In Mostar yesterday, a central event marking 20 years since the restoration of the Old Bridge, a monument of peace and a symbol of unity and a UNESCO world heritage, was held, which was attended by representatives of UNESCO and the World Bank, ambassadors of the European Union and the world, as well as representatives of organizations, diplomatic, political and cultural life and numerous citizens.
On the plateau below the Old Bridge, the ceremony, organized by the City of Mostar, began with the national anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina performed by the Mostarska kiše ensemble and a short film about the restoration of the bridge narrated by actor Nedžad Maksumić.
A timeless symbol
Addressing the audience, the President of the City Council of the City of Mostar, Salem Marić, said that the Old Bridge is a symbol of existence and layered history in this area, a part of culture and identity, and an eternal seal that imprints us on the most significant works and heritage of the world.
“As such, it is our support to be recognized and respected in the place of the great cultural and economic scene of the world. The old bridge connects shores and people, lives and destinies. Intended to serve good and bring people together, created to amaze and stand out in the world of brilliant construction and architecture, it has become a timeless symbol. He is the basis of our identity, a witness to the best but also the worst times we have lived through ,” said Marić.
He reminded that in 2005, one year after the restoration, the Stari most was entered on the UNESCO list, thus positioning Mostar on the map of the most important places.
“Our Old Bridge welcomes citizens from all over the world under its wings and on its arch. Tonight, Stari most, Mostar and its citizens stand upright and proud with great faith that we are walking together into a peaceful and better future. May the Old Bridge, the idea of peace and common life live forever, may Mostar and our homeland Bosnia and Herzegovina be proud” , emphasized Salem Marić.
The power of collaboration
The head of the World Bank office in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, Christopher Sheldon, said that this ancient bridge, a symbol of resistance, unity and hope, has a special place in the hearts of the inhabitants of Mostar and beyond.
“The restoration of the Old Bridge represented more than just a reconstruction project, it represented hope in the times of recovery and rebuilding after the destruction of war. We are extremely proud to have been part of that story. Standing here tonight reminds us of the power of cooperation. The successful reconstruction of the bridge was made possible by the joint efforts and partnership of the inhabitants of Mostar, the Mostar authorities and the international community ,” added Sheldon.
He says that the restoration of the bridge has become a global symbol of reconciliation and preservation of cultural heritage, which now, according to estimates, attracts around one and a half million tourists a year, which marks the recovery of tourism and economic development of the country.
“The old bridge is a reminder to the world of how important peace and unity are. This bridge, once torn down, now stands strong as a testament to what we can achieve when we are united by a common vision and goal. Some monuments are so symbolic that they embody the spirit of the place, the Old Bridge in Mostar is one such monument ,” said UNESCO Deputy Director General Qu Xing in his speech. Mostar’s Old Bridge shows, he adds, that sooner or later the ruins must give way to reconstruction.
“Because attacking heritage means undermining a certain vision of humanity. This means preferring a fragmented and fractured vision of the world. But by restoring monuments, encouraging international solidarity, we can rebuild the possibility of peace. This is what UNESCO believes, this is what UNESCO does” , he concluded.
City example
During the ceremony, Mayor Mario Kordić and President of the City Council Salem Marić awarded certificates of thanks to UNESCO, the World Bank, the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Italy, the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of France for their outstanding contribution to the restoration of the Old Bridge.
Mayor Kordić said that the restoration of the Old Bridge was supposed to be the beginning of coexistence after the unhappy 1990s.
“Unfortunately, we got stuck in political oil and stories that didn’t want to let us go. How we will live in Mostar does not depend on foreigners or anyone else, but depends on the people of Mostar and all of us. Thank you to the best citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina, my Mostars, without whom we would not have been able to turn the city of chance into an example for BiH and the whole of Europe in the last four years ,” said Kordić.
After the certificates of appreciation were presented, the program continued with a ceremonial jump from the Old Bridge with a torch, which was followed by spectacular fireworks, and ended with a concert by the popular band Hari Mata Hari.
Source: akta.ba
