UNESCO remembers Amir Pašić

UNESCO expresses its deep regret at the passing of Amir Pašić.

Amir Pašić was an international scholar and professor of architecture, and the former Head of the Architectural Department of the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) in Istanbul, Turkey.

"I would like to pay tribute to the memory of Amir Pašić and the incredible contribution he made to restoration and conservation of cultural heritage. His interdisciplinary expertise and dedication to cultural heritage was significant, especially towards the restoration of the Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)," said Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of UNESCO World Heritage.

During the armed conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s, much of the Historic Town of Mostar and Old Bridge (Stari Most) were destroyed. With the support of Amir Pašić and an international scientific committee set up by UNESCO, the Old Bridge was rebuilt, many buildings in the Old Town were restored. The area was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List after reconstruction in 2005.

Amir Pašić shared his experience, gained from the reconstruction of the Mostar Bridge, to guide other UNESCO World Heritage post-conflict reconstruction efforts, particularly in the Ancient City of Aleppo (Syrian Arab Republic). In June 2015, he formed part of a group of multidisciplinary international experts who provided the foundation for an elaborated approach to post-conflict reconstruction in the Middle East.

UNESCO acknowledges Amir Pašić for his unwavering commitment to the safeguarding of cultural heritage, which not only benefitted his local community, but also scholars and practitioners from all regions of the world who learned from his extensive knowledge of urban planning and architectural heritage.

UNESCO extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Amir Pašić and will remember his wisdom and leadership with immense gratitude.