Sanel Kajan’s book “The Old Bridge in Mostar, War, Destruction, Reconstruction (1991 – 2005)” was presented on Saturday in the Mostar National Library.
Sanel Kajan, as a journalist and current representative in the Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who owns a large archive of newspaper texts from many daily newspapers, weeklies and specialized magazines, decided to write a book in which he would consolidate the period from the demolition of the Old Bridge, through its reconstruction, to its inclusion in the UNESCO list.
“For years, I have been thinking about a work like this, where media materials related to the symbol of Mostar, the Old Bridge, from the period of its most turbulent past would be found in one place. However, seeing that they are ‘competent’ and ‘responsible’, as I call those who do not do their job, and are in positions, uninterested, even completely passive, and are in positions – that year after year they ignore the date of 9/11, when when the HVO and the Croatian Army demolished the Old Bridge, I decided to react,” said Kajan.
He says that if it weren’t for the “Mostari” Diving Club and several individuals and schools, November 9, 1993 would not even have been mentioned.
“Irritated by this fact, and aware of the importance of the Old Bridge, as a multi-faceted symbol, I decided to combine the period from its demolition, through its reconstruction, to its inclusion on the UNESCO list in one work, one book!”, Kajan pointed out.
In addition to his archive, he says, the Archives of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Archives of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina were also helpful.
The material offered is based on texts and photos from newspaper editorial offices in Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Zagreb, Split…
Using sources from 40 media companies from a wider geographical area, a period spanning 14 years of various events related to the Old Bridge, from 1991 to 2005, is covered.
Along with the author, prof. also spoke about the book. Ph.D. Lejla Žujo-Marić and prof. Ph.D. Maja Roso Popovac and journalist and chronicler Šemsudin Zlatko Serdarević.
The book contains a lot of data and archival material
The book provides not only a wealth of information about the Old Bridge, but also details of its restoration, which makes it much easier for researchers to search for specific subtopics. A number of delegations, political figures as well as distinguished individuals came to Mostar interested in the method and course of the reconstruction of the Old Bridge, because the reconstruction became a world project, so their names are also recorded on the pages of this book. The opening ceremony of the rebuilt bridge itself is of particular importance. Information on the preparation of the event, up to the final act, is provided here, it was said at the presentation.
“Despite the fact that this is not his (Kajan’s) author’s work, it deserves a lot of attention because if someone tries to collect the texts of just one newspaper by himself, he will see what a huge job it is. Only time will tell how valuable this book is, considering that it includes many reports from the scene with interpretations of what happened from the moment the bridge was demolished until it was included in the world cultural heritage. Most importantly, there are a lot of texts from various editions, portals, newspapers, and there is simply a choice and the possibility to show all sides, how who reacted to the events related to the Old Bridge”, said journalist and chronicler Šemsudin Zlatko Serdarević.
Prof. Ph.D. Maja Roso Popovac is of the opinion that today more than ever before it is necessary to record information, data and facts.
“What is more important for a city, a culture and a nation than true knowledge of one’s own history. “Chroniclers of time and events have become a crucial link in the chain of truth that should be passed on to future generations so that, with the passage of time, they can interpret and correctly understand history with independent, cool heads,” said Prof. Ph.D. Popovac.
Prof. dr. Lejla Žujo – Marić spoke from the aspect of educating readers of new generations.
“The book edited by Sanel Kajan speaks with the attached newspaper texts, opening the depths of time and refreshing the memory, but also educating all those readers who were born after the tragic events of the war, and who today are mature and socially responsible people. “Sanel Kajan is a credible witness who lends his voice to documentary material in a way that builds a mosaic of texts that speaks for itself and is valid as evidence of the time,” stated Prof. Dr. Lejla Žujo – Marić.
Source: blesak.info
