8 December 2025 – Bravadžiluk No. 17, Sarajevo
The Institute for the Protection of Monuments within the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports was contacted by the Department for Urban Planning, Spatial Planning, and Environmental Protection of the Municipality of Stari Grad Sarajevo with a request for approval to relocate the existing awning to a position beneath the roof eaves, visually separating the ground floor and attic of the building at Bravadžiluk No. 17. Upon reviewing the submitted documentation and conducting an on-site inspection, it was determined that the building is part of the national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina titled Historic Urban Landscape of Sarajevo (“Official Gazette of BiH,” Nos. 1/21 and 10/21), to which protection measures apply as defined by the Law on the Implementation of Decisions of the Commission to Preserve National Monuments established under Annex 8 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (“Official Gazette of the Federation of BiH,” Nos. 2/02, 8/02, 27/02, 6/04, and 51/07). After reviewing the documentation and the site, the Institute is of the opinion that relocation of the awning to the desired position beneath the upper eaves of the building may be approved, in accordance with the urban-technical conditions of the Municipality. The Institute does not agree with the removal of the existing small canopy above the ground floor of the building as presented in the project documentation.
9 December 2025 – Old Town Maglaj, Inspection
Unnamed employees of the Municipality of Maglaj contacted the Institute with information and documentation that works are being carried out within the national monument Old Town Maglaj without the necessary approvals from the Institute, requesting that the Institute, within its jurisdiction, undertake all legally prescribed measures to determine the situation and possibly prevent further devastation of the national monument.
9 December 2025 – Maršala Tita Street – Terrace – Mostar
The Institute for the Protection of Monuments at the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports was contacted by the “Old Town” Agency Mostar with a request for expert opinion on a project for the repair of a terrace–walkable flat roof in Maršala Tita Street, Mostar, prepared by the authorized design company “ARHI-PLUS” d.o.o. Mostar. The Historic Urban Landscape of Mostar was proclaimed a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina (“Official Gazette of BiH,” No. 66/19). National monuments are subject to protection measures defined by the Law on the Implementation of Decisions of the Commission to Preserve National Monuments established under Annex 8 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (“Official Gazette of the Federation of BiH,” Nos. 2/02, 27/02, 6/04, and 51/07). The complex in question belongs to the area of the national monument, Article 1, Paragraph 3 of the above decision. Review of the submitted documentation determined that the planned works may be treated as maintenance works that will not endanger the national monument but are necessary for the proper and safe functioning of the building and for preventing greater damage and threats to the national monument. The planned works involve repairing the flat walkable roof of the building, which is used as a hospitality facility. The reason for intervention is the weakening of the existing reinforced concrete slab and waterproofing, which could cause greater damage to the entire building and significantly endanger the national monument. The Institute has not issued consent for the appearance and use of the terrace itself. The Institute is of the opinion that consent may be given for the works specified in the above-mentioned project, as explained in the technical description and bill of quantities, in order to prevent possible greater damage. Any deviation from the works foreseen by the project will be sanctioned according to applicable legal regulations. The works must be organized and carried out in accordance with applicable legal regulations on works at national monuments. The investor is obliged to inform the Institute of the exact start date of the works so that the Institute can carry out timely professional supervision as its legal obligation.
9 December 2025 – Emina Berberović, Tešanj
The Institute for the Protection of Monuments was contacted by the Department for Cadastre, Urban Planning, and Property-Legal Affairs of the Municipality of Tešanj with a request for expert opinion in the process of issuing urban planning consent for the construction of a residential building on cadastral plot No. 1057, Cadastral Municipality Tešanj I, at the request of Emina (Mustafa) Berberović from Tešanj. By decision of the Commission to Preserve National Monuments No. 06-893/03-2 of 2 July 2003, the urban ensemble Old Town Tešanj in Tešanj was proclaimed a national monument, encompassing cadastral plots 901, 902, 896/2, and 897, Cadastral Municipality Tešanj I, and subject to protection measures defined by the Law on the Implementation of Decisions of the Commission to Preserve National Monuments established under Annex 8 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Review of the Commission’s decision and subsequent acts determined that no contact zone has yet been defined for the protected national monument Old Town Tešanj, nor have specific measures been established for that area. The cadastral plot in question falls within the scope of the project for revision of the plan for revitalization and regeneration of the old bazaar, an integral part of Old Town Tešanj from 1987, and the expansion of the boundary of the old historic core from 2002 (“Official Gazette of the Municipality of Tešanj,” Nos. 2/04 and 4/20) – Protected Zone “A.” The Zenica-Doboj Canton, to which the Municipality of Tešanj belongs, does not have a cantonal institute for the protection of monuments or any other administrative unit responsible for work on national monuments in the canton. Considering the described circumstances, and after visiting the location and reviewing the submitted documentation, the Institute provides the following opinion:
At the given location, new construction is possible, provided that its appearance and dimensions do not endanger the Old Town of Tešanj as a national monument, nor disturb the ambient image of the old Tešanj bazaar.
The Institute is of the opinion that the construction coefficient for the parcel in question is unacceptable and must be corrected to a maximum of 0.5.
The height of the building must be reduced by one floor.
The architectural expression is correct and acceptable with minimal modifications (the dormers on the roof must be replaced with roof windows).
The corrected conceptual design must be submitted to the Institute for review, along with the urban-technical conditions defined by the Municipal Department of Tešanj.
9 December 2025 – Old Town Agency, Mostar
The Institute for the Protection of Monuments within the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports was contacted by the “Old Town” Agency Mostar with a request for expert opinion and approval for the removal of a hackberry tree (Celtis australis) that has grown into the walls of the Agency’s building on the western side. The Historic Urban Landscape of Mostar was proclaimed a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina (“Official Gazette of BiH,” No. 66/19). National monuments are subject to protection measures defined by the Law on the Implementation of Decisions of the Commission to Preserve National Monuments established under Annex 8 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (“Official Gazette of the Federation of BiH,” Nos. 2/02, 27/02, 6/04, and 51/07). The complex in question belongs to the area of the national monument, Article 1, Paragraph 3 of the above decision.
On the western façade of the “Old Town” Agency building in Mostar, a hackberry tree (Celtis australis) has been recorded, whose root system and trunk have grown into the wall structures of the building. Since the building is located within the protected area of the national monument Historic Urban Landscape of Mostar, any intervention requires professional, conservation, and structural consideration. The Institute is of the opinion that urgent removal of the hackberry tree is necessary to prevent further, more serious damage.
The hackberry is a long-lived Mediterranean tree that can grow up to 20–25 m in height and develop an extremely strong and penetrating root system. It grows moderately fast in its youth (20–40 cm annually), and over decades creates compact and aggressive roots that penetrate between stone joints and foundations in search of moisture.
Because of its adaptability to dry and rocky terrain, the hackberry’s roots spread horizontally and vertically, causing:
- separation of stones within the wall,
- widening of cracks and deformation of mortar,
- retention of moisture against the wall, accelerating erosion and decay of plaster,
- additional dynamic load on the wall under wind action.
Documented cases show that hackberry trees growing in or near masonry structures have caused displacement of stone blocks, local collapses, and façade delamination.
In this case, given the size and age of the tree, it is very likely that the roots have already penetrated deeply into the wall structure and partially compromised its static cohesion.
- The trunk acts as a vertical lever transmitting dynamic loads (wind, vibrations) in Mostar’s particularly windy climate.
- Moisture and biological activity contribute to the decay of mortar and stone structure.
- Root rot over time creates cavities and loss of support.
If the tree is not removed, progressive deterioration of stability and possible local collapse of part of the façade may occur in the coming years.
To prevent secondary moisture penetration and preserve wall stability, the following sequence of interventions is possible:
- Gradual removal of the tree
- Remove the crown and trunk in phases, treat the roots chemically (herbicidal solution, lime) before physical extraction, to prevent sudden changes in moisture.
- Sealing of root channels
- After root removal, fill voids in the wall and soil with lime-sand mortar or clay buffer, permeable but preventing surface water infiltration.
- Establishment of a drainage belt
- Form a shallow drainage layer (gravel, perforated pipe) along the wall foundation to divert rainwater away from the façade.
- Wall repair and protective layer.
10 December 2025 – Biščevića Corner, Mostar
The Institute for the Protection of Monuments within the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports was contacted by Adnan Hasanagić from Mostar with a request for expert opinion on a project of routine maintenance of the General Consulate of the Republic of Turkey at Mala Tepa Street No. 24 in Mostar, prepared by the authorized design company “ARHI-PLUS” d.o.o. Mostar. The residential architectural ensemble Biščevića-Lakišića in Mostar was proclaimed a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Commission Decision No. 09-2-92/04-1 of 4 May 2004). National monuments are subject to protection measures defined by the Law on the Implementation of Decisions of the Commission to Preserve National Monuments established under Annex 8 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The complex in question belongs to the area of the national monument, Article 1, Paragraph 3 of the above decision.
Review of the submitted documentation determined that all planned works are exclusively maintenance works that will not endanger the national monument but are necessary for the proper and safe functioning of the building.
Planned works include:
- Repair of the roof covering made of broken stone slabs,
- Repair of any damaged roof structure,
- Production and installation of external joinery modeled on the existing,
- Production and installation of the entrance gate,
- Repair of the courtyard with cobblestone paving modeled on the existing,
- Production of wooden floors,
- Production of šišets (traditional wooden elements) modeled on the existing,
- Repair of walls and re-plastering.
The technology and materials specified in the bill of quantities are consistent with best practices for works on national monuments. The Institute is of the opinion that consent may be given for the works specified in the above project, as explained in the technical description and bill of quantities. Any deviation from the works foreseen by the project will be sanctioned according to applicable legal regulations. The investor is obliged to inform the Institute of the exact start date of the works so that the Institute can carry out timely professional supervision as its legal obligation.
10 December 2025 – Čurćiluk Veliki 24, Sarajevo
The Institute for the Protection of Monuments within the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports was contacted by the Department for Urban Planning, Spatial Planning, and Environmental Protection of the Municipality of Stari Grad Sarajevo with a request for approval to install an awning in four segments above four entrance portals of a business space located at Čurćiluk Veliki No. 24. Review of the submitted documentation and on-site inspection determined that the building belongs to the national monument of BiH titled Historic Urban Landscape of Sarajevo (“Official Gazette of BiH,” Nos. 1/21 and 10/21), to which protection measures apply as defined by law. The Institute is of the opinion that installation of the awning in four segments above the portals at Čurćiluk Veliki No. 24 may be approved, in accordance with the urban-technical conditions defined by the Municipality of Stari Grad Sarajevo. This expert opinion relates to the aspect of cultural-historical heritage and is valid until the expiration of the deadline set by the Municipality or until the adoption of the Regulation with guidelines for advertising in the Historic Urban Landscape of Sarajevo. The investor is obliged to settle all contractual obligations with the competent department of the Municipality of Stari Grad Sarajevo.
10 December 2025 – Oneščukova No. 24, Mostar
The Institute for the Protection of Monuments received a request for approval to install an illuminated sign for the Mado branch office No. 8, located at Oneščukova No. 24 in Mostar. The Historic Urban Landscape of Mostar was proclaimed a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina (“Official Gazette of BiH,” No. 66/19). National monuments are subject to protection measures defined by law. The building in question belongs to the area of the national monument, Article 1, Paragraph 3 of the above decision. Review of the submitted documentation and inspection of the proposed position and dimensions of the illuminated sign (110×110 cm, with the inscription “MADO”) led the Institute to conclude that approval cannot be granted for installation of the sign in the proposed form and size, as its appearance and position would compromise the spatial and visual integrity of the national monument.