The Political Afterlife of Sites of Monumental Destruction

Monumental destruction does not necessarily erase the symbolic significance of a site; instead, it can enhance its cultural value and political afterlife. Andrea Connor's study examines two cases—the Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia, and the World Trade Center in New York—where destruction during conflict or terrorism led to their reconstruction with new layers of meaning. The 'new Old Bridge,' rebuilt as an exact copy of the original destroyed in 1993, now serves as a symbol of reconciliation, while the WTC's absence marks a site of national mourning and remembrance. Connor argues that such reconstructions should be understood not only materially or symbolically but also through their affecting afterlives, reshaping collective memory and historical narratives. This work challenges conventional views on heritage sites, emphasizing their enduring agency even in destruction.

Connor, A. (2017). The Political Afterlife of Sites of Monumental Destruction. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315665962