to be publicly accessible, established in 1661. It remains Switzerland's largest art museum, boasting an impressive collection that spans seven centuries, from Old Masters and classical modern art to contemporary works, including significant holdings of art from the Holbein family and major post-Impressionist and Expressionist pieces.
Fondation Beyeler: Located in the picturesque municipality of Riehen just outside the city centre, the Fondation Beyeler is celebrated for its exquisite collection of classical modern and contemporary art, housed within a striking building designed by Renzo Piano. Its curated exhibitions frequently feature world-renowned artists, attracting art enthusiasts from across the globe.
Museum Tinguely: Dedicated to the life and kinetic artworks of Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, this museum offers an engaging and playful exploration of his self-constructing and self-destructing machines, showcasing his unique approach to art that challenged conventional norms.
Museum of Contemporary Art (Kunstmuseum Gegenwart): Pioneering in its field, this institution holds the distinction of being the first public museum of contemporary art in Europe, opening its doors in 1980. It focuses on artworks from the 1960s to the present day, providing a dynamic platform for modern artistic expression.
Academic Excellence and Intellectual Haven
Basel's long-standing commitment to humanism and intellectual freedom is deeply embedded in its history, largely thanks to the University of Basel. Founded in 1460, it is the oldest university in Switzerland and has consistently been a beacon of learning and research.
Throughout centuries, particularly during times of political unrest across Europe, Basel's intellectual climate and neutrality offered a safe haven for prominent scholars, artists, and thinkers. Notable figures who found refuge or advanced their work in Basel include:
Erasmus of Rotterdam: The influential Dutch Renaissance humanist, who was drawn to Basel's vibrant printing industry and academic environment, where he published many of his critical works.
The Holbein family: Renowned German artists, with Hans Holbein the Younger creating some of his most significant portraits and designs while residing in Basel.
Friedrich Nietzsche: The profound German philosopher, who held a professorship of classical philology at the University of Basel.
Carl Jung: A pioneering Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, who studied and began his early career in Basel, profoundly influencing modern psychology.
In the 20th century, Basel continued its tradition of welcoming intellectual giants, including Nobel laureate Hermann Hesse and German philosopher Karl Jaspers, further enriching the city's academic and cultural landscape.
A Commercial Powerhouse and Global Player
Basel's historical trajectory has seen it evolve from a medieval Prince-Bishopric into a globally recognized commercial and financial centre.
Medieval Foundations: From the 11th century, Basel served as the seat of an influential Prince-Bishopric, wielding significant ecclesiastical and secular power. In 1501, it formally joined the Swiss Confederacy, a crucial step that solidified its political stability and fostered economic growth.
Renaissance to Modern Era: Since the Renaissance, Basel has flourished as an important commercial hub, leveraging its strategic position on the Rhine and its role in European trade networks. This commercial vitality was complemented by its burgeoning cultural scene, driven by humanism and the burgeoning printing industry.
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries: The 20th century marked a transformative period as Basel emerged as a dominant global centre for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. It is home to the world headquarters of leading life science companies such as Novartis, Roche, and Syngenta, alongside other key players like Lonza, making it a critical node in global pharmaceutical research, development, and production.
World Zionist Congress: In a moment of significant historical importance, Basel was chosen by Theodor Herzl as the site for the first World Zionist Congress in 1897. Its neutrality and accessibility made it an ideal location for this pivotal gathering. Remarkably, the Congress convened in Basel ten times over a period of 50 years, more than any other city, underscoring its role in the foundation of modern Zionism.
Global Finance: Basel also hosts the world headquarters of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), often referred to as the "central bank of central banks." The BIS serves as a forum for international monetary and financial cooperation and is instrumental in facilitating dialogue among central banks and other financial authorities worldwide.
Basel's name resonates internationally through various globally recognized institutions and initiatives:
The Basel Accords: These are a series of recommendations on banking regulations issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, setting international standards for bank capital adequacy and risk management (Basel I, II, and III), profoundly influencing global financial stability.
Art Basel: Widely regarded as the premier international art fair, Art Basel is a global platform for art collectors, gallerists, and artists, showcasing modern and contemporary works and significantly shaping the global art market.
FC Basel: The city's prominent football club, FC Basel 1893, is one of Switzerland's most successful teams, with a passionate fanbase and a strong presence in European football competitions.
Recognizing its high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, and political stability, Basel consistently ranks among the world's most liveable cities. For instance, in 2019, Mercer, a leading global consulting firm, ranked Basel as the tenth most liveable city worldwide, a testament to its exceptional urban environment and well-being.
The Enduring Presence of Jewish Communities in Basel
The history of Jewish communities in Basel is a complex narrative marked by periods of prosperity, severe persecution, and eventual resurgence, spanning from the 12th century to modern times.
The Medieval Community: The first Jewish community in Basel thrived for a period, contributing significantly to the city's economic life, particularly in finance and trade. However, this promising era ended tragically with the Basel massacre of 1349. This horrific event, like many violent anti-Jewish persecutions across Europe during that time, was unjustly linked to the outbreak of the Black Death. Amidst widespread fear and misinformation, Jewish populations were falsely accused of poisoning wells and spreading the plague, leading to brutal expulsions and massacres.
A Brief Resurgence: Towards the close of the 14th century, a second Jewish community began to form in Basel. Yet, its existence proved to be short-lived, disbanding before the turn of the century, likely due to renewed pressures or economic challenges that made sustained community life difficult.
Centuries of Absence: For an extensive period of approximately 400 years following the dissolution of the second community, there was virtually no organized Jewish presence in Basel. This long hiatus underscores the historical hardships faced by Jewish populations in the region.
Modern Diversity: In contemporary Basel, Jewish life has not only re-established itself but thrives in diverse forms. Today, the city is home to several active Jewish communities, catering to a range of religious observances from liberal and traditional to orthodox. Beyond these formal communities, a significant number of Jewish individuals reside in Basel who maintain their identity without formal affiliation, reflecting the modern pluralism and freedom that defines Jewish life in the city today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Basel
- Where is Basel located?
- Basel is located in northwestern Switzerland, situated on the River Rhine, uniquely positioned at the tri-border area with France and Germany.
- What is Basel famous for?
- Basel is globally renowned for its extensive collection of museums, its vibrant life sciences (pharmaceutical and chemical) industries, its prestigious University of Basel, its role as a global financial hub (housing the Bank for International Settlements), and for hosting international events like Art Basel and the historical World Zionist Congresses.
- What is the official language of Basel?
- The official language is Swiss Standard German, though the local Basel German dialect (Baseldütsch) is widely spoken by residents in daily life.
- Is Basel a good city to live in?
- Yes, Basel consistently ranks among the most liveable cities globally due to its high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, cultural richness, and economic stability. For example, it was ranked the tenth most liveable city in the world by Mercer in 2019.