Scientific Symposium Held in Mostar on the Restoration of the Old Town

Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina - A scientific and professional symposium focused on the continued restoration and conservation of Mostar’s Old Town was held today at Hotel HA in Mostar.

Organized by the Center for Peace and Multi-Ethnic Cooperation Mostar, with support from the Federal Ministry of Education and Science, the event was titled:
“A Scientific and Professional Approach to Conservation Works for the Further Restoration of the Old Town in Mostar.”

The symposium brought together leading university professors, researchers, and experts in the fields of architecture, conservation, and cultural heritage protection, with the goal of exchanging knowledge and practical experiences related to preserving and managing one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most significant historic urban areas.

In the opening segment, representatives of the organizing institutions underlined the importance of a systematic, scientifically grounded, and interdisciplinary approach to the restoration of Mostar’s Old Town, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Participants were welcomed on behalf of the organizers by Alija Behram, while the symposium was officially opened by the President of the Mostar City Council, Prof. Dr. Đani Rahimić. The event was moderated by Asja Kljako, Bacc. in Civil Engineering.

The program was structured in two main thematic blocks.

The first block focused on the architectural identity of the Old Town and hands-on restoration experiences, featuring presentations by: Prof. Dr. Maja Roso Popovac, Assist. Prof. Dr. Senada Demirović Habibija, Prof. Dr. Aida Idrizbegović Zgonić.

The second block addressed heritage protection and examples of managing cultural-historical sites, with contributions from: Assist. Prof. Dr. Faris Trešnjić, Assist. Prof. Dr. Amra Šarankić Logo, Prof. Dr. Senada Halilović Terzić, Assist. Prof. Dr. Boris Trapara.

Discussions highlighted the need for better institutional coordination, the application of modern conservation standards, and stronger involvement of the academic and expert community in planning and decision-making processes related to the future restoration and management of Mostar’s Old Town.

The symposium concluded with a constructive discussion and the adoption of key conclusions intended to serve as a professional foundation for future preservation efforts. It also included a presentation of participants’ scientific and professional papers, along with a photo exhibition documenting the urbicide of the Old Bridge and the Old Town.