| Basa | |
|---|---|
 Basa cheese | |
| Country of origin | Croatia, Bosnia |
| Region | Lika, Bosnian Krajina |
 Related media on Commons | |
Basa is a type of soft white cheese traditionally prepared in Lika (Croatia) and parts of Bosanska Krajina (Bosnia). [1] It is most commonly used as a cheese spread. It is considered a specialty of these regions. [2]
Basa is traditionally divided into three types: [3]
The southern parts of Bosnian Krajina are dominated by mountainous regions with karst fields and highland plateaus, making the natural conditions favorable for livestock farming. [4] However, despite this, there was no mass production of cheese as a market commodity, so the production of basa was based on primitive methods for the household's own needs. [4]
The Croatian newspaper "Mljekarstvo," in an article from 1962 dedicated to cheese production in the southern parts of Bosnian Krajina, states: "In some parts of these regions, there is a rooted understanding that dairy products are not market commodities, as they belong to the domain of housewives. This understanding causes dairy products to be made in an old and primitive way, contributing to a great variety of products with a poor assortment." [4]
An analysis of basa samples from the Lika region, conducted in 1983 by Dr. Ljerka Kršev, showed that industrial production of basa for the wider market is possible using standard dairy equipment. [2]
Today, commercial production of basa in the Lika-Senj County mainly takes place within small rural farms. [5] In Bosnian Krajina, production is prevalent around Bosanski Petrovac, and to a lesser extent, it is also present among some producers in Vojvodina. [3] [6]
The Municipality of Petrovac-Drinić, in its development strategy (2011-2016), mentioned creating conditions for the branding of basa. [7]
It is mainly prepared from cow's milk, and less commonly from goat's and sheep's milk. [8]
Cheese production is mostly carried out at home, and the preparation method can vary not only from place to place but also from household to household. [9] Variations in preparation extend not only to the production technology but also to the ingredients used. [9]
According to field research conducted in 1974 in the vicinity of Vrhovine and Otočac, the recipe for preparing Lika basa was as follows: [9]
In the village of Smoljana, in the municipality of Bosanski Petrovac, a traditional event dedicated to this cheese called "Days of Basa and Potatoes" is held.
Dragan Torbica, a fictional character from the television series "Državni posao," is a great lover of this food, and it is often mentioned in the series in the context of Krajina specialties.
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Bosanska Krajina is a geographical region, a subregion of Bosnia, in western Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is enclosed by a number of rivers, namely the Sava (north), Glina (northwest), Vrbanja and Vrbas. The region is also a historic, economic and cultural entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, noted for its preserved nature and wildlife diversity.
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The Srb uprising was a rebellion against the Independent State of Croatia that began on 27 July 1941 in Srb, a village in the region of Lika. The uprising was started by the local population as a response to persecutions of Serbs by the Ustaše and was led by Chetniks and Yugoslav Partisans. It soon spread across Lika and Bosanska Krajina. During the uprising numerous war crimes were committed against local Croat and Muslim population, especially in the area of Kulen Vakuf. As NDH forces lacked the strength to suppress the uprising, the Italian Army, which was not a target of the rebels, expanded its zone of influence to Lika and parts of Bosanska Krajina.
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The Bihać operation was a military operation conducted by Yugoslav partisans against the Independent State of Croatia (NDH) and Nazi Germany during World War II. The aim of the operation was to capture Bihać and the surrounding towns to connect Partisan held areas in Bosanska Krajina, and Knisnka Krajina. The battle for the city of Bihać lasted from 2 November to 4 November 1942. After capturing the city, the partisans continued to fight in surrounding areas until 15 November. The operation resulted in a major Partisan victory, with Bihać and the surrounding areas being captured, and the NDH suffering significant casualties.
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