Mostar Bridge marks 33 years since destruction in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Stari Most, or Old Bridge, in Mostar marks the 33rd anniversary of its destruction during the Bosnian War. On November 9, 1993, the historic Ottoman-era structure collapsed into the Neretva River following intense shelling by Croatian forces, including the HVO and HV.

Built in 1566 by Mimar Hayreddin, a student of Mimar Sinan, the bridge was a vital cultural symbol and a link between the city's ethnic communities. While the Hague Tribunal previously ruled the bridge a legitimate military target, it also acknowledged that its destruction caused disproportionate damage to the local Muslim population.

Following its reconstruction, the bridge was completed in 2004 and added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2005. Today, it serves as a symbol of peace and reconciliation, continuing to host traditional diving competitions and connecting the diverse cultures of the region.