Events on February 14 in history

World War II: Mostar is liberated by Yugoslav partisans

Mostar: A City Forged by Bridges and History

Mostar, a captivating city nestled on the banks of the emerald Neretva River, serves as the vibrant administrative center of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton within the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, one of the two primary entities comprising the nation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As the fifth-largest city in the country, Mostar holds significant cultural and historical importance, drawing visitors from across the globe to experience its unique blend of Ottoman-era charm and resilient spirit.

The Etymology of Mostar: Guardians of the Bridge

The very name "Mostar" is deeply rooted in the city's historical function and its most iconic landmark. It derives from the term "mostari," referring to the diligent bridge keepers who, during medieval times, stood guard over the Stari Most, or Old Bridge, which spanned the crucial Neretva River. These "mostari" played a vital role in regulating passage, collecting tolls, and ensuring the safety of this strategic crossing, highlighting the bridge's central importance to the burgeoning settlement that would become Mostar.

Stari Most: A UNESCO World Heritage Icon of Connection and Resilience

At the heart of Mostar's identity lies the magnificent Stari Most, an architectural masterpiece that is not only Bosnia and Herzegovina's most visited landmark but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This elegant single-arch bridge was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent and built by the Ottoman architect Mimar Hayruddin, a student of the renowned Sinan, in 1566. For over four centuries, it stood as a testament to Ottoman engineering and artistic prowess, connecting the two banks of the Neretva and symbolically bridging diverse cultures.

Considered an exemplary piece of Islamic architecture in the Balkans, the Stari Most captivated observers with its graceful curve and sophisticated design. Its enduring legacy, however, was tragically interrupted during the Bosnian War. In November 1993, the bridge was destroyed, becoming a poignant symbol of the conflict's devastating impact on cultural heritage. Yet, from its ashes, the bridge was meticulously reconstructed using traditional methods and materials, reopening in 2004. Today, the rebuilt Stari Most stands as a powerful symbol of reconciliation, coexistence, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit, continuing its role as a vital link and a breathtaking spectacle. It is also famous for its traditional annual diving competition, where local divers, known as "Klokani," leap from its apex into the icy waters of the Neretva, a centuries-old tradition that further enriches the bridge's cultural narrative.

Where is Mostar located?

Mostar is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, specifically on the Neretva River. It serves as the administrative center of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton within the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

What is the significance of the Stari Most (Old Bridge)?

The Stari Most is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a renowned 16th-century Ottoman bridge that is considered an exemplary piece of Islamic architecture in the Balkans. It symbolizes connection and reconciliation, particularly after its destruction in 1993 and subsequent meticulous reconstruction. It is also famous for its traditional annual diving competition.

How did Mostar get its name?

The city's name, Mostar, originates from the "mostari," or bridge keepers, who in medieval times guarded the Stari Most over the Neretva River, highlighting the bridge's historical importance to the settlement.

The Yugoslav Partisans: Europe's Most Effective Anti-Axis Resistance

The Yugoslav Partisans, officially known as the National Liberation Army and Partisan Detachments of Yugoslavia, emerged as a formidable communist-led anti-fascist resistance movement against the Axis powers, primarily Nazi Germany, in occupied Yugoslavia during World War II. Under the exceptional leadership of Josip Broz Tito, they are widely recognized as Europe's most effective anti-Axis resistance force throughout the entire conflict.

Leadership and Genesis of the Movement

The Partisan movement was initiated by Josip Broz Tito following the brutal Axis invasion and subsequent fragmentation of Yugoslavia in April 1941. Witnessing the rapid collapse of the royal Yugoslav army and the imposition of a harsh occupation regime, Tito and the Communist Party of Yugoslavia took the initiative to organize armed resistance. Their active guerrilla campaign against the occupying forces intensified significantly after Germany launched its invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, inspiring a broader uprising across Yugoslav territories.

From Guerrilla Warfare to a Formidable Army

Initially operating as a decentralized guerrilla force, the Partisans rapidly evolved into a large, highly organized, and disciplined fighting machine capable of engaging in conventional warfare. Their ranks swelled with volunteers from all ethnic groups across Yugoslavia, drawn by the promise of national liberation and a federal, multi-ethnic socialist state. By late 1944, the Partisans numbered an astonishing 650,000 fighters, organized into four formidable field armies and 52 divisions, demonstrating an unparalleled scale and sophistication for a resistance movement.

Core Objectives and Ideology

The Partisans articulated clear and compelling objectives that resonated with a broad spectrum of the Yugoslav population. Their primary goals were twofold: the complete liberation of Yugoslav lands from the Axis occupiers and their local collaborators, and the establishment of a new, federal, and multi-ethnic socialist state in Yugoslavia. This inclusive, multi-ethnic vision was crucial, setting them apart from other resistance groups like the Chetniks, who predominantly pursued a Greater Serbian nationalist agenda.

Key Milestones and Allied Recognition

The Partisan struggle was marked by numerous pivotal moments. A large-scale uprising launched in July 1941, initially joined by Draža Mihailović's royalist Chetniks, led to the creation of the short-lived Republic of Užice – an early, liberated territory that briefly demonstrated the Partisans' capacity for self-governance. The Axis powers responded with a series of massive offensives, including the devastating Battles of Neretva (Operation Weiss) and Sutjeska (Operation Schwarz) in 1943. Despite heavy losses, the highly mobile Partisans and their leadership, particularly Tito, repeatedly evaded complete destruction, showcasing their remarkable resilience and tactical brilliance.

A critical turning point occurred by late 1943 when the Western Allies, including Great Britain and the United States, shifted their support from Mihailović's Chetniks to Tito's Partisans. This change was prompted by irrefutable evidence of widespread Chetnik collaboration with the Axis powers and the Partisans' unwavering commitment to fighting the occupiers. This shift in allegiance was solidified at the Tehran Conference in November 1943, where the Partisans received official recognition from the Allied powers, granting them significant international legitimacy and crucial material aid. In autumn 1944, the Partisans, in a crucial joint operation with the Soviet Red Army, liberated the capital city of Belgrade following the decisive Belgrade Offensive, marking a significant step towards the complete liberation of Yugoslavia.

The War's End and Post-War Transformation

By the conclusion of World War II, the Yugoslav Partisans had achieved their ambitious goals. They gained control over the entire territory of Yugoslavia, and even extended their influence into regions like Trieste and Carinthia. Their military and political triumph paved the way for the establishment of the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia. Following the war, the Partisans were formally reorganized into the regular armed forces of this newly established socialist state, cementing their legacy as not just a resistance movement, but the architects of modern Yugoslavia.

Who were the Yugoslav Partisans?

The Yugoslav Partisans, officially the National Liberation Army and Partisan Detachments of Yugoslavia, were the communist-led anti-fascist resistance movement in occupied Yugoslavia during World War II. Led by Josip Broz Tito, they are widely considered Europe's most effective anti-Axis resistance force.

What were the main goals of the Partisans?

Their primary objectives were the liberation of Yugoslav territories from Axis occupation and the establishment of a federal, multi-ethnic socialist state in Yugoslavia.

How did the Partisans gain Allied support?

The Allies initially supported the royalist Chetniks but shifted their allegiance to Tito's Partisans by late 1943 due to mounting evidence of Chetnik collaboration with Axis forces and the Partisans' demonstrated effectiveness and commitment to fighting the occupiers. This crucial recognition was formalized at the Tehran Conference.