Silent dive honors Mostar bridge's turbulent history
On the 31st anniversary of the demolition of the Ottoman Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia, a "silent dive" was performed into the Neretva River flowing beneath it. This tradition is very dangerous but serves to remind residents and tourists of the historical events at this site.
10 November 2024 18:32
The swift current of the Neretva River and the whirlpools in this area are extremely strong, yet members of the diving club "Mostari" are undeterred. During the tourist season, they perform multiple dives into the Neretva each day.
Dives into the Neretva
Before jumping, they collect donations from tourists (many scammers also frequent this area, so it’s wise to stay vigilant). The dive performed on the anniversary of the demolition of the Ottoman Old Bridge is always special. It occurs without the applause of tourists and residents and serves as a moment of reflection.
"It’s very important not to forget what was done to Mostar during the war years," said Lorens Listo, president of "Mostari," to Al Jazeera's Bosnian editorial team. "Especially concerning the most significant wound, which is the demolition of the Old Bridge."
The Old Bridge in Mostar
Let us remember that the Old Bridge was commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1566 and was the largest arched structure of its time in the world.
For centuries, it stood as a symbol of reconciliation between the East and the West. Unfortunately, in 1993, it was deliberately destroyed by shelling from the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) - the Croatian armed forces during the Bosnian War. The old centre of Mostar, including several mosques and other Ottoman-era buildings, was also destroyed alongside the bridge.
Soon after the war ended in 1995, with support from UNESCO and the World Bank, the reconstruction of this significant national monument began. Parts of the original structure retrieved from the river were used to recreate the bridge, which is 4 metres wide and 30 metres long and rises 24 metres above the river.
The bridge was officially reopened after renovations in July 2004. A year later, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is steep and slippery, but photographing from it is a must during a visit to this city.
Interestingly, since 1968, diving competitions from the Old Bridge have been organized at the end of July. This event is always full of excitement.
