Bosnia and Hercegovina are one of the six republics that make up Yugoslavia. There are large cities such as Tuzla, Sarajevo, and Mostar. Mostar is the capital of Hercegovina. The Dinaric Alps and some rivers such as Bosna, Drina, Una, and Neretva cover a big part of Hercegovina. The Neretva River flows south into the Adriatic Ocean. This river passes through the Mostar-- the oldest city in Hercegovina. It is a beautiful tourist city made of stone. In the middle of the Mostar on Neretva River is a beautiful big bridge. The name of this bridge is “Stari Most” (see picture to the right). This bridge probably got its name from the name of the city. Stari Most is a famous bridge in  Bosnia and Hercegovina. It was the first wooden bridge suspended on chains on the left bank of the Neretva River. Most of the time the bridge is full of visitors. A lot of people come to feel the Mediterranean fresh air. Most memorably, it served as a point from which the city youths dove into the green water below and thus showed their courage by getting  few coins thrown by the the lookers and picture takers. Many authors wrote novels about the old bridge on Neretva River. Many singers sing songs about “Stari Most. Many artist draw pictures of "Stari Most.” Stari Most was a beautiful bridge until November 1993. But because of the war, it was destroyed (see picture to the left).  It withstood many centuries. This city is trying hard to recover and find a new identity. Today, the immediate task is to repair the infrastructure, create jobs, bring people home, and create their common future. The only solution for Mostar today is life.