Mehmed paša Sokolović Bridge

Višegrad

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

FOREWORD

In the framework of the European Commission/Council of Europe Joint Programme on the Integrated Rehabilitation Project Plan /Survey on the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage (IRPP/SAAH), the present Preliminary Technical Assessment (PTA) for the Mehmed Pasha Bridge in Višegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was prepared by the Commission to Preserve National Monuments associates: Mirzah Fočo, architect, associate for ensembles, historical, urban and cultural landscapes, Amra Šarančić, architect, associate for architectural monuments and external associates: Mustafa Humo, civil engineer, Salko Kulukčija, civil engineer, Nermina Mujezinović, architect-conservator,  headed by Mirela Mulalić Handan, Project Coordinator, in the cooperation with the PTA expert group: Leader Dr. John Bold (United Kingdom); Experts: Ms. Emma Carmichael (United Kingdom), Mr. Giorgio Gianighian (Italy), Mr. Andreas Heymowski (Sweden), Mr. David Johnson (United Kingdom), Ms. Clairy Palyvou (Greece), Mr. Pedro Ponce de Leon (Spain), Mr. Alkis Prepis (Greece).

The Preliminary Technical Assessment (PTA) was adopted by the Commission to Preserve National Monuments at the 22nd session held from 30th August to 5th September 2005 by following members:

Amra Hadžimuhamedović, architect, historian of architecture,

Dubravko Lovrenović, historian,

Ljiljana Ševo historian of art,

Zeynep Ahunbay, architect and

Tina Wik, architect

1.INTRODUCTORY PAGE

 

Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge Višegrad

Bosnia and Herzegovina

1.2 Name of organisation compiling the information: 

Commission to Preserve National Monuments

1.3 Contact name:       

Mirela Mulalić Handan

1.4 email address:      

mirela.m.handan@aneks8komisija.com.ba

1.5 Name and address of bulding(s) or site:    

The historical monument - Mehmed paša Sokolović’s 

Bridge in Višegrad

1.6 Inventory reference number(s):     

Decision for designation of national monument No.: 08.2-6-101/03-5;

1.7 Building type(s):    

Vernacular architecture – historical monument – bridge

1.8 Main date(s):         

Date of construction: end of 16th century (Bridge was built between 1571 and 1577)

1.9 Current use(s):       

Currently in a use as pedestrian bridge

2.EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: THE SITE AND ITS MANAGEMENT

The Mehmed-pasa Sokolovic Bridge is a national monument of international value. Built in 1571-77 over the River Drina, on the main route between Bosnia and Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, it was a key point in the development of the town of Visegrad, and the surrounding region.  This is an outstanding example of bridge architecture, founded by the locally-born Mehmed-pasa Sokolovic, later the Grand Vizier to three sultans, and designed by the great court architect Sinan.  The Bosnian novelist Ivo Andric was awarded the Nobel prize for literature in 1961 for his epic novel The Bridge over the Drina, which celebrates its long and dramatic history and the role it has played in the lives of the people.  

The bridge consists of 11 arched openings carried on stone piers.  It has largely retained its original appearance, surviving natural disasters and wars, but it is now in very bad condition, at the risk of structural failure, instability and the erosion of its foundations because of the daily fluctuations in water flow and level caused by the operation of a hydro-electric power plant downstream.

The current proposal is to consolidate, conserve and repair the bridge, preserving its original structure and form.  The Visegrad region is currently economically underdeveloped, and the restoration of the bridge would act as a spur to sustainable development programmes and strategies, potentially bringing back displaced persons and encouraging cultural tourism, as well as saving a monument of international significance. The bridge is government owned and all the responsible authorities are committed to its appropriate conservation and restoration and the further development of the region.

PTA carried by:

Commission to Preserve National Monuments

Local experts:

Mirzah Fočo, Architect, Associate for Ensembles, Historical, Urban and Cultural Landscapes,

Mustafa Humo, Civil Engineer,

Salko Kulukčija, Civil Engineer,

Nermina Mujezinović, Architect-Conservator,  and

Amra Šarančić, Architect, Associate for Architectural Monuments

headed by Mirela Mulalić Handan, Project Coordinator, 

In the cooperation with PTA expert Pedro Ponce de León, Architect