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Mostar |
Other opinions
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Old Bridge
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As a matter of fact, the old bridge was six years old. The old one was destroyed by the war, and this one was built recently, (almost) following the original. What shall I say, about a town that has not much more to offer than a copy of a bridge? Well, that's the most important bridge I ever saw. Not only a structure to pass from one side to the other across the river, but a connection between religions, linking ethnic and cultural differences. |
We were told that one side was Muslim, the other Christian. We didn't notice such difference: in both side we saw signs of both cultures, and people, struggling for life, with respect for us and each other. And so it must continue, as long as the bridge makes its job.
Tourism
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The vicinity of the bridge, in its both sides is a Daedalus of shops and stalls selling touristy souvenirs. Tourism may play here a very strong role, not only providing jobs and funds, but also helping people to accept and tolerate the differences, the only way to make last the actual peace. So... be useful, and, buying or not, do visit them! |
Tea Room
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After the visit of the Muslim side, we crossed the river, to visit the Croat side, and... surprise! The Muslim look kept present everywhere, evidencing the mixture before the war. Or what should I say, about this tea room in the Croat area? |
Turkish House
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This house is a small and modest museum, where you may see in detail the furniture, and the uses of its old owners.
Maybe too much detail - the long visit and the succession of visitors turn the waiting a little bit boring. Fortunately, the yard is cool and nice. If you are not in an escorted group don't worry: the new owners like to show the place (for one euro) and, for a second euro, it seems that you may drink a rose lemonade. We didn't! |
Mosque Karadjoz
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Once, Mostar had a mosque built in 1557. The war destroyed it, and men reconstructed it, being now proud to show it. It's now a simple and modest building, the best of it being the yard and gardens, with good sights over the bridge and river (and the hope that it may last for long!). |
River
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Mostar is also the name of the river that divides the town, and it proves that nature is always the first to recover from man's aggression. No matter from where and to where you look, the river looks beautiful |
Scars of war
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Everywhere we went, the signs of war were present, but, looking carefully, we notice that the ruined buildings should be... the most beautiful in town. Noticing that, I think that they started with the common buildings (easier and cheaper to rebuild) and are planning to rebuild the best ones according to their original look. That takes time, study, and... money. But if that is the idea, it gets my approval. |