Documenting systemic and intentional destruction of cultural heritage during the Croatian War of Independence (1991~1995) | Dokumentiranje sustavnog i namjernog uništavanja kulturne baštine tijekom Domovinskog rata (1991.~1995.)
The Croatian War of Independence (1991~1995) witnessed a deliberate and systemic destruction of cultural heritage sites, reflecting a strategy aimed at erasing cultural identities, instilling fear, and disrupting communities. Throughout the conflict, historic buildings, religious sites, and cultural symbols were intentionally targeted, resulting in significant losses to Croatia's rich cultural heritage.
Numerous historical towns and cities suffered extensive damage. Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, endured a prolonged siege and bombardment, resulting in the destruction of its centuries-old architecture, including churches, monasteries, and historic walls. The devastation of Dubrovnik served as a symbol of the intentional destruction of cultural heritage.
Religious sites also faced deliberate attacks. Churches, mosques, and synagogues were targeted, with many being damaged or completely destroyed. These acts not only caused irreparable loss to Croatia's religious diversity but also devastated communities that held these sites as integral parts of their identity.
The targeting of cultural heritage sites was not accidental; it was a deliberate strategy aimed at erasing the memory and cultural roots of the affected communities. By destroying tangible symbols of cultural heritage, the perpetrators sought to sow fear, disrupt social cohesion, and undermine the identity and unity of the targeted populations.
The deliberate destruction of cultural heritage during the Croatian War of Independence is widely condemned as a violation of international humanitarian law and cultural preservation. It demonstrates the importance of protecting cultural heritage during times of conflict and emphasizes the need for accountability for those responsible for such acts.
Efforts to preserve and restore cultural heritage sites damaged during the war have been undertaken since the conflict ended. Restoration projects and initiatives aim to reconstruct and rehabilitate damaged sites, ensuring their preservation for future generations and reclaiming their significance as symbols of cultural identity.
The intentional destruction of cultural heritage during the Croatian War of Independence serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding and valuing cultural diversity. It underscores the need for international solidarity in condemning such acts and reinforces the necessity of protecting cultural heritage as an essential part of our shared human legacy.
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE CHURCH OF ST. BARBARA
Brest Pokupski, September 26, 1991.
“On top of the hill, at the Brest Pokupsko cemetery, sits an old wooden church of significant cultural meaning – the wooden church of St. Barbara. It’s been hit from above, in front, and to the side. A wooden altar and valuable paintings still stand amongst the ruin. Luscious, green grass with a beautiful garden containing a multitude of coloured flowers surround the church. The scent is strong. Despite the war, or maybe, because of it. The scent transcends.”
Photograph and quote from the monograph “1991” by Zoran Filipović Zoro.
THE SIEGE OF DUBROVNIK, 1991
More than 13,000 members of the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA), with the help of Serbian and Montenegrin reservists, attacked the south of Croatia from land, sea and air. In the first week of October alone, 27 Dubrovnik defenders and civilians were killed and 100 wounded. Among the forces that attacked Dubrovnik were members of the Užice, Podgorica and Mostar Corps and the 9th Military and Naval Sector Bok, with significant support from the air force, more than 120 heavy artillery weapons, around 100 tanks and 50 armored personnel carriers.
Photograph: Bozidar Gjukic. Source: Homeland War Museum Dubrovnik (MDRD)
BOOKS OF ASH
Vinkovci, September 1991
“… there was a library across the street from the Craftmen’s House. Now it is a graveyard of burnt books. Metal shelves – rows, almost melted from the heat. On them remained neatly stacked ashes that retained the form of the books from which they were created. Books of Ash. When you touch them, they collapse into a shapeless mass. Like in some fairy tale about enchanted places, where the evil witch has spilled her spells.”
Photograph and quote from the monograph “1991” by Zoran Filipović Zoro.
https://www.glas-slavonije.hr/526899/5/Vinkovci-ce-dobiti-novu-zgradu-Gradske-knjiznice