Mostar Bids Farewell to Legendary Old Bridge Diver Emir Balić

Mostar recently held the funeral for legendary Old Bridge diver Emir Balić, who passed away at 92. His funeral (dženaza) at Sutina cemetery was led by Mufti Salem ef. Dedović. A commemoration also honored Balić at the National Theatre Mostar.

Balić was a symbol of Mostar's courage and spirit, not just a diver. He made his first jump from the Old Bridge at 16 and his last at 63, completing over a thousand dives. Remarkably, he even jumped from a platform over the destroyed bridge in 1996. Despite facing significant personal hardships, he maintained his humanity throughout his life.