Nation Builders

Author says: what if Western Governments celebrated Islamic History, Art and Culture? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s). This article is dedicated to the pursuit of peace between Christian and Muslim brothers and sisters.

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icon to follow us on Facebook.on this day a new era of multi-faith brotherhood was ushered in by Prime Minister Mr Recep Tayip Ergogan who symbolically re-opened the Stari Most (Old Bridge) at Mostar (pictured), a project funded by his Government of Turkey in order to sponsor nation-building in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The Ragusan Bridge over the River Neretva was torn down by the invading Turks in 1467. A new construction was built in 1566 by an Ottoman Engineer called Hayreddin who was at that time architect-in-chief to Suleiman the Magnificent. The result was admired by everybody for its beauty and technical perfection, surviving many wars for centuries.

Christians and Muslims could freely move between the markets and mosques of the city. "Yes, it is our bridge too". ~ Croatian Vice-MayorAt least until the madness of 1992/3. Because after two days of shelling, on 9 November 1993 an artillery unit from the Croatian side of the city finally brought down the old bridge. Croatian vice-mayor of the city Mr Tomic admitted "For a long time afterwards, the Croats said - it was their [the Muslims] bridge, so what do we care? Now they are beginning to realise. Yes, it is our bridge too.".

Ten years later the Croats agreed with the Muslims, it was time to rebuild the bridge. The Turkish President Mr Ahmet Necdet Sezer flew into Mostar to promise Turkish money, a generous offer that was warmly received in the open-handed manner in which it was given. As the great man once said, something was missing in this harsh world, and that was love...

Author says in Empire Lite (2003), Michael Ignatieff writes ~ The Turkish President said it was a symbol of the Ottoman, Muslin and Turkish influence in Europe. He did not need to add that the Turkish Government is campaigning for entry to the European Union. The Germans especially don't want Turkey in the European club, since it would mean even more Turkish immigration. So the Europeans decided that they would pay for the bridge. There is some irony in the fact that Europeans want both to keep the Turks out and to rebuild the bridge as a symbol of its multicultural and Muslim heritage.
News report - MOSTAR, July 23 (ONASA) - Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayip Erdogan, who was to arrive to Mostar on Friday for the opening ceremony of the Old Bridge in Mostar, has canceled his arrival after 36 people perished in one of the country's worst railway disasters, the Turkish Embassy to BiH said in a statement.One of the new fast trains, linking Istanbul to Ankara, derailed Thursday evening near the northwestern town of Pamukova, its five carriages overturning and crashing into each other.
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Imagine what would be, if history had occurred a bit differently. Who says it didn't, somewhere? These fictional news items explore that possibility. Possibilities such as America becoming a Marxist superpower, aliens influencing human history in the 18th century and Teddy Roosevelt winning his 3rd term as president abound in this interesting fictional blog.