Silent Dive commemorates Mostar's enduring legacy
On the 31st anniversary of the demolition of the Ottoman Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia, a "silent dive" was performed into the River Neretva flowing beneath it. This dangerous tradition is intended to remind residents and tourists of the events that occurred in this place.
The swift current of the River Neretva and the whirlpools in this area are extremely powerful, but members of the diving club "Mostari" are unyielding. During the tourist season, they perform several jumps into the Neretva every day.
Dives into the Neretva
However, before jumping, they collect donations from tourists (many swindlers also appear at this location, so it’s worth being vigilant). But the dive performed on the anniversary of the Ottoman Old Bridge's demolition is always special – it is conducted silently, without 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 by the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) - the Croatian armed forces during the Bosnian War. Along with it, the old centre 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 recreate the bridge, which is 4 metres wide and 30 metres long and rises 24 metres 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 organised at the end of July since 1968. This event is always full of excitement.
