Dissertation

The New Issues of Architectural Reconstruction in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Study of the Reconstruction of Bridges from the Ottoman Era

Toshikj, Maja

2023

Overview

The study of architectural reconstruction and cultural heritage approaches in the former Yugoslavia encompasses multiple dimensions. This research is founded on an exploration of socio-political and professional complexities linked to preserving the region's architectural heritage. One aspect examines the rapid implementation of extensive infrastructural and social projects during the existence of the SFRY. These projects were pivotal for local and regional economic growth and aligned with the nation's post-World War II industrial development. Simultaneously, the study delves into the cultural and social aftermath of armed conflicts, shedding light on how conflicts influenced perceptions of heritage value and subsequently impacted heritage management in the past two decades of the 21st century. The author grounds this research in the socio-political and professional intricacies linked to the conservation of the region's architectural heritage. Furthermore, this analysis extends to understanding their implications on practice, revealing challenges tied to maintaining the authenticity and integrity of architectural reconstruction. The study also explores the educational aspects presented by these reconstructed monuments, encompassing their didactic value and the insights they provide into the broader context of cultural heritage. The ongoing relevance of these events underscores the universal nature of the theme. Monuments, existing through different epochs, have been subject to various political ideologies that shaped their destiny. Often, they lacked protective legal measures and were overshadowed by unheard professionals. These structures endure within an altered political, economic, and social landscape that followed their establishment and subsequent destruction. The modifications they've undergone and the perceptions of later generations towards these entities add a significant layer to the history of monumental preservation during their respective eras. Different approaches to cultural heritage, whether stemming from the distinct legacies of the former common state or from the distinct identities of nation-states, are also mirrored in their legislative frameworks. During this period, the legal framework underwent two transformations, guided by varying political ideologies. Following the dissolution of the SFRY, the protection of historical monuments underwent divergent paths in individual states. This temporal and spatial boundary, under examination for over half a century, continues to raise numerous inquiries. Moreover, this analysis delves into deciphering the legal implications for practice, unveiling the challenges entailed in preserving the authenticity and integrity of architectural reconstruction. The study also explores the educational facets of these reconstructed monuments, investigating their didactic value and the insights they offer within the broader context of cultural heritage. The former Yugoslavia featured a rich mix of ethnicities and cultures, creating a captivating and diverse landscape in terms of monument conservation history. While a thesis offers the chance to explore a wide-ranging topic across a broad array of materials, its scope demands clear boundaries. Therefore, this analysis delves into the theoretical and legal foundations of monument protection in the SFRY, and how they influence practical implementation, with a specific focus on Ottoman-era bridges within the region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. These bridges stand as enduring monumental structures shaped by a variety of influences. However, a comprehensive examination of monumental interventions requires a broader exploration of specific aspects. The thesis is intentionally framed with precision to allow for thorough investigation and expansion of each topic, encouraging further study, particularly in relation to challenges in architectural reconstruction.

• Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
• Subject: Architects / Architecture / Conservation / Cultural heritage / Cultural Resources Management / Dams / Designers / East European Studies / European history / Historic buildings & sites / Historic preservation / Masonry / Memorials & monuments / Modernism / Modernization / National identity / Politics / Postmodernism / Postwar reconstruction / Tourism
• ISBN: 9798382586038