Agosti Xaho facts for kids
Augustin Chaho (pronounced Oh-goo-STAN Shah-HO), or Agosti Xaho in Basque, was an important writer from the Basque Country. He wrote during a time called the Romantic period. He was born in Tardets (Atharratze in Basque) in Soule, French Basqueland on October 10, 1811. He passed away in Bayonne (Baiona in Basque), Labourd on October 23, 1858. Many people see him as an early supporter of Basque identity and rights.
Contents
Who Was Augustin Chaho?
Early Life and Ideas
Augustin Chaho grew up in the beautiful Basque region of France. It is believed that he studied in Paris with a famous writer named Charles Nodier. While in Paris, Chaho developed some special ideas about hidden knowledge and ancient wisdom.
His Writings
Augustin Chaho wrote several important books. These books helped share his ideas about the Basque people and their history.
One of his books was called Travel to Navarre during the insurrection of the Basques (1830-1835). He wrote it in 1836. This book was about his experiences during the First Carlist War. This was a conflict in Spain. Chaho saw it as a fight by the Basques against Spain. He hoped it would lead to a Basque republic, which is a country ruled by its people.
The Legend of Aitor
He also wrote The Legend of Aitor. In this book, he created a story about how the Basque people began. This story was a kind of national creation myth. It was very popular for some time.
Azti-Begia
Another one of his works was Azti-Begia. This means The Soothsayer's Eye in the Souletin dialect of the Basque language.
Political Life
Augustin Chaho was a strong supporter of the French Republic. This means he believed France should be a country ruled by its citizens, not a king. He became a councillor in Bayonne. He also served in the Basses-Pyrénées department.
Role in the 1848 Revolution
In 1848, there were many revolutions in France. Augustin Chaho led the revolution in Bayonne. However, after a political change in 1851, he had to leave France. He escaped to Vitoria (Gasteiz in Basque) in Alava, which is in the Spanish Basque Country.
