Mostar: Divided City

During the Bosnian war 1992 – 1995 the historic city of Mostar found itself in the center of fights first between Bosnianak-Croation and Serbian troops and later between Muslims and Catholics. During the conflict large parts of the city were destroyed and many civilians lost their life. The destroyed bridge of Mostar especially became a well known symbol of the conflict. It was built by the Ottomans and stood here for hundreds of years connecting the Muslim and the Christian parts of the city, before being blown to pieces for unknown reasons. A couple of years ago the Mostar bridge was rebuilt, but many remnants of the war remain present in the city making it an eerie but very interesting place to visit. The wounds are heeling slowly, but still Mostar is a visible example for what can happen when once peaceful neighbours suddenly turn against each other for religious or ethnic reasons. Up until today the city remains divided.