Jumping off Mostar Bridge - Bosnia.
The Mostar Bridge was a very famous and historical bridge before its destruction in 1993 during the war in Bosnia and Hercegovina (part of the former Yugoslavia). The elegant bridge spans the River Neretva and was designed by the Ottoman (Turkish) architect Mimar Hayruddin. It was completed in 1566 after nine years of building and the surrounding town became a thriving trading centre. The bridge is 29 metres in length and stands at a height of 20 metres, a classic example of a single span, stone arch bridge.It was an example of advanced technology in its time. It became a World Heritage site during the twentieth century. After the war it was re-built exactly as before from the original white limestone and was re-opened by the Prince of Wales in 2003. The person jumping off is NOT committing suicide! During the summer months young men jump off the bridge for the tourists. They collect money from the crowd and, when they think they have collected enough, they jump off the bridge into the river Neretva below. When I was there painting this picture there was a jump about every half hour. No-one got hurt. They surfaced, swam to the side and sometimes went back up to the top of the bridge to do it again. Apparently it takes a great deal of training to be able to do this jump.
About the Artist
Margaret Ellis
A professional artist and art tutor. Also a Prifessional Associate and demonstrator for the SAA. Lives in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, on the edge of the Peak District National Park.
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