Stefan Karadzha Monument

Stefan Karadzha, was a Bulgarian national hero, a revolutionary from the national liberation movement, and a significant leader of revolt against the Ottoman Empire.

He was born in the Rumelia town of Ichme (today Stefan Karadzhovo), near Yambol, and was said to be a descendant of Momchil Voyvoda. Karadzha attended school in Tulcea, Dobruja, but dropped out owing to a lack of funds. He beat the famed Turkish wrestler Gaazi Plisa during a wedding ceremony. After hiding for a while while Ottoman officials hunted him down, he escaped to the Principality of Romania and then joined the First Bulgarian Legion in Belgrade, Principality of Serbia.

Karadzha crossed the Danube many times from Wallachia, carrying out revolutionary actions. He joined the Second Bulgarian Legion in 1867, but left the next year before returning to Romania, where he met Hadzhi Dimitar. On June 6, they both led a group of 129 individuals over the Danube at Vardim, near Svishtov. Their cheta was meant to go to Stara Planina and create a revolutionary government there, commanding a mass revolt of all Bulgarians. But this was not to be, as the gang was apprehended by Turkish authorities immediately after crossing the river. Stefan Karadzha was severely injured during the battle at Kanladere near Vishovgrad and was apprehended by the army and police dispatched by the State Council’s chairman, Midhat Pasha. Following that, on July 12, he was convoyed to Tarnovo, and then to Rousse.

Karadzha was half-dead in front of the emergency Turkish court, presided over by Midhat Pasha, the so-called criminal council, and condemned to death by hanging, but died from his wounds before the execution. Tonka Obretenova buried him and saved his skull.