September 12, 2004

Cultural heritage can be revived only through commitment. That’s how a bridge in Bosnia, built during the Ottoman rule and revered by all religious communities, was rebuilt after Croatian forces destroyed it in the early ’90s

IN the period between 1992 and 1995, Bosnian people faced a torrid time, particularly those who resided in the beautiful historic town of Mostar. The town, which was considered a cultural microcosm of Bosnia Herzegovina in the pre-civil war days, came under heavy attacks by Croatian forces. Mosques, churches, synagogues, educational buildings, health facilities, administrative offices and houses were destroyed through a ruthless series of artillery fire. Apart from genocides of different scales that cities in Bosnia traumatically experienced, Mostar was subjected to cultural annihilation through a periodic and well-targeted process. The perpetrators of this violent act believed that the best way to destroy a nation and its value system was to deprive it of its historic treasures and cultural properties. This heinous approach was then carefully applied. More than 3,000 buildings and complexes of historic significance were completely destroyed.

In Mostar, the denizens for years have had an emotional association with the Stari Most — an old Ottoman bridge — built by Mimar Hayruddin in 1566. It was repaired after it was damaged during the Second World War and was regarded as an architectural marvel of its time. People from Muslim, Jewish, Catholic communities considered the old bridge and each other’s religious places as a mutually shared asset. However, it could not withstand the sophisticated artillery fire unleashed by Croatian troops. It was again destroyed on Nov 9, 1993, creating an adverse psychological impact on the remaining inhabitants of the city. Atrocities continued and the peaceful population had to face endless miseries. Tales of human suffering assumed unimaginable proportions. In general, the region had an air of despair and dejection about it. Signs of any rebuilding and redevelopment were no where to be seen.

Many attempts were made to reorganize the rebuilding and rehabilitation process. One such outstanding attempt was made for Mostar, though far away in Istanbul, Turkey. This was led by eminent architect and researcher, Prof Amir Pasic. The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) through its cultural wing, namely the Research Centre for History, Arts and Culture (IRCICA), extended the much needed institutional support. While political and strategic attempts towards restoring peace and bringing order to the country were moving on, professionals and thinkers did not sit idle. They carried on with their work aiming to begin a well-articulated process of rebuilding without delay.

Rebuilding and redevelopment was anticipated to be a mammoth exercise for which huge professional input and financial resources were required. While the experts from Mostar were quite clear about the scale of input and nature of works to be carried out, the circumstances to enter the area were not favourable at all. In this time period, a unique activity had begun — a workshop programme to bring together professionals, researchers and academics to contribute towards the potential problems of Mostar in particular and other Bosnian cities in general. Through the available information, which was constantly updated, a series of rehabilitation solutions was prepared, which was to be applied to the post-war situation. The emphasis was kept on some intelligently carved out principles that were far beyond just brick and mortar. It was decided to revive the spirit of multi-culturalism through the built units. Mosques, churches, synagogues, cultural spaces and public places were the objects to which the majority population normally related.

Analysis had shown that people could withstand the damages done to their houses, businesses and properties. However, their spirits shattered when the icons of collective heritage were attacked and damaged. Thus the strategy of revitalization put a great deal of emphasis on reviving people’s treasures of collective affiliation without any prejudice.

The second step of the strategy was to make an attempt to heal the individual psychological and emotional wounds. It was found that almost every family or clan had had a personal loss — a near and dear one devoured by the mindless annihilation process. Anger, anguish, pain, desperation, depression and despair were some of the commonly prevailing psychological ailments amongst a sizable portion of the displaced population. Misinformation, propaganda and rumours were fanning the flames of misgivings to a considerable extent. Taking revenge on those responsible was the short-term concern of many people. Agonies of personal losses were beyond imagination.

A group of experts recognized the importance of addressing the issue on a priority basis. To help people alleviate their pain, a result of personal losses, was an uphill task. The most plausible way to deal with the issue was through the various channels of education, awareness-raising and leading people to look into the future. However, assistance of a wide body of like-minded educationists was sought to help in this vital assignment. The efforts continued behind the scene through well laid down strategies. Political leaders of the country were duly taken into confidence and requested not to create any kind of hype around these extremely sensitive issues. It was envisaged as a long-term process to be taken up on a regular basis. The authorities concerned are still following it up and the work is moving on.

Those involved in this rehabilitation effort tried to locate important local professionals, scholars and administrators who had fled Bosnia to save their lives during various phases. They were approached to contribute their expertise to the formation of rebuilding strategy, which was prepared in anticipation of the end of war.

In due course of time, a network of supporting institutions came up. For instance, in the case of Mostar, it was agreed that priority should be given to the reconstruction of the historic bridge. Governments of Italy, Turkey, France, the Netherlands and Croatia agreed to contribute towards the rebuilding of the bridge. Other actors that contributed included Unesco, the World Monument Fund and the World Bank. Coordination assistance was extended by the Municipality of Mostar. The exercise was undertaken with the objective to restore the bridge with most modern methods of restoration with full authenticity. Using photogrammatric techniques and other modes of analysis, complete details of the structure and exterior were put as the main blueprint. Severe shelling had dismantled many pieces of the bridge, which remained sunk in the Neretva river for several years. They were taken out and carefully repaired and numbered.

Also, using modern laboratory techniques, ancient mortars were analyzed. After this stage, these mortar combinations were prepared to conform to the standards of authenticity as well as building properties. Other technical details were also carefully worked out. Thus in the time span of about three years, the approximately 29meter bridge was finally completed in July 2004, costing approximately eight million US dollars. Different experts regard this venture as one of the most outstanding conservation feats in modern times.

There were several other attempts of restoration work in the town. With the assistance of a different set of funding agencies and governments of friendly countries, about two dozen buildings have been restored in Mostar. Most of this work was technically sound and corresponded with internationally subscribed restoration principles, barring a few examples. The ancient Ottoman residential complexes, mosques, public buildings, churches and other religious places are included in this list. However, a great deal of work is still left, given the scale of destruction caused during the war. The restoration of peace brought a new energy amongst the people and administration alike.

The municipality, with the assistance of external technical help, has been able to prepare a master plan for the city with emphasis on revitalizing the historic core of the town. The master plan lays down direction of growth, precautions and development control as well as immediate action works to be taken up on priority. Despite the fact that routine problems of funding and approvals from higher tiers do, off and on, tend to bother, the municipality and support groups of professionals are moving forward as a motivated team.

The whole rebuilding attempt has received considerable acclaim and offers of support from regional communities in Europe. On July 19, 2004, cultural ministers of Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Italy announced a joint declaration. This document appreciated the Mostar project and extended their assistance to the city, and revitalization of cultural property in general in the region. The said ministers also approved a commonly binding action plan to firm up their support to heritage in the region. The bridge complex was inaugurated on July 23, 2004 by Bosnian President Sulejman Tihic along with representatives of many countries.

This episode offers several lessons. One: even under most unfavourable conditions, cultural heritage can be revived if there is able professional leadership and commitment to undertake it as a challenge. Two: revival of collective assets help in healing the wounds of personal losses and deprivations. And last but not least, historic preservation and revitalization is a process capable of kickstarting urban development, if strategically and competently undertaken.

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