Spomenik Bruce Leeju

This unlikely bronze statue (Spomenik Bruce Leeju) is a rare sign of rapprochement between Mostar's communities. But it is currently being repaired, following an act of vandalism in 2024. It should soon return to its original location in Zrinjevac Park, along the Korzo River, 300 m southwest of Spanish Square. The project was born in 2004. The local Urban Movement association launched the idea of creating a statue that would appeal to the city's youth. A vote was organized among young Bosnian-Serbs, Bosnian-Croats and Bosnians. Several names were put to them: Tito, the Pope, Gandhi... In the end, the Chinese-American Kung Fu King was chosen. Croatian sculptor Ivan Fijolić (b. 1975) unveiled the statue in 2005: a gleaming, almost life-size Bruce Lee. Ready for battle, he holds his nunchaku under his right arm, left hand outstretched. On the base, a single inscription addressed to young people appears: "Bruce Lee, your Mostar". But the nationalists fear that this half-comedian, half-philosopher foreign hero will distract the younger generation from the "values" they fought for during the last war. And the question arises, in all seriousness: which district does the little dragon turn his palm towards: the mosques or the Catholic cathedral? Both sides were offended. The sculpture was vandalized several times. And each time it was renovated. Because the locals are now very attached to it.