31st Anniversary of the Destruction of the Old Bridge: Students on all bridges in HNK

(Patria) - The Organizational Committee for the marking of state holidays and other significant dates in HNK announced that students, parents, professors, directors, and citizens will be on the Old Bridge on Saturday, 9.11.2024 at 10:16 AM to mark the 31st anniversary of the destruction of the symbol of architecture and civilization.

As they stated, at the same time throughout HNK, students of primary and secondary schools will be on all bridges with a message that bridges serve us to build a better future together.

They added that they will attend the traditional dive into the Neretva without applause, organized by the Divers Club "Mostari".

The Old Bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage site which, when built, was the largest arched structure in the world. It was built in 1566 during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, and the builder was Mimar Hayruddin.

The bridge itself was called "New", "Sultan Suleiman's", "Great", and "Old" throughout history.

During the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992–1995), the bridge was partially damaged by the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS) and the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA).

On November 9, 1993, members of the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) destroyed the Old Bridge as part of the shelling and terrorizing campaign of Mostar, which was confirmed by the International Court in The Hague. The bridge was reconstructed and completely renovated in 2004. In July 2005, the bridge was included in the UNESCO list of protected cultural monuments. The traditional competition "Diving from the Old Bridge" also has tourist significance and a long history.

Since August 15, 2015, the Old Bridge has also hosted the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series competition, which is held traditionally and has global tourist significance.

"I was not hit, nor did I die or fall, I just had to jump down. I will continue where I left off, the Old Bridge has re-emerged for those who love it...", states the announcement from the Organizational Committee for the marking of state holidays and other significant dates in HNK.