Jean-Luc Godard's Notre Musique (2004) devotes a fair amount of screen time to the Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, which was heavily damaged (i.e. effectively destroyed) by Croatian tanks and artillery fire. Built in 1566 under the aegis of the Ottoman Empire, the original bridge met its end on November 9, 1993. After the Bosnian War and a global outpouring of support, the bridge was rebuilt between 2001 and 2004, incorporating salvaged stones from the Neretva River. In Notre Musique, even a trio of American Indians (aka Native Americans) show up for the reconstruction efforts.
The Stari Most and entire historic heart of Mostar's "Old City" comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to the UNESCO description: "The reconstructed Old Bridge and Old City of Mostar is a symbol of reconciliation, international co-operation and of the coexistence of diverse cultural, ethnic and religious communities."* Here's to hoping. For now, the chaos of war has moved on to Syria and other lands, still greedily devouring people and places as it roams.
Photo credit: Stari Most (Old Bridge) by Jason Rogers, November 11, 2006. Wikimedia Commons.
*"Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar:" http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/946
Today's Rune: Warrior.
1 comment:
Erik-I have many friends from Bosnia and they have a great appreciation for good, simple food and drink. That bridge pic is lovely!
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