THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE OLD BRIDGE IN MOSTAR

Abstract

The reconstruction of the Old Bridge is one of the most valuable historical projects undertaken under the auspices of the UNESCO in the past several decades. The location of today’s Mostar was mentioned for the first time in 1452 as “duo castelli al ponte de Neretva”. Many traces and artifacts dating from the Prehistoric and Roman periods were discovered in Mostar and its surroundings, which proves that the area around today’s Mostar was inhabited from ancient times. A wooden bridge built in the mid-15th century (1452) existed in the place of today’s Old Bridge prior to the arrival of Turks. Today’s stone Old Bridge was designed and built by Mimar Hayrudin, who was a student of Sinan, the greatest Turkish builder. The Old Bridge was a source of inspiration for architectural, visual, musical and other works of art. The Old Bridge was completed in 1566. The arch of bridge was built from local stone called Tenelija. Construction of the towers on either side of the Old Bridge, started in medieval times. The towers were completed about a hundred years after completion of the bridge. The reconstruction of the towers was done together with the reconstruction of the Old Bridge.