The symbol of Mostar, the most recognizable stone archway over the Neretva River, was destroyed on today’s day 22 years ago at 10: 16 a.m. It was destroyed after the shelling of missiles by the Croatian Defense Council (HVO).
Slobodan Praljak, a former head of the HVO is considered to be directly responsible for demolition of the Old Bridge. However, the demolition of the bridge was recorded, and the video toured the world later, and the people witnessed the destruction of one of the most recognizable symbols of B&H.
The Old Bridge was constructed in the period from 1557 to 1566, and the chief architect was mimar Hajrudin.
Turkish and the Italian governments donated the largest amounts of funds for reconstruction of the bridge in 2004, after which it was included in the UNESCO’s protected world cultural heritage list.
(Source: klix.ba)
