Silent dive marks 31 years since Mostar's historic bridge fall
On the 31st anniversary of the demolition of the Ottoman Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia, a "silent dive" was performed into the Neretva River flowing beneath it. This dangerous tradition aims to remind residents and tourists of the events happening here.
The swift current of the Neretva River and the whirlpools at this location are extremely strong, but the diving club "Mostari" members remain undeterred. During the tourist season, they perform several jumps into the Neretva daily.
Dives into the Neretva
Before jumping, they collect donations from tourists (it's worth being vigilant, as many swindlers appear at this spot). The dive performed on the anniversary of the demolition of the Ottoman Old Bridge is always special—it is not accompanied by applause from tourists and residents. It is a moment for reflection.
"It's very important not to forget what was done to Mostar during the war years," said Lorens Listo, president of "Mostari," to Al Jazeera's Bosnian editorial team. "Especially concerning the most serious wound, which is the demolition of the Old Bridge."
The Old Bridge in Mostar
Let us remember that the Old Bridge was commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1566 and was the largest arched structure of that era in the world.
For centuries, it stood as a symbol of reconciliation between the East and the West. Unfortunately, in 1993, it was deliberately destroyed by shelling from the Croatian Defense Council (HVO)—the Croatian armed forces during the Bosnian War. Along with it, the old center of Mostar, including several mosques and other Ottoman-era buildings, was also destroyed.
Soon after the war ended in 1995, with support from UNESCO and the World Bank, reconstruction of this important national monument began. Parts of the original structure retrieved from the river were used to rebuild the bridge, which is 13 feet wide and 98 feet long and rises 79 feet above the river.
The bridge was officially reopened after renovation in July 2004. A year later, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is steep and slippery, but taking photos on it is a must during a visit to this city.
Interestingly, diving competitions from the Old Bridge have been organized at the end of July since 1968. This event is always full of excitement.
