Mostar

Mostar
Name	Mostar
Coordinates	43, 20, N, 17...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Bosnia and Herzegovina
Subdivision type1	Entity
Subdivision name1	Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Subdivision type2	Canton
Subdivision name2	Herzegovina-Neretva Canton
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Mario Kordić
Area total km2	1175
Population total	113,169
Population as of	2013 census
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	CET
Utc offset	+1
Timezone DST	CEST
Utc offset DST	+2
Postal code type	Postal code
Postal code	88000
Area code	+387 36
Website	www.mostar.ba

Mostar. It is the largest and most significant city in the Herzegovina region and the administrative center of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton. Situated on the banks of the Neretva River, the city is internationally renowned for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture that symbolizes its long and complex history. Mostar serves as a major cultural and economic hub, reflecting the diverse heritage of Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs.

History

The area's earliest known settlement was a fortified town on the right bank of the Neretva River during the medieval period, evidenced by the remains of towers from the Kingdom of Bosnia. The city's modern name and development are attributed to the Ottoman Empire, which conquered the region in the 15th century; the famed Stari Most was constructed in 1566 under the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. Under Austro-Hungarian rule after the Congress of Berlin, the city saw significant modernization, including new administrative buildings and infrastructure. The 20th century brought profound turmoil, as Mostar was incorporated into the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, suffered heavily during World War II, and became a key industrial center within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The city endured devastating damage during the Bosnian War, particularly during the 1993-1994 siege and the deliberate destruction of the Stari Most by Croatian Defence Council forces, events extensively documented by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. A major post-war reconstruction effort, led by UNESCO and the World Bank, culminated in the bridge's reopening in 2004.

Geography and climate

Mostar is situated in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, within the fertile valley of the Neretva River. The city's topography is characterized by rugged terrain, with the imposing peaks of the Dinaric Alps, such as Mount Velež, rising to the north and south. This geography creates a distinct Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, although cooler, continental influences are felt in the surrounding highlands. The Neretva River itself is a dominant feature, its emerald waters carving through the karst landscape and providing vital irrigation for the region's agriculture.

Demographics

According to the 2013 census, the city of Mostar has a population of over 113,000 inhabitants. The demographic composition is predominantly shared by Bosniaks and Croats, with smaller communities of Serbs and other minorities. This ethnic distribution is a direct legacy of the Bosnian War and the subsequent Dayton Agreement, which solidified territorial divisions within the city. Religious affiliation closely follows ethnic lines, with significant populations adhering to Islam and Roman Catholicism, while the Serb Orthodox Church also maintains a presence. The city's administrative division into six municipalities often reflects these communal boundaries.

Economy

Historically, Mostar was a major industrial center in Yugoslavia, home to large companies like the SOKO aircraft factory and the Aluminij aluminium smelter. The post-war period has seen a difficult transition from heavy industry towards a more service-oriented economy, with significant challenges including high unemployment. Key contemporary economic sectors include trade, tourism centered on the Stari Most and the Old Town, and agriculture in the surrounding Neretva valley, known for vineyards and tobacco. The city hosts important institutions like the University of Mostar and serves as the headquarters for several financial and telecommunications companies operating in Herzegovina.

Culture and landmarks

Mostar is a city of profound cultural significance, where influences from the Ottoman Empire, the Mediterranean, and Central Europe converge. The reconstructed Stari Most and the surrounding Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, form the historic heart, featuring notable structures like the Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque and the Crooked Bridge. The city is famous for its annual traditional diving competition from the bridge, organized by the Mostar Diving Club. Cultural life is vibrant but often divided, with institutions like the Croatian National Theatre and the Mostar Youth Theatre operating alongside numerous festivals, including the Mostar Summer Festival and the Mostar Blues & Rock Festival.

Administration and governance

Mostar's administration is uniquely complex due to provisions of the Dayton Agreement and rulings by the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. For years, the city was governed under a provisional statute, leading to political deadlock, until a new City of Mostar statute was implemented in 2020 following a decision by the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The city is now administratively divided into six municipalities and is part of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina entity, specifically the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton. The current mayor is Mario Kordić, and the city council is composed of representatives from various political parties, including the Croatian Democratic Union, the Party of Democratic Action, and the Social Democratic Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Category:Cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina Category:Populated places in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton