SOCIOPOLITICAL SYMBOLIZATION OF STARI MOST1 : CONSTRUCTION, DESTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION

Authors : Yiğit Anıl GÜZELİPEK

Pages : 322-331

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Publication Date : 2019-02-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The long-lasting Ottoman domination towards the Balkans were based on various dynamics. Besides the Empire ’ s political and economic tools; the unique characteristic of Ottoman architecture was reflecting the Empire ’ s dominance over the territory. In this context, Stari Most (Bridge of Mostar) which is located in the borders of today ’ s Bosnia and Herzegovina should be considered as one of the greatest heritage of Ottoman Empire in the Balkans. Despite of the fact that in the very beginning, the bridge was constructed only for public’s transit; in the course of time, the bridge took symbolic meanings on itself. Besides its strategic importance during the Yugoslav Wars; the Bridge was symbolizing a “ sociological and political hyperlink ” between the Muslim and non-Muslim societies of the Mostar City. On the other hand, at the utmost level, the bridge was one of the symbol of Yugoslavia ’ s togetherness until its destruction. Yet, during the Yugoslav War, in 1993 Stari Most is destroyed by heavy artilleries. In other words, the 1993 shelling was not only aiming the bridge but also aiming the togetherness of Bosnian Muslims and the Catholic Croats. Likewise its destruction; the reconstruction of the Stari Most had also become very meaningful in the sense of the reappearance of international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This study aims to give the answer of the following question: How/Why a simple bridge can take on symbolic meanings in the course of time? The research question is elaborated by investigating the Ottoman period, Titoist Yugoslavia and aftermath of the Yugoslav Wars.
Keywords : Stari Most, Ottoman Empire, Yugoslavia, International Community, Symbolization