BiH city celebrates 20th anniversary of rebuilding iconic Old Bridge

An aerial drone photo taken on July 24, 2024 shows tourists walking on the Old Bridge of Mostar in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The city of Mostar marked the 20th anniversary of the restoration of its iconic Old Bridge on Tuesday. Originally built in 1566 in southern BiH, the Old Bridge is a significant example of cultural heritage from the Ottoman Empire and had been destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993. With the assistance of UNESCO, the World Bank, and various partners, the bridge was reconstructed and reopened on July 23, 2004. In 2005, the bridge and its surrounding areas were inscribed on the World Heritage List, marking the first example of this in BiH. (Xinhua/Yin Xiaosheng)

SARAJEVO, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) marked the 20th anniversary of the restoration of its iconic Old Bridge on Tuesday.

Attended by representatives from various international organizations, a celebratory event was held to highlight the bridge's significance as a symbol of peace and unity and its status as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site.

During the event, Qu Xing, deputy director-general of UNESCO said "the Old Bridge of Mostar is a symbol of cultural diversity, connecting people of different ethnicities, cultures, and religions, making Mostar a crossroads between East and West."

"The historical experience of Bosnia and Herzegovina has taught us that there is no alternative to dialogue. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a bridge that unites different civilizations, cultures, peoples and religions. Everyone who loves Bosnia and Herzegovina builds and protects bridges," said Chairman of the Bosnian Presidential Council Denis Becirovic.

Mayor of Mostar Mario Kordic highlighted the restoration as a catalyst for coexistence and transformation in Mostar.

"The reconstruction has brought tourists back, revitalizing commercial activity around the bridge. This has generated employment and economic growth, positively impacting the community," said Akihiko Nishio, vice president of Development Finance at the World Bank.

Originally built in 1566 in southern BiH, the Old Bridge is a significant example of cultural heritage from the Ottoman Empire and had been destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993.

With the assistance of UNESCO, the World Bank, and various partners, the bridge was reconstructed and reopened on July 23, 2004. In 2005, the bridge and its surrounding areas were inscribed on the World Heritage List, marking the first example of this in BiH. ■

An aerial drone photo taken on July 24, 2024 shows a view of the Old City of Mostar in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

The city of Mostar marked the 20th anniversary of the restoration of its iconic Old Bridge on Tuesday.

Originally built in 1566 in southern BiH, the Old Bridge is a significant example of cultural heritage from the Ottoman Empire and had been destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993.

With the assistance of UNESCO, the World Bank, and various partners, the bridge was reconstructed and reopened on July 23, 2004. In 2005, the bridge and its surrounding areas were inscribed on the World Heritage List, marking the first example of this in BiH. (Xinhua/Yin Xiaosheng)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 24, 2024 shows a view of the Old Bridge of Mostar in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

The city of Mostar marked the 20th anniversary of the restoration of its iconic Old Bridge on Tuesday.

Originally built in 1566 in southern BiH, the Old Bridge is a significant example of cultural heritage from the Ottoman Empire and had been destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993.

With the assistance of UNESCO, the World Bank, and various partners, the bridge was reconstructed and reopened on July 23, 2004. In 2005, the bridge and its surrounding areas were inscribed on the World Heritage List, marking the first example of this in BiH. (Xinhua/Yin Xiaosheng)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 24, 2024 shows a motor yacht passing beneath the Old Bridge of Mostar in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

The city of Mostar marked the 20th anniversary of the restoration of its iconic Old Bridge on Tuesday.

Originally built in 1566 in southern BiH, the Old Bridge is a significant example of cultural heritage from the Ottoman Empire and had been destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993.

With the assistance of UNESCO, the World Bank, and various partners, the bridge was reconstructed and reopened on July 23, 2004. In 2005, the bridge and its surrounding areas were inscribed on the World Heritage List, marking the first example of this in BiH. (Xinhua/Yin Xiaosheng)