Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Bulgarians pay homage to revolutionary Captain Petko Voyvoda

Monument to Captain Petko Voyvoda in Haskovo
Photo: BTA

On February 7, Bulgaria pay homage to the deed of prominent Bulgarian revolutionary Petko Voivode who fought against the Ottomans in the Rhodopes and Aegean Thrace. The voivode participated at the Russo-Turkish War of 1878 as part of a detachment of rebels. After Bulgaria’s liberation, Petko Voivode received order for bravery from Russian Emperor Alexander ІІ. 

Born in the village of Doganhisar, in Aegean Thrace, Petko Kirkov became a haiduk in his early youth and organized a detachment of Bulgarians, Greeks and even Turks who were rebelling against the Ottoman oppressor. He participated actively in Bulgaria's War of Liberation.

He has remained in Bulgarian history as a brave guardian and protector of the poor and oppressed.

In the autumn of 1864, he was summoned by the Greeks to take part in their struggle against Turkey. Then he left for Macedonia where he participated in the organization of revolutionary activities and then left for Italy. In early 1866, he met with Guiseppe Garibaldi and stayed at his home. Both organized the famous "Garibaldi Battalion" which fought in the Cretan Revolution.

The big patriot and fighter for freedom of all Balkan nations died on February 1, 1900 in Varna

Today, descendants of Bulgarians from the Thrace region from two organizations - the independent Thracian association "Dogan Hisar" and the Georgi Sapunarov Thracian association paid homage to the revolutionary and put wreaths and flowers at his monument in the town of Haskovo.




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Tsar Ferdinand’s remains to be transported to Sofia

On May 29, the remains of Tsar Ferdinand will be transported from the city of Coburg to Sofia by military plane, which will land at the government VIP terminal of Sofia Airport around 2:00 PM. The coffin will be solemnly taken down and placed in a..

published on 5/27/24 8:53 AM

When was the Glagolitic alphabet created?

Is the Slavic alphabet Bulgarian? With the different interpretations of the historical facts taken out of the specific context, more and more often we can read that the brothers Cyril and Methodius from Thessaloniki..

published on 5/24/24 5:15 AM
Photo: The Bulgarian Orthodox municipality

Father Ivan from Rome: Bulgarians welcome the bright holiday of May 24 with immense spiritual joy

The biggest celebration of the Day of the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius, of the Bulgarian alphabet, education and culture and of Slavic literature - May 24, outside the borders of Bulgaria, is traditionally held in Rome. Every year, on the eve of..

published on 5/23/24 8:25 AM