Publications
Geometric Authenticity in the Reconstruction of Architectural Heritage: A Methodological Approach
A high level of geometric fidelity was confirmed in the reconstruction of Mostar's Old Bridge, destroyed during the 1990s conflict and rebuilt in 2004. The study, leveraging high-precision geodetic measurements and archival photogrammetric drawings, demonstrated that average deviations from the original structure were minimal—just a few centimeters—with only localized discrepancies attributable to construction tolerances. This finding validates the reconstruction's authenticity and sets a precedent for transparent, evidence-based heritage conservation in post-conflict scenarios. The research also introduced a replicable methodological framework, combining non-destructive techniques with adaptive georeferencing models, to objectively assess geometric accuracy in architectural restorations worldwide.
The Bridge to Transition: Post-conflict Heritage as a Tool of Development in Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Despite the symbolic significance of Mostar's Old Bridge, reconstructed through international cooperation and later inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the project did not address the city's division or foster long-term reconciliation. This study reveals that while heritage reconstruction aimed for peace and development, it was instead instrumentalized by political elites to perpetuate social divisions, with economic neoliberal logics reshaping the historical landscape without resolving post-conflict challenges. Analyzing post-reconstruction practices in managing Mostar's Old City space, the research highlights the unintended consequences of using heritage as a tool for development, offering insights into the complexities of post-conflict reconstruction and urban governance.
Comparative Analysis of Selected Metadata Standards for the Processing of Intangible Cultural Heritage
A comparative analysis of metadata standards for processing intangible cultural heritage reveals that Dublin Core and MODS are the most suitable for digital preservation, offering detailed descriptions and high interoperability. These standards facilitate better organization, management, and global accessibility of digital objects, as demonstrated through their application to the Jumps from the Old Bridge in Mostar—a UNESCO-listed intangible heritage element. Unlike other standards, Dublin Core and MODS include elements that enable rich XML-based descriptions while maintaining simplicity and broad acceptance. This research represents the first comparative analysis of its kind, underscoring the critical role of metadata standards in preserving Bosnia and Herzegovina's intangible cultural heritage for future generations.
Sedad Bešlija. Hercegovački Sandžak u 17. stoljeću
Dr. Sedad Bešlija's study, 'Hercegovački Sandžak u 17. stoljeću,' offers the first comprehensive analysis of the Bosnian Eyalet during the 17th century, addressing a significant gap in Ottoman historiography due to limited sources. The research reveals critical insights into the administrative, economic, and cultural dynamics of the Herzegovina Sanjak, highlighting its role during the Cretan War (1645–1669) and the Great Turkish War (1683/84–1699). It also provides a detailed account of everyday life, including social engagement and architectural contributions, particularly through waqf institutions. The study is based on extensive archival research from multiple locations, including Istanbul, Dubrovnik, Mostar, Sarajevo, and Zaostrog, alongside published sources and travelogues. This work not only enriches the understanding of the Ottoman period in Bosnia and Herzegovina but also suggests a new approach to Bosnian historiography by focusing on micro-themes and administrative units.
Structural Integrity – Historical developments through millennia
A groundbreaking analysis reveals how structural integrity of bridges, from ancient stone to modern concrete, has evolved over millennia. The study highlights the significance of preservation and retrofitting techniques for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, using two case studies: the iconic Old Stone Bridge in Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and a historical riveted steel bridge in Transylvania (Romania). For the latter, an Engineering Critical Assessment provided solutions for retrofitting, ensuring structural stability without compromising historical integrity. This research builds on the foundational work of Prof. Stojan Sedmak, a pioneer in fracture mechanics, and underscores the applicability of structural integrity assessment in heritage conservation.
Architecture of Destruction and Healing
Architectural destruction can be a deliberate tool for dislocating human relationships and environments, perpetuating cycles of violence and exclusion. Slobodan Praljak, a former cultural manager turned war criminal, exemplifies this through his role in the systematic demolition of Bosnia-Herzegovina's cultural landmarks, including the iconic Old Bridge in Mostar—a symbol of multi-ethnicity. His actions highlight how architecture, when weaponized, erases shared histories and deepens societal fractures. The study argues that true recovery requires addressing these structural disruptions rather than treating destruction as isolated incidents. It calls for approaches that reconnect communities and provide victims with a path to healing, breaking the cycle of violence and segregation.
ECMI Minorities Blog. Ethnic Identity and Football in Mostar – A Clear Divide along the Old Front Line
Ethnic identities and societal divisions in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, are prominently expressed through football, particularly along the lines of its two main clubs, FK Velež Mostar and HŠK Zrinjski Mostar. This division mirrors the geographical fault lines of the ethnic conflict from the early 1990s, with street murals and graffiti serving as visible markers of this split. The study integrates insights from sociolinguistics and sports identity literature to analyze how linguistic landscapes and territorial divisions intersect in post-conflict urban spaces. By examining the spatial distribution of football-related symbolism, the research highlights the enduring impact of historical conflicts on contemporary social dynamics.
Post-reconstruction enclosures: an infrastructural perspective on the post-conflict landscape of the Old City (Mostar)
Neoliberal peacebuilding through heritage reconstruction can inadvertently limit public space and community participation, as demonstrated by the post-conflict landscape of Mostar's Old City. Eighteen years after the reconstruction of its iconic Old Bridge—a project symbolizing multicultural reconciliation—the site has become a commodified landscape, restricting local engagement and shared future negotiations. The study employs an infrastructural perspective to analyze how such projects condition public space dynamics, highlighting risks to heritage sites as communal arenas.
The Destruction of the Old Bridge in Mostar: A Rupture in Collective Urban Space and Life
The destruction of the Old Bridge in Mostar during the Bosnia and Herzegovina conflict (1992–95) fundamentally disrupted the city's urban identity, symbolizing a rupture in collective space that no reconstruction could mend. This 16th-century landmark, a unifying force linking riverbanks into an integral urban unit, became a contested symbol of ethno-nationalism and trauma. Despite efforts to rebuild it, social divisions persisted, revealing how material destruction reshapes urban identity and interethnic relations in post-conflict settings.
Destruction, heritage and memory: post-conflict memorialisation for recovery and reconciliation
Memorialisation of conflict-affected sites holds significant potential for post-trauma recovery and reconciliation, serving as a catalyst for healing or further division depending on stakeholder dynamics, interpretation, symbolic meanings, and spatial-temporal context. The study critically examines these processes through case analyses of Hiroshima, Beirut, Sarajevo's Vijecnica, and Mostar Bridge, revealing that effective memorialisation requires inclusive engagement with all involved parties and careful consideration of pre/post-conflict relationships. This research contributes to the broader discourse on difficult heritage by offering frameworks for addressing sites emerging from crises, emphasizing its role in fostering unity and resilience.
Experimental and numerical analysis of the global behaviour of the 1:9 scale model of the Old Bridge in Mostar
A 1:9 scale model of the UNESCO-listed Old Bridge in Mostar revealed critical insights into the seismic behavior of reinforced stone arch masonry structures. Experimental shaking table tests and non-linear mathematical modeling using a combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM) demonstrated that such bridges exhibit complex, non-linear responses to intense vibrations due to their composite materials and structural elements. The study highlighted horizontal displacement patterns and failure mechanisms, providing valuable data for preserving culturally significant heritage sites. This research underscores the importance of integrating experimental and numerical approaches to analyze and safeguard vulnerable masonry structures.
Public Spaces and Conflict Transformation: From Mostar’s Old Bridge to Its United World College
Post-war public spaces, when designed with community engagement and inclusion, can serve as powerful tools for conflict transformation and reconciliation. This study highlights the contrasting outcomes of Mostar's Old Bridge reconstruction and the United World College (UWC) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the bridge's reconstruction, despite its symbolic significance, failed to foster lasting reconciliation among ethnic groups, the UWC's emphasis on community participation and inclusion has shown promise in promoting healing and democratization. The research employs comparative political anthropology, incorporating interviews and ethnographic observations to evaluate processes, agency, structures, and emotional aspects of identity and politics. It concludes that community engagement in public space reconstruction facilitates reconciliation more effectively than top-down approaches, which can be perceived as coercive.
Urbanization Models of Mostar in the Period of Austro-Hungarian Rule
Four distinct urbanization models were identified as the foundation for transforming Mostar from an Ottoman provincial town into a Central European city during Austro-Hungarian rule (1878–1918). These models—integrating new development within the existing structure, creating a new urban center in vacant spaces, expanding orthogonally across the river, and constructing Neo-Baroque villas with radial streets—were systematically analyzed. The study also uncovered the identity of key engineers behind regulatory plans and the legal frameworks governing these transformations. This research provides a novel framework for understanding urban planning under colonial influence, blending historical analysis with spatial urbanism.
Appraisal of Heritage Buildings in the Post-War Period in Bosnia
Post-war recovery efforts for heritage buildings in Bosnia and Herzegovina often face challenges due to improper interventions, leading to additional damage or loss of authenticity. A key finding is that the effectiveness of rehabilitation methods varies significantly based on the typology of the building, its importance (including intangible values), and the level of destruction. The study highlights cases like the total reconstruction of the Ferhadija/Ferhat Pasha Mosque in Banja Luka and the Old Bridge in Mostar, while also noting successful examples such as the preservation of Počitelj's Old Town. However, even with correct diagnostic approaches, improper conclusions can arise, as seen with the Handanija Mosque in Prusac. The research emphasizes the importance of using traditional crafts, techniques, and materials to preserve authenticity and structural integrity. It also introduces the 'Index of shifts of minaret' as a tool for analyzing potential weaknesses in damaged structures.
Die Partisanennekropole in Mostar
The Partisan Necropolis in Mostar, designed by architect Bogdan Bogdanović and established in 1959, stands as a significant urbanistic, historical, and artistic landmark. This memorial park, integrated into the city's structure with axes oriented toward key urban spots like the old town, reflects the communist party's reinterpretation of World War II as the People's Revolution and their influence on war graves and memorials in post-war Yugoslavia. Despite its cultural value, the necropolis has recently faced politically motivated attacks, highlighting its vulnerability to contemporary political tensions.
Improving Accessibility to Intangible Cultural Heritage Preservation Using Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) significantly enhances user immersion and performance expectancy when preserving intangible cultural heritage, as demonstrated by a case study on bridge diving at Stari Most in Mostar, Bosnia. The research found that 360° videos in VR improved user engagement compared to conventional desktop media, while not affecting effort expectancy for web applications. By integrating interactive digital storytelling with 3D virtual reconstructions, the study successfully preserved and communicated intangible heritage, providing a framework for future preservation efforts. This approach combines edutainment value with subjective evaluations to assess its effectiveness in cultural heritage conservation.
Metrics for Bridge Resilience Indicators
A new set of metrics for resilience indicators has been proposed to enhance the practical implementation of a decision-making framework for infrastructure service life management. This framework, developed by Turksezer et al., enables stakeholders to estimate system resilience through observable characteristics and evaluate the effectiveness of design or intervention measures. The study builds on previous research that links safe, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure systems to societal resilience, highlighting the importance of such systems in mitigating losses from natural and anthropogenic hazards. By providing quantifiable metrics for resilience indicators, this work aims to support more informed decision-making in managing vulnerable infrastructure, such as bridges, against potential disruptions or damages.
Quasi-static tests on 1:3 scaled arch segments of the Old Bridge in Mostar
Quasi-static tests on scaled-down arch segments of the Old Bridge in Mostar reveal critical insights into the load-bearing behavior and durability of historic masonry structures. The study, conducted using 1:3 scale models, demonstrates how connection elements such as wrought iron clamps, dowels, liquid lead, and mortar contribute to structural stability and resistance against external forces. These findings are particularly relevant for understanding the resilience of the original bridge, constructed in 1566 and reconstructed in 2004, providing valuable data for validating and refining existing mathematical models. The research highlights the ingenuity of historical construction techniques and their enduring effectiveness, offering a foundation for future numerical analyses.
The evaluation of the surrogate safety measures along a pedestrian confined ramp of an old bridge
A study on the Old Bridge of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, reveals critical insights into pedestrian safety on confined ramps. Using surrogate safety measures—such as relative speed (Delta-V), Time-To-Collision (TTC), Time Advantage (TAdv), and T2—researchers analyzed pedestrian trajectories under varying flow conditions, derived from video monitoring and geometric assessments of the bridge's infrastructure. The findings highlight potential risks in narrow, high-traffic areas like Mostar’s Ottoman bridge, particularly for vulnerable users such as the elderly or disabled, where reduced mobility and increased congestion could compromise safety and comfort. This work underscores the need to evaluate pedestrian mobility dynamics in UNESCO World Heritage Sites to prevent negative infrastructural outcomes, balancing tourism growth with sustainable urban planning.
Physical and Mechanical Specificities of “Tenelija” Stone
The stone 'Tenelija,' an oolitic limestone, exhibits unique physical and mechanical properties that have enabled its use in historic constructions, including the iconic Old Bridge in Mostar. Despite its low uniaxial compression strength, high porosity, and significant water influence on strength, structures built with this stone have endured for centuries. Laboratory testing of samples revealed these characteristics, with analysis showing correlations between different properties. This study highlights the resilience of 'Tenelija' stone, offering insights into its durability despite inherent weaknesses.
Post conflict reconstructions in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Post-conflict reconstruction efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly for UNESCO-listed cultural heritage sites, face significant challenges tied to economic conditions and refugee resettlement. A key finding is that while peace agreements aim to facilitate the return of refugees and restore destroyed heritage—such as the Kujundžiluk bazar near Mostar’s Old Bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)—progress is hindered by societal attitudes toward preservation. The study highlights the impact of initiatives like 'Cultural Heritage Without Borders,' which, despite engagement, shows limited effectiveness in addressing these challenges due to underlying economic and social barriers.
The “other side” of architectural reconstruction
Architectural reconstructions following armed conflicts, exemplified by the Old Bridge in Mostar, reveal that social and political factors often overshadow professional considerations in monumental preservation. This study challenges the notion of 'identical' restoration, questioning whether an authentic experience can be recreated through simulations of absent original monuments. It evaluates the reconstruction process, highlighting ethical, moral, and historical complexities, particularly concerning the original form and spaces. The research underscores the impact of delayed reconstructions due to political and economic instability, raising critical questions about the authenticity and layering of reconstructed monuments in post-conflict societies.
The Bridge Across small spaces
The Mostar Bridge (Stari Most) emerges as a potent symbol of post-war reconciliation, embodying the complexities of healing and unity in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Unlike the Øresund Bridge, which effortlessly connects regions with minor linguistic differences, the Mostar Bridge represents the arduous journey toward peace after conflict. This study contrasts these two bridges to explore themes of translation—both literal and metaphorical—as mechanisms for bridging divides. By analyzing the cultural and historical significance of the Mostar Bridge, the research highlights its role in symbolizing resilience and the challenges of post-conflict society. The approach combines qualitative analysis with comparative case studies, offering insights into how physical structures can serve as metaphors for social transformation.
The Importance of Assessing the Level of Service in Confined Infrastructures: Some Considerations of the Old Ottoman Pedestrian Bridge of Mostar
A study on the Old Ottoman Pedestrian Bridge of Mostar reveals that pedestrian traffic flow and Level of Service (LOS) can be effectively assessed through simulation, even in confined historical structures with unique geometric challenges. The research highlights how pedestrian trajectories, influenced by cultural habits and temporary obstacles, vary significantly between weekdays and holidays, impacting bridge congestion. Using video data and the Viswalk simulation tool, the study calibrated different scenarios—including emergency conditions—to demonstrate how LOS fluctuates under critical flow conditions. Findings provide actionable insights for local authorities to design interventions that optimize pedestrian movement on this UNESCO World Heritage Site, balancing preservation with functional demands.
Military Necessity, Proportionality and Dual-Use Objects at the ICTY: A Close Reading of the Prlić et al. Proceedings on the Destruction of the Old Bridge of Mostar
A problematic application of international humanitarian law regarding 'dual-use objects' emerges from the ICTY's adjudication on the destruction of Mostar's Old Bridge. The study critically examines the Trial and Appeals Chamber judgments, focusing on the concepts of military necessity and proportionality. It argues that the Prlić et al. Appeal Judgment misapplies these principles when assessing whether targeting objects with both military and civilian functions is permissible under international law. This analysis highlights a significant legal ambiguity in cases involving heritage sites with dual-use significance, potentially setting a precedent for future interpretations.
The pedestrian micro-simulation applied to the river Neretva: The case study of the Mostar “old bridge”
A study on the pedestrian bridge of Mostar reveals critical insights into managing pedestrian flow and congestion. Researchers used micro-simulation tools to analyze pedestrian behavior, focusing on tourist traffic patterns across different seasons and scenarios, including obstacles. By validating data through O/D matrices and Viswalk simulations, they identified variations in Level of Service (LOS) under normal and emergency conditions. This approach provides actionable recommendations for local authorities to optimize bridge crossing efficiency and safety, ensuring an optimal LOS even during peak flow conditions.
VR Video Storytelling for Intangible Cultural Heritage Preservation
A groundbreaking approach using 360-degree VR video storytelling significantly enhances user immersion and knowledge retention in preserving intangible cultural heritage, as demonstrated by the Mostar bridge diving project. This study found that combining interactive narratives with virtual reconstructions not only captivates audiences but also effectively educates them about traditional practices, such as bridge diving from the Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The research employed a user experience evaluation to assess the impact of this method, revealing its potential to serve as a framework for broader intangible heritage preservation efforts.
Renaming Streets and Nationalising Public Space: The Case of Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina
A policy of exclusion through street renaming in West Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, has been identified as a strategy to nationalize public space and replace socialist commemorative spaces with Croat national history. The study reveals that this process involves two key steps: de-commemorating the old name and establishing a new one, often leading to disputes among Bosniak, Croat, and Serb communities. While the renaming aims to erase past associations, its acceptance by local citizens is limited, suggesting that the new commemorative space does not fully replace the old one. The research examines the political implications of these changes, highlighting the tension between historical memory and contemporary identity in a post-war context.
The book "Footbridges - Small is Beautiful"
A comprehensive review of European footbridges, including the iconic Old Bridge in Mostar, reveals enduring lessons for modern bridge design. The book 'Footbridges – Small is Beautiful' (2014) compiled by 22 European authors highlights the creative synergy between architecture and engineering required to construct pedestrian bridges, often smaller yet complex structures. By analyzing over 200 footbridges—ranging from ancient to contemporary—the study underscores the historical significance of bridges like Mostar's Old Bridge, Venice's Rialto Bridge, and Ljubljana's Hradeckega Bridge as sources of inspiration for sustainable and aesthetically innovative designs. The research emphasizes the importance of integrating past expertise with modern techniques to enhance both functionality and creativity in bridge construction.
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.
Urbicide and the destruction of “bridge-ness” in Mostar
The destruction of the Mostar Bridge, a UNESCO-listed Ottoman architectural masterpiece and symbol of Bosnian cultural heritage, exemplifies 'urbicide'—the deliberate targeting of monumental structures to erase historical identity. The bridge's significance extended beyond its functional role in trade; it embodied Ottoman colonial influence, religious pluralism, and Bosnian-Islamic urban fabric. As a global tourist icon, its demolition disrupted not only physical infrastructure but also the cultural narrative of Mostar. The study analyzes this destruction through the lens of conservationist Amir Pašić's observations, highlighting how monumental architecture serves as both a tool for colonial control and a marker of cultural resilience.
Ideology, Political Transitions and the City
Bosnian and Herzegovinian cities, including Mostar, have undergone significant transitions from socialist planning to post-war neoliberal approaches, marked by a shift from rigid, top-down regulation to more flexible, informal development models. This study reveals how planning systems in the late phase of post-socialist transition have adapted to political and economic changes, moving away from centralized control towards open, adaptive frameworks. By analyzing urban zones—such as Mostar’s Industrial Zone Bišće Polje, City Zone Rondo, and Historic District—it provides insights into the evolving dynamics of city planning in a region navigating complex historical and political shifts.
The bridge on the Neretva: Stari Most as a stage of memory in post-conflict Mostar, Bosnia–Herzegovina
Stari Most, a UNESCO-listed Ottoman-era bridge in Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, serves as a powerful symbol of post-conflict reconciliation. The study conceptualizes its reconstruction as a 'stage of memory,' where the institutional narrative of rebuilding acts to bridge social divides in a city still divided along ethnic lines. Stari Most's destruction during the Bosnian War (1993) and subsequent restoration (2004) reflect UNESCO's mission to foster peace through cultural solidarity. The research identifies two key dimensions: the physical reconstruction as a structural metaphor for reconciliation, and the symbolic role of the bridge in institutional narratives that emphasize unity amid division. This approach highlights how heritage conservation can function as both a material and discursive tool for healing post-conflict societies.
The Playfulness of Resistance: Articulations of Urban Grassroots Activism in Post-Socialist Vilnius
A critical analysis of urban grassroots activism in post-socialist Vilnius reveals that the recent wave of movements, particularly those advocating for 'right to the city' and public space access, marks a significant shift from earlier activist initiatives. Unlike past protests predominantly rooted in cities, this new activism explicitly centers on urban identity and goals, challenging the long-standing discourse of urban superiority over rural or peasant cultures. The study highlights how industrialization and urbanization during socialism, followed by population movements due to wars, contributed to this urban-centric perspective, culminating in the concept of 'urbicide'—the deliberate destruction of urbanity—as seen in the siege of Sarajevo and the damage to Stari most (Old Bridge) in Mostar. The research employs discursive analysis to explore these dynamics, offering insights into the evolving nature of activism in post-socialist contexts.
The Reconstruction of the Old Bridge in Mostar
The reconstruction of the Old Bridge in Mostar stands as a testament to historical engineering and cultural preservation. Originally built in 1566 by Mimar Hayrudin, a pupil of the renowned Turkish architect Sinan, the bridge spans 28.70 meters with an arch thickness of 80 cm and a width ranging from 392 to 397 cm. Constructed from local stone called Tenelija, the bridge has inspired numerous artistic works across various disciplines. The study delves into the archaeological investigations, centering techniques, design intricacies, and materials used during its reconstruction, alongside the historical context of Halebija and Tara towers, which were also reconstructed in tandem with the bridge. This project underscores the significance of preserving such architectural marvels while maintaining their original integrity.
Urban transformations of historic areas: A case study of Nezir-Aga mosque complex, the Old Town of Mostar
Urban transformations in historic areas can successfully balance preservation and modernization, enhancing living conditions while maintaining cultural identity. A case study of the Nezir-Aga mosque complex in Mostar's Old Town demonstrates that systematic analysis of past changes—rooted in physical heritage and its underlying processes—provides a methodological framework for inclusive urban design. This approach resolves tensions between tradition and contemporary life, offering practical guidelines to inform future interventions in historic urban landscapes.
A funeral, a wolf and Bruce Lee in Mostar: revised urban contract and the intersection of time and space
This study reveals the profound impact of ethnic segregation on urban life in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting how physical partitions signify a breakdown in security and communal identity. It demonstrates that in divided cities like Mostar, the traditional urban contract—where residents exchange loyalty or taxation for safety and services—is severely disrupted, leading to vulnerability and lack of cooperation. The research analyzes this phenomenon through artistic depictions, including a film, novel, and statue performance, to illustrate the temporal and spatial dimensions of this urban fragmentation. By examining these cultural representations, the study underscores the failure of urban management in fostering unity and security.
War and a Herzegovinian town: Mostar’s un- bridged divisions
Mostar, a once-prosperous multiethnic city in Bosnia-Herzegovina, now stands divided along ethnic lines following the violent breakup of Yugoslavia. The study highlights that while pre-war Mostar was characterized by ethnic diversity and mixed communities, post-conflict Mostar is segregated into Croat-dominated west and Bosniak-dominated east. This division is symbolized by the Stari Most bridge, which, despite its historical significance, does not physically connect the two sides. The research isolates five geopolitical structures that contributed to this shift, contrasting Mostar's situation with Northern Ireland's post-conflict reconciliation. It underscores the enduring impact of ethnic divisions and the challenges in bridging material and figurative gaps in a post-conflict society.
A monument, identity and nationhood: the case of the Old Bridge of Mostar
Cultural heritage, though universally significant, is often targeted during armed conflicts due to its dual 'national' and 'international' nature. This study examines the destruction of the Old Bridge of Mostar, a symbol of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to illustrate how such monuments become pawns in broader political and legal struggles. The research argues that while cultural property holds immense international value, its perceived national significance can lead to its deliberate destruction, highlighting a tension between national identity and international preservation efforts. The approach involves analyzing the bridge's historical and symbolic importance alongside its role in conflicts, offering insights into the fragility of heritage sites amid geopolitical tensions.
International Law Protecting Cultural Property in Armed Conflict
International humanitarian law provides significant protections for cultural property during armed conflict, as demonstrated by the case of the Old Bridge in Mostar. The study clarifies that both treaty-based and customary international law apply to the destruction of the bridge, which occurred during the Croat-Muslim conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It highlights two key tests—direct intervention and overall control—to assess the applicability of these legal frameworks. By analyzing the nature of the conflict and the legal instruments in place, the research underscores that cultural property, such as the Old Bridge, is not merely secondary to personal protection but is subject to robust international safeguards.
The Old Bridge of Mostar and Increasing Respect for Cultural Property in Armed Conflict
This study reveals that the deliberate destruction of the Old Bridge of Mostar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of exceptional historical and architectural significance, constituted a violation of international humanitarian law (IHL) and amounts to a war crime. Despite its lack of military significance at the time of destruction, the bridge was protected under IHL, yet its targeting remains emblematic of broader impunity for cultural property-related crimes during armed conflicts. The research evaluates the adequacy of existing legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms by analyzing the incident through normative and jurisprudential lenses, including ICTY precedents. While progress has been made in addressing such crimes, gaps persist at both normative and enforcement levels, underscoring the need for clearer legal prohibitions and stronger implementation to ensure respect for cultural heritage in conflict zones.
Cosmopolitan memory
The Old Bridge of Mostar, a sixteenth-century Ottoman architectural masterpiece symbolizing ethnic integration, was destroyed during the Bosnian War (1992–1995) as a deliberate act by Croatian forces. This destruction marked a dramatic shift from Mostar’s pre-war cosmopolitan identity to one defined by ethnic fragmentation and conflict. The study examines how this physical and symbolic erasure reflects broader historical tensions, illustrating the interplay between memory, urban geography, and political violence. It employs qualitative analysis of historical accounts, architectural symbolism, and post-conflict narratives to explore the loss of cosmopolitanism in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Reading Architecture - Remembering - Forgetting interplay: Development of a Framework to Study Urban and Object Level Cases
Architecture serves as a dynamic medium for the interplay of remembering and forgetting, embedding cultural and social narratives within urban landscapes. This study introduces a framework to analyze how architectural forms facilitate memory performance at both macro (urban) and micro (object) levels. Through qualitative mapping, archival research, and narrative interviews, the research identifies markers in urban environments that enable remembering while questioning forgetting. Applied to cases like Bangalore, India, and Stari Most (Old Bridge), Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the framework demonstrates that certain architectural features act as 'auratic contact zones,' supporting memory performance. The findings highlight architecture's potential to preserve and challenge collective memory through form and interaction.
Static and dynamic analysis of the old stone bridge in Mostar
A numerical model developed for static and dynamic analysis of masonry structures successfully predicts the behavior of Mostar's iconic 16th-century stone bridge under vertical loads, temperature changes, and seismic activity. The study compared two geometric models—micro and macro—and validated its findings against observed deflections and crack patterns in the bridge's arch, confirming the model's reliability. This approach offers a robust method for assessing the structural integrity of historic masonry bridges, particularly those designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar